| KiHa 183 series | |
|---|---|
 KiHa 183-900 series Okhotsk service in 1990 | |
| In service | 1980–present |
| Manufacturer | |
| Replaced | KiHa 80 series |
| Constructed | 1979–1992 |
| Entered service | 10 February 1980 |
| Number preserved | 2 |
| Successor | KiHa 261 series, KiHa 283 series |
| Operators |
|
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 21,300 mm (69 ft 11 in) |
| Width | 2,903 mm (9 ft 6 in) |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) |
| Prime mover(s) | DMF15HSA・DML30HSI |
| Engine type | Diesel |
| Track gauge |
|
The KiHa 183 series (キハ183系) is a diesel multiple unit that has been operated on express services since 1980 under Japan National Railways and later under JR Hokkaido and JR Kyushu. Some variants were eventually built, including resort trains (the KiHa 183-5000 Niseko Express, the KiHa 183-5100 Crystal Express Tomamu & Sahoro, and the KiHa 183-5200 North Rainbow Express).
Whilst most sets were refurbished and remain in service, some cars were also withdrawn from service – of those, three cars (two KiHa 183-200 cars and one KiHa 183-5000 Niseko Express car) had their restoration crowdfunded and are stored in locations around Hokkaido, 17 cars were donated to the State Railway of Thailand, and the rest were scrapped. A further 19 cars were donated to Myanmar Railways for use on the Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw route and services using these cars ran from 2009 until 2012, when they were withdrawn.
The sets remaining in service on Hokkaido are to be withdrawn ahead of JR Hokkaido's 18 March 2023 timetable revision.