JR Hokkaido 735 series

Data (as of 6 Jul 2024)

History

The 735 series is an experimental train of JR Hokkaido, testing whether aluminium bodies are durable even in extremely cold winter. Two three-carriage units were introduced in 2010, and used for testing in the first two years. It entered service in 2012 along with other commuter trains, but no more unit has been ordered.

It is hard to distinguish the 735 series from 733 series, but the 735s do not have green bands below side windows. Their body shapes are also different, but it would be difficult to find them unless seeing them at the same time.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 735 series are used on Chitose, Hakodate Main, Muroran Main and Sassho Lines in Sapporo area, and sometimes form six coaches with other trains (721 series, 731 series and 733 series). Schedules of the 735 series are not fixed, and change every day. However, they seldom go to New Chitose Airport.