Ōzora (train)

The Ōzora (おおぞら) is a limited express train service between Sapporo and Kushiro in Hokkaido, Japan, operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). There are six trains per day running in both directions, with the fastest journeys taking 3 hours 35 minutes.[1]

Ōzora
KiHa 283 series DMU on a Super Ōzora service, January 2007
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
LocaleSekishō Line
First service1961 (Ōzora)
1997 (Super Ōzora)
Last service2020 (Super Ōzora)
Current operator(s)JR Hokkaido
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
StartSapporo
EndKushiro
Distance travelled216.5 miles (348.5 km)
Average journey time3 hours 45 minutes approx
Service frequency6 return services daily
On-board services
Class(es)Standard + Green
Catering facilitiesNone
Technical
Rolling stockKiHa 261 series DMU
KiHa 283 series DMU
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
ElectrificationDiesel
Operating speed110 km/h (68 mph)

History

The service commenced as the limited express Ōzora (おおぞら) on 1 October 1961, operating between Hakodate and Asahikawa using KiHa 80 series DMUs with one return working daily. The service was extended to run between Hakodate and Kushiro from 1967. By 1973, there were three return workings daily. In October 1980, following the opening of New Chitose Airport, services were reorganized, with just one return working daily between Sapporo and Kushiro. From October 1981, the train was rerouted via the Sekishō Line, reducing journey times by approximately one hour.[2] From 22 March 1997, four Ōzora services were upgraded to become Super Ōzora (スーパーおおぞら) following the introduction of new KiHa 283 series tilting DMUs.[1] The remaining Ōzora services using KiHa 183 series DMUs were phased out by 2001. KiHa 261 Series DMUs were introduced on 14 March 2020, and the service has since been returned to simply Ōzora.

Rolling stock

The Ōzora is operated by 6-car KiHa 283 series and KiHa 261 series DMUs, [3] with car 1 at the Kushiro (eastern) end. All cars are no-smoking.

For departures using KiHa 283 series, cars 1, 2 and 4 to 6 are ordinary-class cars with 2+2 seating, and car 3 is a “Green” car with 2+1 seating.

Car No. 123456
Accommodation ReservedReservedGreenReservedNon-reservedNon-reserved
Facilities Toilets ToiletsWheelchair space,
accessible toilet		 Toilets

For departures using KiHa 261 series, car 1 is a “Green” car with 2+1 seating, and cars 2 to 6 are ordinary-class cars with 2+2 seating.

Car No. 123456
Accommodation GreenReservedReservedReservedNon-reservedNon-reserved
Facilities  Wheelchair space,
accessible toilet		ToiletsToiletsToilets 

Former rolling stock
  • KiHa 80 series DMUs
  • KiHa 183 series DMUs (1980–2001)
  • KiHa 80 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1986
  • KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service at Sapporo Station in 1986
  • KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1984
  • KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1992

2011 derailment and fire

On 27 May 2011, the Super Ōzora 14 service from Kushiro to Sapporo was brought to an emergency stop inside the 685 metre-long No. 1 Niniu Tunnel in Shimukappu, Hokkaidō, at around 21:55 after car number 2 of the 6-car formation became derailed. The train caught fire, and all of the 245 people on board, including train staff eventually evacuated the train. 39 were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burn injuries.[4] The burnt-out train was removed from the tunnel on 29 May 2011.[5]

References
  1. JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. 列車名鑑1995 (Train Name Directory 1995). Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995.
  3. "特急おおぞら（283系・261系）" [Limited express Ōzora (KiHa 283 series, KiHa 261 series)] (in Japanese).
  4. 占冠のトンネル内でＪＲ特急車両から白煙　39人軽いけが [39 affected by smoke on JR express inside Shimukappu tunnel]. Doshin Web (in Japanese). Japan: The Hokkaido Shimbun Press. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
  5. 脱線火災の特急スーパーおおぞら、トンネル外に　ＪＲ石勝線 [JR Sekisho Line: derailed Super Ōzora express moved out of tunnel]. Doshin Web (in Japanese). Japan: The Hokkaido Shimbun Press. 29 May 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2011.
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