&sq=&lang=&file=File:ED79_4_Hamanasu_20130622.jpg) A Hamanasu service in June 2013 headed by a Class ED79 electric locomotive | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Express |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Locale | Japan |
| First service |
|
| Last service | March 2016 |
| Former operator(s) |
|
| Route | |
| Termini | Aomori Sapporo |
| Distance travelled | Approx. 480 km |
| Average journey time | Approx. 7 hours 30 minutes |
| Service frequency | 1 return service daily |
| On-board services | |
| Seating arrangements | 2+2 reclining seating |
| Sleeping arrangements | Compartments/carpeted floor accommodation |
| Catering facilities | None |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | 14/24 series coaches |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | 20 kV AC / diesel |
| Operating speed | 110 km/h (70 mph)[1] |
The Hamanasu (はまなす) was an overnight express train service in Japan operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido), which ran from Aomori to Sapporo via the Tsugaru Line, Kaikyō Line, Esashi Line, Hakodate Main Line, Muroran Main Line, and Chitose Line.[1] The journey took approximately seven and a half hours.[2] Following the withdrawal of the Ginga overnight express service between Tokyo and Osaka in 2008, the Hamanasu became the only locomotive-hauled express service in Japan. The service was discontinued in March 2016 and some cars were donated to the State Railway of Thailand and refurbished as excursion train named Royal Blossom.
- ^ a b JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbun. 2008. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
- ^ "JR Timetable" October 2009 issue