Limited Express Lilac 5 from Sapporo to Takikawa
Limited Express Lilac together with Limited Express Kamui are the backbone limited express trains running frequent services on the Sapporo-Asahikawa route. I’m doing a loop around Takikawa, Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa from Sapporo with my JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass, and I started my journey with Limited Express Lilac 5 from Sapporo to Takikawa.
Sapporo Station
Basing myself in Sapporo throughout my trip, my journey started from Sapporo Station.
Heading in to Sapporo Station on a busy weekday morning.
My Sapporo-Furano Area Pass only includes non-reserved seating, so I could head straight to any train I want within the valid area without a seat reservation, since I’m not entitled to one anyway.
My Limited Express Lilac 5 would be departing from Platform 10.
Heading up to Platform 10.
Train information are provided in Japanese and English.
My Limited Express Lilac 5 arrived from the east empty, most likely from Sapporo Depot at Inaho.
789 series
My 789 series train set, HE-106, is liveried with Asahikawa decals on the cab sides. Each of the 6 789 series trains bear a different Hokkaido city livery. This 2017 rebranding was done with the 789 series operating on Lilac, which were previously blank when it operated on the Limited Express Super Hakuchō between Shin-Aomori and Hakodate via the Seikan Tunnel.
Green Car
The main difference between the Limited Express Lilac and Limited Express Kamui is that Lilac has a Green Car with premium seats while the Kamui does not. Do take note and choose the Lilac if you are travelling on the Japan Rail Green Pass between Sapporo and Asahikawa.
The Green Car on Lilac is laid out in a 2+1 formation.
Ordinary Reserved Seat
Both the Limited Express Lilac and Limited Express Kamui offers Ordinary Reserved Seats. The Lilac does not differentiate between seat types for the Ordinary Reserved Seats and Non-Reserved Seats, but the Kamui offers better U Seats on board. Do take note if you wish to reserve an Ordinary seat, as the Kamui offers a slightly better seat instead.
Ordinary Non-Reserved Seat
As for me, to the Non-Reserved Seat cars I go with my Sapporo-Furano Area Pass.
The Non-Reserved Seat cars were not very busy which was perfect. I could easily pick a pair of seats for myself.
The legroom on board Limited Express Lilac in a Non-Reserved Seat.
A ticket holder is available above the tray table.
A tray table is provided at the seat back.
The window ledge also allows you to place a can or bottle of drink on the side.
My Limited Express Lilac 5 departed from Sapporo on time at 8.30am sharp.
Heading away from Sapporo Station.
Passing through Naebo Station.
Passing by Sapporo Freight Terminal Station for JR Freight.
Heading on to the Hakodate Main Line, splitting off from the Chitose Line.
The conductor came into the car to check for tickets, so I prepared my Sapporo-Furano Area Pass.
The Sapporo-Furano Area Pass fits perfectly within the ticket holder, although since this is Japan, it’s probably meant to be designed as such.
The conductor made her rounds to check for tickets and to mark where each person in each Non-Reserved Seat was heading to on her piece of paper, KTM style. When it came to my turn, she asked me where I was alighting in Japanese, before writing it down on her piece of paper and continuing on with her day.
Iwamizawa Station
Making a brief stop at Iwamizawa Station.
The scenery quickly gives way to houses spread out and crops growing.
Bibai Station
Making a brief stop at Bibai Station.
Time for a toilet break midway through the journey.
A mens’ urinal toilet is available in a compact space.
The mixed-gender toilet is located opposite, with a western toilet bowl and baby changing facilities.
Sunagawa Station
Making a brief stop at Sunagawa Station.
Crossing the Sorachi River.
Approaching Takikawa.
I headed to the door early as stops at stations are briefed, as announced.
Takikawa Station
As quickly as I alighted, the doors closed and the Limited Express Lilac 5 went off to Fukagawa and Asahikawa.
The station sign of Takikawa.
Some KiHa 40 series DMUs and 721 series EMUs are stabled at Takikawa.
The Shisui half of the Sanmei-Shisui joyful train is also stabled here.
From here, I took the overhead bridge to Platform 1 for my transfer to the Nemuro Line Local 2475D to Furano.
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