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FuranoBieiNorokko’ Tourist Train Enters Final Season

Aging vehicles have forced JR Hokkaido to retire the slow scenic service this year with no replacement announced.

Overview

  • JR Hokkaido began the Norokko's designated final season on June 6 and has scheduled the train's last run for September 23, 2026.
  • The company said the withdrawal is due to aging rolling stock and it has not set a plan to replace the service.
  • The FuranoBiei Norokko has run since 1998 as a slow, open‑car tourist train designed for leisure viewing of Hokkaido scenery.
  • The seasonal service operates as a three‑car, all‑reserved formation and alternates two locomotive color schemes during the season.
  • JR Hokkaido also plans to retire the Kushiro (Senmō Line) Norokko this season, leaving the future of similar tourist trains uncertain and local tourism groups watching for decisions.