Rolling stock KiHa 183 series DMUs Current operator Hokkaido Railway Company Service type Limited express | Operating speed First service 1992 | |
 | ||
Line used Hakodate Main Line, Sōya Main Line Lines used Hakodate Main Line, Sōya Main Line | ||
The Sarobetsu (サロベツ) is a limited express train service between Sapporo and Wakkanai in Hokkaido, Japan, which is operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). One train per day operates in each direction, with the journey taking approximately five and a half hours. The train operates over the same route as the Super Sōya, but stops at more stations and takes 20-30 minutes longer.
Contents
Stations
Sapporo - Iwamizawa - Bibai - Sunagawa - Takikawa - Fukagawa - Asahikawa - Wassamu - Shibetsu - Nayoro - Bifuka - Otoineppu - Teshio-Nakagawa - Horonobe - Toyotomi - Minami-Wakkanai - Wakkanai
Rolling stock
Services are normally formed of 3-car KiHa 183 series DMUs. Up until 2007, an additional "Japanese-style seating car" (お座敷車, Ozashikisha) was attached to the train during busy seasons.
History
The Sarobetsu service was suspended, as the same type of train used for the service was involved in a fire on the Hakodate Main Line in July 2013. The service was supposed to resume the following month, but was delayed due to the accident investigation and resulting preventative measures. The suspension ended on March 31, 2014. In the meantime, a temporary rapid train service replaced the Sarobetsu.