Okhotsk (train)

Okhotsk

KiHa 183 series DMU forming an Okhotsk service, January 2009
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Locale	Hokkaido, Japan
First service	22 September 1959
Current operator(s)	JR Hokkaido
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Start	Sapporo
End	Abashiri
Service frequency	4 return workings daily
Line used	Hakodate Main Line, Soya Main Line, Sekihoku Main Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Green + Standard
Technical
	KiHa 183 series DMU
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Operating speed	110 km/h (70 mph)
Route map

Route map

The Okhotsk (オホーツク, Ohōtsuku^?) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido), which runs between Sapporo and Abashiri. As of March 2012, there are four services per day running in both directions, with the journey time taking approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. Trains operate at a maximum speed of 110 km/h. It is named after the Sea of Okhotsk.

Okhotsk services are normally formed of 4-car KiHa 183 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains as shown below, with car 1 at the Sapporo and Abashiri end (train reverses at Engaru Station).

All cars are no-smoking.

Preserved KiHa 22 DMU car, May 2005

KiHa 80 series DMU on an Okhotsk service, 1986

KiHa 183 series DMU in JNR livery, August 1985

KiHa 183 series 6-car DMU in revised livery, 1990

KiHa 183 series 6-car DMU in revised livery, 1990

KiHa 183 series 6-car DMU in revised livery, 1990

The Okhotsk service was first introduced by Japanese National Railways from the start of the revised timetable on 22 September 1959, as a semi-express service operating between Asahikawa and Abashiri, using KiHa 22 2-car DMUs, with five return workings daily. From July 1960, services were extended to Sapporo, and ran coupled with Sōya semi express services over the Hakodate Main Line.

From the start of the revised timetable in October 1961, services were upgraded to "Express" status, and were operated using KiHa 56 4-car DMU formations, including a KiRo 26 Green (first class) car.