JR Hokkaido will end regular operations of the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train, a sightseeing train on the Kushiro Main Line, on October 4.
The Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train has used its current cars, converted from Series 50 passenger coaches, since 1998. The decision to end operations was made because both the locomotives and passenger coaches are more than 40 years old, with deterioration advancing and production of replacement parts being discontinued one after another.
Although the train was initially scheduled to be retired at the end of fiscal 2025, operations were extended by one year because preparations for a new successor sightseeing train are taking longer than expected.
Following the end of regular operations, final-run services will be operated over two days, October 9 and 10. On October 9, the “Norokko Kawayu Onsen” will make one round trip between Kushiro and Kawayu Onsen stations. On October 10, the “Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train” will make one round trip between Kushiro and Toro stations. Both trains will display special final-run headmarks on the rear of the passenger coaches and on the locomotives.
Meanwhile, the new sightseeing trains “Red Star” and “Blue Star” are scheduled to begin operations sequentially from February and June 2027, respectively.
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