Hokkaido Shinkansen

{{Short description|High-speed rail line in Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture, Japan}}

{{Infobox rail line

| box_width = 300px

| name = Hokkaido Shinkansen

| native_name = 北海道新幹線

| native_name_lang = ja

| color = {{rcr|JR Hokkaido|shinkansen}}

| mapcolor = {{rcb|JR Hokkaido|shinkansen|box}} (#{{rcr|JR Hokkaido|shinkansen}})

| logo = Shinkansen jrh.svg

| logo_width = 50

| image = H5系_H1編成_仙台駅入線.JPG

| image_width = 300px

| caption = An H5 series Shinkansen undergoing testing in November 2015

| type = High-speed rail (Shinkansen)

| system = Shinkansen

| status = Operational

| locale = Aomori Prefecture and Hokkaido, Japan

| start = {{STN|Shin-Aomori|x}}

| end = {{STN|Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto|x}}

| stations = 4

| routes = Hayabusa, Hayate

| daily_ridership =

| ridership2 = 2.11 million (FY 2016){{cite web |url=http://www.mlit.go.jp/k-toukei/10/10a0excel.html |script-title=ja:国土交通省鉄道輸送統計年報（平成19年度） |access-date=2018-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514103232/http://www.mlit.go.jp/k-toukei/10/10a0excel.html |archive-date=2011-05-14 |url-status=dead }}

| open = {{start date and age|2016|03|26|df=y}} (Shin-Aomori - Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto)

Est. FY2038 (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto - Sapporo)

| close =

| owner = 20px JRTT

| operator = {{ric|JR Hokkaido|name=y}}

| character =

| depot =

| stock = E5 series, H5 series

| linelength = {{cvt|148.8|km}}
{{cvt|360.6|km}} (2038)

| tracklength =

| tracks = Double-track

| maxincline = 2.08% (current)
3.0% (under construction)

| minradius = {{cvt|4000|m|mi ft}} (Most)
{{cvt|6500|m|mi ft}} (Seikan Tunnel)

| signalling = Cab signalling

| trainprotection = DS-ATC

| gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}}

| electrification = {{25 kV 50 Hz|conductor=overhead}}

| speed = {{cvt|260|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
Through the Seikan Tunnel:
{{cvt|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}
{{cvt|260|km/h|0|abbr=on|round=5}} (during major holidays)

| elevation =

| map = 300px

| map_state = collapsed

}}

{{Routemap

| title=Hokkaido Shinkansen

| collapse=collapsed

| map=

! !CONTg~~ ~~to {{ric|JR East|Tohoku Shinkansen|name=y}}

! !BHF~~{{STN|Shin-Aomori|x}}

38.5 km! !STR~~ ~~

! !BHF~~{{STN|Okutsugaru-Imabetsu|x}}

53.9 km! !TUNNEL1~~Seikan Tunnel

! !BHF~~{{STN|Kikonai|x}}

35.6 km! !STR~~ ~~

! !KBHFxe~~{{STN|Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto|x}}

! !exCONTf~~ ~~

}}

The {{Nihongo|Hokkaido Shinkansen|北海道新幹線|Hokkaidō Shinkansen}} is a Japanese high-speed Shinkansen rail line that links up with the Tōhoku Shinkansen in northern Aomori Prefecture in Honshu and continues on into the interior of Hokkaido through the undersea Seikan Tunnel. Construction started in May 2005; the initial {{STN|Shin-Aomori|x}} to {{STN|Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto|x}} section opened on 26 March 2016.{{cite web |url= http://dd.hokkaido-np.co.jp/news/economy/economy/1-0167483.html|script-title=ja: 北海道新幹線開業は来年３月２６日ＪＲが最終調整|trans-title= Hokkaido Shinkansen to open on 26 March next year - JR Hokkaido makes final adjustments|date= 12 August 2015|work= Doshin|publisher= The Hokkaido Shimbun Press|location= Japan|language= ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812040102/http://dd.hokkaido-np.co.jp/news/economy/economy/1-0167483.html|archive-date=2015-08-12|url-status=dead|access-date= 12 August 2015}} The section of the line to Sapporo was scheduled to open by fiscal year 2030,{{cite web |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201806080003.html |first=Hosozawa |last=Ayateru |title=Next Shinkansen will not only be faster, safer, but save on power |work=Asahi Shimbun |date=8 June 2018 |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-date=8 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608074644/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201806080003.html |url-status=dead }} but in December 2024 it was delayed until the end of FY2038, distressing local communities and causing concern over impact on regional development.{{Cite web |title=北海道新幹線札幌開業、2038年度が軸国交省が調整 1月以降に決定開業時期変更は2度目（北海道新聞） |trans-title=Hokkaido Shinkansen extension to Sapporo delayed to FY2038, MLIT to decide in January or later to further change opening date |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/daa765f8d10de4b886178993eca9b3fb17ba0cad |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja |archive-date=30 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230071804/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/daa765f8d10de4b886178993eca9b3fb17ba0cad |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Hokkaido bullet train extension delayed 8 years, rattling local communities |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Transportation/Hokkaido-bullet-train-extension-delayed-8-years-rattling-local-communities |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en}} The line is operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido).{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111217a2.html |title=DPJ may OK three new bullet-train sections |date=17 December 2011 |work=The Japan Times |publisher=The Japan Times Ltd. |location=Japan |page=1 |access-date=22 September 2014 |archive-date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111064809/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111217a2.html |url-status=live }}

Associated actions

File:Kaikyou line kikonai direction.JPG

In preparation for the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, the Seikan Tunnel (Kaikyō Line) and associated approaches (approximately {{convert|82|km|disp=or|abbr=on}} in total){{cite web |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/hokkaido-shinkansen-prepares-for-launch.html |first=Yoshihiko |last=Sato |title=Hokkaido Shinkansen prepares for launch |work=International Railway Journal |publisher=Simmons-Boardman Publishing Inc. |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=6 April 2016 |archive-date=12 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712123554/http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/hokkaido-shinkansen-prepares-for-launch.html |url-status=live }} were converted to dual gauge, with both the Shinkansen {{RailGauge|sg}} standard and {{RailGauge|1067mm}} narrow gauge tracks.{{cite news|title=First Shinkansen train through the Seikan Tunnel|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/first-shinkansen-train-through-the-seikan-tunnel.html|access-date=26 May 2015|publisher=Railway Gazette|date=26 May 2015|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527070711/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/high-speed/single-view/view/first-shinkansen-train-through-the-seikan-tunnel.html|url-status=dead}}

Upon the opening of the Shinkansen line the section of the conventional (narrow gauge) Esashi Line approximately paralleling the same route between {{STN|Goryōkaku|x}} and {{STN|Kikonai|x}} was transferred from the control of JR Hokkaido to a newly established third-sector railway operating company, South Hokkaido Railway Company, becoming the Isaribi Line.{{cite web|url= http://response.jp/article/2015/03/23/247257.html|script-title= ja: 道南いさりび鉄道、ロゴマークを発表…津軽海峡をモチーフ|trans-title= South Hokkaido Railway Company unveils logo - Tsugaru Straits motif|date= 23 March 2015|work= Response|publisher= IID Inc.|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 24 March 2015|archive-date= 24 March 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150324020610/http://response.jp/article/2015/03/23/247257.html|url-status= live}}

Operations

=Service types=

Two train service types operate on the Hokkaido Shinkansen: limited-stop Hayabusa services between Tokyo or Sendai and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and semi-fast Hayate services between Morioka or Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.

Under the initial timetable, ten return Hayabusa services operate daily between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and one return service operates daily between Sendai and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. One return Hayate service operates daily between Morioka and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and one return service daily operates between Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.{{cite web|url= http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2015/20150914.pdf|script-title= ja:北海道新幹線新青森～新函館北斗間開業に伴う運行計画の概要について|trans-title= Details of operations following opening of Hokkaido Shinkansen between Sendai and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto|date= 16 September 2015|work= News release|publisher= East Japan Railway Company|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 16 September 2015|archive-date= 16 September 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150916143607/http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2015/20150914.pdf|url-status= live}}

=Operating speed=

Upon commencement of services in 2016 the maximum speed on the approximately {{Cvt|82|km}} dual gauge section of the Hokkaido Shinkansen (including through the Seikan Tunnel) was {{convert|140|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}, increased to {{convert|160|km/h|mph|0|round=|abbr=on}} in March 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/seikan-tunnel-shinkansen-speed-up-saves-3-min/58804.article|title=Seikan tunnel Shinkansen speed-up saves 3 min|access-date=4 April 2021|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919081124/https://www.railwaygazette.com/high-speed/seikan-tunnel-shinkansen-speed-up-saves-3-min/58804.article|url-status=live}} There are approximately 50 freight trains using the dual gauge section each day, so limiting the travel of such trains to times outside of Shinkansen services is not an option. Because of this and other weather-related factors cited by JR East and JR Hokkaido, the fastest journey time between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto is currently 3 hours, 57 minutes.

During the 2020-21 New Year Holiday period when fewer freight trains were operating, certain Shinkansen services were operated at {{convert|210|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}} on the dual gauge section and this was proposed again for the Golden Week Holiday period from 3–6 May 2021.{{needs update|date=December 2024}}

This raising of the maximum speed during major travel periods has been repeated every year since. In January 2024, JR Hokkaido announced that the speed would be raised to {{convert|260|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}{{Cite web|url = https://www.asahi.com/sp/articles/ASS1M6DCGS1MULFA02S.html|title = 北海道新幹線、青函トンネル内初の260キロ走行大型連休の5日間|date = 19 January 2024|access-date = 17 March 2024|archive-date = 11 April 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240411052116/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASS1M6DCGS1MULFA02S.html|url-status = live}} during major holidays going forward.

To achieve the full benefit of Shinkansen trains travelling on the dual gauge section at {{convert|260|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}} (the maximum speed proposed through the tunnel), alternatives are being considered, such as a system to automatically slow Shinkansen trains to {{convert|200|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}} when passing narrow-gauge trains, and/or loading freight trains onto special "Train on Train" standard-gauge trains (akin to a covered piggyback flatcar train) built to withstand the shock wave of oncoming Shinkansen trains traveling at full speed. This would enable a travel time from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto of 3 hours and 45 minutes, a saving of 12 minutes on the current timetable.

In May 2019, JR Hokkaido announced that it had requested permission from the MLIT to increase the speed limit on the {{Cvt|212|km}} of new track to be constructed between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Sapporo to {{convert|320|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |title=北海道新幹線でも最高320km/hへ…JR北海道が新函館北斗以北の高速化を要請 |url=https://response.jp/article/2019/05/15/322340.html |website=レスポンス（Response.jp） |date=15 May 2019 |language=ja |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=20 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820025738/https://response.jp/article/2019/05/15/322340.html |url-status=live }} This would involve the extension of buffers on about {{Cvt|170|km}} of tunnels, installation of sound barriers on about {{Cvt|30|km}} of the remaining {{Cvt|42|km}} of surface track and strengthening of viaducts.

Effects of winter weather on train operation

Operating in areas that see significant snowfall during the winter months, accumulation of snow has effects on various train operations. It can cause damage to equipment or can cause a moving train to miss a switch. In particular, accretion of snow in the bogies of the train has been shown to be significant, causing damage or causing schedule delays. Methods have been used to estimate snow accumulation on trains running up to {{Cvt|130|km/h}}, and newer estimates based on weather data can predict accumulation of up to {{Cvt|3|cm}} in bogies upon arrival at a station.{{cite journal |last1=KAMATA |first1=Yasushi |last2=SHISHIDO |first2=Masaya |last3=SATO |first3=Ryota |date=November 17, 2021 |title=Method for Estimating Snow Accretion on Shinkansen Bogies using Weather Data |journal=Quarterly Report of RTRI |volume=62 |issue=4 |pages=245–250 |doi=10.2219/rtriqr.62.4_245 |s2cid=244289118 |doi-access=free }}

The winter season also adversely impacts the occupancy rates of the rail line, with recorded occupancy reaching a low of 19% in the months of January and February.{{Citation |title=Lots of empty seats on Hokkaido Shinkansen |date=June 23, 2022 |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Lots-of-empty-seats-on-Hokkaido-Shinkansen |publication-date=March 26, 2017 |publisher=Nikkei Asia |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=26 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726034950/https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Lots-of-empty-seats-on-Hokkaido-Shinkansen |url-status=live }}

Stations

Legend:

class="wikitable" ! ● \| All trains stop
▲ \| Some trains stop

class="wikitable"

! ●

| All trains stop

▲

| Some trains stop

class=wikitable !Station !Japanese !Distance from {{STN\|Shin-Aomori\|x}} (km) !Distance from {{STN\|Tokyo\|x}} (km) !Hayabusa !Hayate !Transfers ! colspan="2" \|Location
colspan="9"\| Opened 26 March 2016
align="center" colspan="9"\|↑ Through services towards {{STN\|Tokyo\|x}} via the Tohoku Shinkansen ↑
{{STN\|Shin-Aomori\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|新青森}} \|align=center\|0.0 \|align=center\|674.9 \|style="text-align:center;"\|● \|style="text-align:center;"\|● \|{{Plainlist\| {{ric\|JR East\|Tohoku Shinkansen\|name=y}} (through-service) {{rcb\|JR East\|Ou Main\|yes}} }} \|Aomori \| rowspan=2\| Aomori
{{STN\|Okutsugaru-Imabetsu\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|奥津軽いまべつ}} \|align=center\|38.5 \|align=center\|713.4 \|style="text-align:center;"\|▲ \|style="text-align:center;"\|● \|{{Plainlist\| {{rcb\|JR East\|Tsugaru Line\|yes}} ({{STN\|Tsugaru-Futamata\|x}}) }} \|Imabetsu
colspan="9" style="text-align:center;"\| link= Seikan Tunnel
{{STN\|Kikonai\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|木古内}} \|align=center\|113.3 \|align=center\|788.2 \|style="text-align:center;"\|▲ \|style="text-align:center;"\|● \|{{Plainlist\| {{rint\|jp\|shr}} South Hokkaido Railway }} \|Kikonai \| rowspan=2\| Hokkaido
{{STN\|Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|新函館北斗}} \|align=center\|148.8 \|align=center\|823.7 \|style="text-align:center;"\|● \|style="text-align:center;"\|● \|{{Plainlist\| {{rcb\|JR Hokkaido\|Hakodate\|yes}} }} \|Hokuto
colspan="9"\| Under construction (Scheduled to open FY2038)
{{STN\|Shin-Yakumo\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|新八雲}} \|align=center\|203.0 \|align=center\|877.9 \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|style="text-align:center;"\| \| \|Yakumo \| rowspan=5 \| Hokkaido
{{STN\|Oshamambe\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|長万部}} \|align=center\|235.9 \|align=center\|910.8 \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|{{Plainlist\| {{rcb\|JR Hokkaido\|Hakodate\|box}} Hakodate Main Line {{rcb\|JR Hokkaido\|Muroran\|yes}} }} \|Oshamambe
{{STN\|Kutchan\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|倶知安}} \|align=center\|290.3 \|align=center\|965.2 \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|{{Plainlist\| {{rcb\|JR Hokkaido\|Hakodate\|box}} Hakodate Main Line }} \|Kutchan
{{STN\|Shin-Otaru\|x}}Tentative name \|{{lang\|ja\|新小樽}} \|align=center\|328.3 \|align=center\|1003.2 \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|style="text-align:center;"\| \| \|Otaru
{{STN\|Sapporo\|x}} \|{{lang\|ja\|札幌}} \|align=center\|360.6 \|align=center\|1035.5 \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|style="text-align:center;"\| \|{{Plainlist\| {{rcb\|JR Hokkaido\|Hakodate\|box}} Hakodate Main Line (for {{STN\|Teine\|x}}, {{STN\|Otaru\|x}}) {{Color box\|orange}} Hakodate Main Line (for {{STN\|Asahikawa\|x}}) {{rcb\|JR Hokkaido\|Chitose\|yes}} {{rcb\|JR Hokkaido\|Sassho\|yes}} {{ric\|Sapporo Municipal Subway\|n\|name=y}} {{ric\|Sapporo Municipal Subway\|toho\|name=y}} }} \|Kita-ku, Sapporo

class=wikitable

!Station

!Japanese

!Distance from
{{STN|Shin-Aomori|x}} (km)

!Distance from
{{STN|Tokyo|x}} (km)

!Hayabusa

!Hayate

!Transfers

! colspan="2" |Location

colspan="9"| Opened 26 March 2016

align="center" colspan="9"|↑ Through services towards {{STN|Tokyo|x}} via the Tohoku Shinkansen ↑

|{{lang|ja|新青森}}

|align=center|0.0

|align=center|674.9

|style="text-align:center;"|●

|{{Plainlist|

{{ric|JR East|Tohoku Shinkansen|name=y}} (through-service)
{{rcb|JR East|Ou Main|yes}}

}}

|Aomori

| rowspan=2| Aomori

|{{lang|ja|奥津軽いまべつ}}

|align=center|38.5

|align=center|713.4

|style="text-align:center;"|▲

|style="text-align:center;"|●

|{{Plainlist|

{{rcb|JR East|Tsugaru Line|yes}} ({{STN|Tsugaru-Futamata|x}})

}}

|Imabetsu

colspan="9" style="text-align:center;"| link= Seikan Tunnel

|{{lang|ja|木古内}}

|align=center|113.3

|align=center|788.2

|style="text-align:center;"|▲

|style="text-align:center;"|●

|{{Plainlist|

{{rint|jp|shr}} South Hokkaido Railway

}}

|Kikonai

| rowspan=2| Hokkaido

|{{lang|ja|新函館北斗}}

|align=center|148.8

|align=center|823.7

|style="text-align:center;"|●

|{{Plainlist|

{{rcb|JR Hokkaido|Hakodate|yes}}

}}

|Hokuto

colspan="9"| Under construction (Scheduled to open FY2038)

|{{lang|ja|新八雲}}

|align=center|203.0

|align=center|877.9

|style="text-align:center;"|

|Yakumo

| rowspan=5 | Hokkaido

|{{lang|ja|長万部}}

|align=center|235.9

|align=center|910.8

|style="text-align:center;"|

|{{Plainlist|

{{rcb|JR Hokkaido|Hakodate|box}} Hakodate Main Line
{{rcb|JR Hokkaido|Muroran|yes}}

}}

|Oshamambe

|{{lang|ja|倶知安}}

|align=center|290.3

|align=center|965.2

|style="text-align:center;"|

|{{Plainlist|

{{rcb|JR Hokkaido|Hakodate|box}} Hakodate Main Line

}}

|Kutchan

{{STN|Shin-Otaru|x}}Tentative name

|{{lang|ja|新小樽}}

|align=center|328.3

|align=center|1003.2

|style="text-align:center;"|

|Otaru

|{{lang|ja|札幌}}

|align=center|360.6

|align=center|1035.5

|style="text-align:center;"|

|{{Plainlist|

{{rcb|JR Hokkaido|Hakodate|box}} Hakodate Main Line (for {{STN|Teine|x}}, {{STN|Otaru|x}})
{{Color box|orange}} Hakodate Main Line (for {{STN|Asahikawa|x}})
{{rcb|JR Hokkaido|Chitose|yes}}
{{rcb|JR Hokkaido|Sassho|yes}}
{{ric|Sapporo Municipal Subway|n|name=y}}
{{ric|Sapporo Municipal Subway|toho|name=y}}

}}

|Kita-ku, Sapporo

Rolling stock

All services are formed of 10-car JR East E5 or JR Hokkaido H5 series trainsets.

In February 2014, JR Hokkaido placed an order for four 10-car H5 Series Shinkansen trainsets for use on Hokkaido Shinkansen services from March 2016.{{cite web |url= http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hokkaido/news/20140416-OYTNT50008.html|archive-url= https://archive.today/20140415234044/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hokkaido/news/20140416-OYTNT50008.html|url-status=dead|archive-date= 15 April 2014|script-title=ja:北海道新幹線「Ｈ５系」、内装には雪の結晶も|trans-title= Hokkaido Shinkansen "H5 series" - Interiors to feature snowflake design|date= 16 April 2014|work= Yomiuri Online|publisher= The Yomiuri Shimbun|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 16 April 2014}} Based on the E5 series trainsets operated by JR East since 2011, the order for 40 vehicles cost approximately 18 billion yen. The first two sets of the order are scheduled to be delivered to Hakodate Depot by road from Hakodate Port in October 2014, with test running commencing before the end of the year.{{cite web |url= http://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/news/economic/527950.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140318225530/http://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/news/economic/527950.html|url-status=dead|archive-date= 18 March 2014|script-title=ja:北海道新幹線車両、函館港に１０月陸揚げ今年まず２０両、基地へ陸送|trans-title= Hokkaido Shinkansen trains to arrive at Hakodate Port in October with 20 vehicles delivered to depot this year|date= 19 March 2014|work= Doshin Web|publisher= The Hokkaido Shimbun Press|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 19 March 2014}} The remaining two sets on order were scheduled to be delivered in 2015. The vehicles feature the usual upper green and lower white livery, with a purple stripe in the middle. The color purple was chosen to represent the purple flowers of Hokkaido: lilacs, lupine and lavender. Inside, the ordinary-class cars feature wood paneling and carpet with a snowflake motif. Green class features cream-colored walls representing the local dairy industry and carpet with a drift-ice motif. Gran class features dark blue carpets, said to be modeled after the shimmering lakes and bodies of water along the route.{{cite AV media|date=25 February 2016 |title=Special Preview: Hokkaido Shinkansen - Hopes and Challenges |url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/vod/japanrailway/20160226.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229053104/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/vod/japanrailway/20160226.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 February 2016 |access-date=28 February 2016 |time=5:00 |publisher=NHK }}

File:Series-E5-U15 Yamabiko-50.jpg|A JR East E5 series train in May 2022

File:JRH Series-H5 H1.jpg|A JR Hokkaido H5 series train in June 2022

=Non-revenue-earning types=

East i (E926)

History

File:Tokyosapporotrainchart.png

In the early 1970s, two other Shinkansen routes were proposed for Hokkaido: Sapporo – Asahikawa (Hokkaido Shinkansen extension) and Oshamambe – Muroran – Sapporo (Hokkaido South Route). There were also further unofficial plans to connect to Abashiri, Kushiro and Nayoro/Wakkanai. These plans have been indefinitely shelved.

On 1 November 2014, a ceremony was held at Kikonai Station to mark the completion of track-laying for the line between Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.{{cite web|url= http://www.jrtt.go.jp/08-2Press/pdf/H26/pressh260919.pdf|script-title= ja:北海道新幹線（新青森・新函館北斗間）レール締結式の開催について|trans-title= Hokkaido Shinkansen rail joining ceremony|date= 19 September 2014|work= Press release|publisher= Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 22 September 2014|archive-date= 22 September 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140922005131/http://www.jrtt.go.jp/08-2Press/pdf/H26/pressh260919.pdf|url-status= dead}} Test-running on the Hokkaido Shinkansen tracks within Hokkaido commenced from 1 December 2014, initially at low speeds, with the speed raised to the maximum of {{convert|260|km/h|abbr=on}} later that month.{{cite web |url= http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20141202k0000m040078000c.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141201142053/http://mainichi.jp/select/news/20141202k0000m040078000c.html|url-status=dead|archive-date= 1 December 2014|script-title=ja: 北海道新幹線:試験走行始まる下旬には２６０キロで|trans-title= Hokkaido Shinkansen test running starts - 260 km/h by early December|first= Katsuichi|last= Suzuki|date= 1 December 2014|work= Mainichi Shimbun|publisher= The Mainichi Newspapers|location= Japan|language= ja |access-date= 1 December 2014}} Test-running was extended through the Seikan Tunnel to Oku-Tsugaru-Imabetsu in December 2014.{{cite web|url= http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASH5S1P8GH5SUBNB001.html|script-title= ja: 北海道新幹線の試験走行、新青森駅に初乗り入れ|trans-title= Hokkaido Shinkansen test-running reaches Shin-Aomori Station for the first time|date= 24 May 2015|work= Asahi Shimbun Digital|publisher= The Asahi Shimbun Company|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 24 May 2015|archive-date= 23 May 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150523234515/http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASH5S1P8GH5SUBNB001.html|url-status= live}} Test-running south of Oku-Tsugaru-Imabetsu commenced on 21 April 2015, with the first train reaching Shin-Aomori Station from the north in the early hours of 24 May.

Future plans

JR Hokkaido is extending the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to {{STN|Sapporo|x}}, planned to open by 2030. However, in May 2024, the JRTT reported to the MLIT that it would be 'extremely difficult' to extend the line to Sapporo by 2030.{{Cite web |script-title=ja: 北海道新幹線の札幌延伸“目標の2030年度末開業極めて困難” |trans-title=Hokkaido Shinkansen Sapporo extension “Targeted to open by the end of 2030 is extremely difficult” |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240508/k10014443051000.html |website=NHK |date=8 May 2024 |access-date=16 October 2024 |archive-date=16 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716212814/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240508/k10014443051000.html |url-status=live }} In December 2024, MLIT announced the opening will be delayed until FY2038. There is potential for the opening date to be revised in either direction, and a further announcement will be made after discussions at a panel of experts which will commence in January 2025.

Tunneling work on the {{convert|5265|m|mi|abbr=on}} Murayama Tunnel, situated about {{convert|1|km|mi|sp=us|sigfig=1}} north of Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station commenced in March 2015. However in July 2016 the short section between the Murayama Tunnel and the next tunnel (26,470 m) was deemed unnecessary so the construction altered and the planned two tunnels were integrated into the Toshima Tunnel with a total length of 32,675 m. When opened, it will be the longest land tunnel in the country.

The {{convert|211.3|km|abbr=on}} extension will be approximately 76% in tunnels, including major tunnels such as Toshima (mentioned above), Oshima ({{convert|26.5|km|disp=or|abbr=on}}), Teine ({{convert|18.8|km|disp=or|abbr=on}}) and Shiribeshi ({{convert|18|km|disp=or|abbr=on}}).{{Cite web |title=Microsoft PowerPoint - 00-2全体概要図ver2 [互換モード] |url=https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/000215188.pdf |website=MLIT |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-date=24 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124131952/https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/000215188.pdf |url-status=live }}

When the section to Sapporo opens, the estimated journey time from Tokyo to Sapporo will be at most 5 hours and 1 minute, but the goal is for it to be below 4 hours.{{cite web|last=Press|first=Jiji|title=Shinkansen to get 3 new sections|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120629006237.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707022414/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120629006237.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2012|work= Daily Yomiuri Online|publisher=The Yomiuri Shimbun |access-date=22 September 2014}}

References

External links

[https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/shinkansen_h5/ JR Hokkaido: Hokkaido Shinkansen] {{in lang|ja}}
[http://www.do-shinkansen.com Federation of Hokkaido Chamber of Commerce and Industry] {{in lang|ja}}

Category:High-speed railway lines in Japan

Category:Seikan Tunnel

Shinkansen

Category:Railway lines opened in 2016

Category:Standard-gauge railways in Japan

Category:2016 establishments in Japan