Sarobetsu (train)

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Sarobetsu is a limited-express train service in Hokkaido, Japan, operated by JR Hokkaido. It runs between Asahikawa and Wakkanai with two return trips daily, taking about 3 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 259.4 km distance.

The train stops at 11 stations: Asahikawa, Wassamu, Shibetsu, Nayoro, Bifuka, Otoineppu, Teshio-Nakagawa, Horonobe, Toyotomi, Minami-Wakkanai, and Wakkanai. Services use four-car KiHa 261 series DMUs. Car 1 at the Wakkanai end offers both ordinary-class seats and the Green Car; the other cars are standard class. All seats are non-smoking. The service runs at up to 120 km/h and uses diesel traction. JR Hokkaido owns the track.

Sarobetsu began on 1 July 1992 as a renamed Sōya service. At that time the route did not include a Green Car. The service was suspended in July 2013 after a KiHa 183 train caught fire on the Hakodate Main Line and did not resume until 31 March 2014, with a temporary rapid train replacing it in the meantime. From 4 March 2017, Sarobetsu was rerouted to run between Asahikawa and Wakkanai (as the Lilac covers Sapporo–Asahikawa); KiHa 261 units replaced the older KiHa 183 cars.