JR Hokkaido to Operate the ‘Special Express Niseko’ Mainly Over Weekends from September 7, Offering a Total of 16 Round Trips

Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) will operate the ‘Special Express Niseko’ for a limited time starting September 7.

The train will run on September 7-9, 12-16, 19-23, and 27-29, making a total of 16 days. It will make one round trip per day between Sapporo and Hakodate stations, utilizing a 5-car formation of the Series 261-5000 ‘Hamanasu’ formation. All seats are reserved, with Car 1’s Hamanasu Lounge being opened as a free space. The train stops at several stations along the way, including Teine, Otaru, Yoichi, Kutchan, Niseko, Konbu, Kuromatsunai, Oshamambe, Yunokawa (only on Hakodate bound trips), Mori, Onuma Park (only on Sapporo bound trips), Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and Goryokaku.

During the journey, the ‘Niseko Train Marche,’ offering various products depending on the date, will be held inside the train. High schools along the line participate in the project, selling original tourist guides and food products made with ingredients cultivated by students, alongside hospitality offered by local residents and local specialty goods. The Hamanasu Lounge will introduce three new original photo boards, and Kutchan Station will conduct a 120th anniversary celebration project.

‘Ekikinet’ provides a special offer ‘Express Tokuda Value 1’, combining a boarding pass and reserved seat express ticket. The Hakodate bound ride offers a 30% discount, while the Sapporo bound ride has a 40% discount. Tickets are available from 10 a.m. one month prior to the boarding date until 11:50 p.m. the day before.

■Timetable
Sapporo (07:56) – Niseko (10:23) – Hakodate (13:23)
Hakodate (13:41) – Niseko (17:14) – Sapporo (19:28)

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