JR Hokkaido 785 series

Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)

History

The 785 series was introduced by JR Hokkaido to Limited Express Super White Arrow (Sapporo - Asahikawa, later renamed Super Kamui), in advance of a motorway being opened between these two major cities. It was also introduced to Rapid Airport that connects Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, and Limited Express Suzuran (Sapporo - Muroran). In 2010, two redundant coaches were converted to a spare unit for 789 series of Limited Express Super Hakucho (Aomori - Hakodate), running the Seikan Tunnel.

As the new bullet train line replaced Super Hakucho in 2016 and 789 series trains were transferred to Sapporo area, the 785 series units have mostly been withdrawn.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

Two five-car units are used for Limited Express Suzuran. Despite JR Hokkaido's announcement that the 785 series units would retire by 2019, they are still operational presumably because of lack of funding to introduce new trains. The company plans to introduce brand new limited express trains in around 2030, the 785 series will certainly retire by then.

Photos

The spare unit for Super Hakucho, converted to be compatible with the 789 series. Only one two-car unit existed.

Frankly, it looked very strange as if something had gone spectacularly wrong.