High speed train in Japan – JR Hokkaido

Infrastructure • High speed Rail • Japan • JR Hokaido

Summary: The JR Hokkaido (Hokkaido Railway Company) operates the railway network on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. The JR Hokkaido Shinkansen is a high-speed rail line in Japan connecting Hokkaido and Honshu. Opened in 2016, it operates from Shin-Aomori to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto through the undersea Seikan Tunnel. Featuring the sleek E5 and H5 Series trains, the line offers a comfortable ride at speeds up to 260 km/h (161 mph). Known for efficiency and stunning views, future expansions aim to reach Sapporo by 2031, significantly reducing travel time. The Shinkansen provides a seamless link to other regions, enhancing tourism and business connectivity while showcasing Japan’s advanced rail technology and dedication to sustainability and convenience.

➤ See also: Shinkansen overview – Shinkansen infrastructure and stations – JR East – JR Central – JR West – JR Kyushu

➤ See also: High speed train in France – High speed train in Germany – High speed train in Italy – Economics

Note: this page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for the official page of the operating company or manufacturer.

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In brief

In April 1987, the Japanese National Railways (JNR) were divided into seven companies: one for freight and six for passenger transport, known as JR. We will briefly present the high-speed rolling stock of each of these companies : JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West and JR Kyushu.

The JR Hokkaido Shinkansen is a high-speed rail line operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) that connects Hokkaido with Honshu, Japan’s main island. Opened in March 2016, it currently runs from Shin-Aomori Station in Aomori Prefecture to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in southern Hokkaido.

Caracteristics

Infrastructure managers: JR Hokkaido
Operators: JR Hokkaido
First services: March 2016
Lenght of Shinkansen network: 149 km
Speed: 250 to 260km/h

The Hokkaido Shinkansen is part of Japan’s extensive high-speed rail network, offering speeds of up to 260 km/h (161 mph). It primarily utilizes the H5 Series Shinkansen, designed for comfort and resilience against Hokkaido’s cold climate. Spacious seating and advanced safety features make it a premium travel option.

Future plans include extending the line to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, by 2031, reducing travel time between Tokyo and Sapporo to approximately four hours. This will boost tourism and economic ties in northern Japan.

Definition of High Speed Train
The definition of a high-speed train varies by region, but generally, it refers to trains that operate at speeds of at least 250 km/h (155 mph) on newly built lines and 200 km/h (124 mph) on upgraded lines. In Europe, for example, the UIC (International Union of Railways) considers a commercial speed of 250 km/h as the principal criterion for high-speed rail. In the United States, the definition can include trains operating at speeds ranging from 180 km/h (110 mph) to 240 km/h (150 mph).

➤ See the UIC definition

National rolling stock (past and present)

E5-H5 series
Hitachi Rail, Kawasaki Heavy Industries
2011/2016 – …

The Tōhoku Shinkansen is a high-speed railway line in the North of Japan that use the E5 trainsets operated by JR East. Trains run from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station. An extension to Sapporo is planned, but only in the long term.

JR East Shinkansen →

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Infrastructure • High speed Rail • Japan • Lexical

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