The Limited Express Okhotsk is a limited express train in Hokkaido that travels the 374.5 km distance between Sapporo Station and Abashiri Station in about 5.5 hours. The train’s name comes from the Sea of Okhotsk, which Abashiri faces, and the surrounding Okhotsk region. Tracing back even further to its origins, “Okhotsk” is derived from the name of a port town in Russia, making this the only train in Japan whose name is derived from Russian.

The train uses KiHa 283 series carriages. The reserved seats feature reclining seats with pillows that can be raised and lowered. The train also has a baggage storage area that anyone can use if it is available, so rest assured that you can store your large bags while riding.

The left and right sides of the train carriages are wrapped with illustrations of famous places in the cities and towns where the train stops. There are a total of eight illustrations from seven municipalities, including Asahi Bridge in Asahikawa, Daisetsuzan National Park in Kamikawa, curling in Kitami, and Cape Notoro in Abashiri. But as to which illustration will be on the train you’re riding… you’ll have to wait until the day of your journey to find out! These train wraps are also appealing in that the design of the carriages lets people learn about the scenery and specialties of the towns along the line.

The train leaves Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, and travels north on the Hakodate Line to Asahikawa Station, and then on the Soya Line to Shin-Asahikawa Station. From Shin-Asahikawa Station, the train travels east on the Sekihoku Line, passing through Kitami Station before arriving at its final destination, Abashiri Station.

Along the way, from the train windows you can see the majestic peaks of the Daisetsuzan mountain range in central Hokkaido, and through the tunnel that crosses Kitami Pass you can truly feel the rugged mountain terrain. Engaru Station is also famous for its switchback structure, where trains change direction by switching sides. Kamikawa Station and Shirataki Station are 37.3 km apart, which is the Japan’s longest distance between stations on a conventional line with regular trains, and the journey on this train is also characterized by its many unique features, such as the ability to leisurely enjoy the scenery from the train windows, which is uncommon for railways in Japan.

The following amenities are available:

• ・On-board information in English
• ・Washrooms
• ・Wheelchair accommodations