[TRIP REPORT] Limited Express Soya To Wakkanai And To Japan's Most Northern Point Cape Soya

JR Hokkaido operates one daily train from Sapporo to Wakkanai with the Limited Express Soya over the Soya Main Line. It connects the capital of Hokkaido with the northern most city of Japan. An essential link to keep the city of Wakkanai connected with the outside world for those who are dependent on public transport.
The KiHa 261 series is used for the Limited Express Soya and offers Ordinary Class as well as Green Car. It usually operates as a 4 car train, but sometimes can be extended during busy periods. The train is geared to withstand the harsh Winter conditions, but in this trip report we can enjoy the Autumn colours instead.
The Limited Express Soya route is as follow: Sapporo - Iwamizawa - Bibai - Sunagawa - Takikawa - Fukagawa - Asahikawa - Wassamu - Shibetsu - Nayoro - Bifuka - Otoineppu - Teshio-Nakagawa - Horonobe - Toyotomi - Minami-Wakkanai - Wakkanai. The railway line from Nayoro to Wakkanai faces an uncertain future as low ridership may threaten its future.
Music used in this video:
Shane Ivers - VHS Dreams
Additional Info:
Limited Express train Soya from Sapporo to Wakkanai operated by JR Hokkaido
Ordinary Class seat 2D car 3
Travelled on the 13th of October 2023
Japan Rail Pass + free seat reservation
Additional credits:
Background image made by Ekirii
Thank you for watching and coming along!

[@trainviewreports3939]

Oh, you made it!! Really nice trip report of Soya limited express!! Also, I am so impressed that you explained Japanese pun of "Wakkanai and I don't know" as I'm Japanese:)

[@Tjuk02]

Thank you so much! It really means a lot to me that this comment comes from a Japanese person. I always try my best to do some research on the places I visit during my travels. Explaining the Japanese pun about Wakkanai and "I don't know" with the proper pronunciation was quite the challenge, but I hope it was a good attempt :)

[@junjuncruz-xd8ms]

Very informative video sir thank you. How much is the train fare from sapporo to wakkanai?

[@Roadman3235]

we have a kiha in the philippines it's 2nd hand but it was also used for limited express it's kogane in sendai have memories with kogane?

[@roldansalalila6544]

Me and my wife are planning to visit Cape Soya the triangular shape marker on the northern part of Japan...it is loud and clear that the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass can be used on this train?

[@chelez17]

Nice video. Did you do just a day trip or stayed in Wakkanai for the night?

[@Tjuk02]

Thank you! I did it as a day trip from Sapporo and it was doable. Booked a hotel for the night in Asahikawa instead of returning all the way back to Sapporo and I fully enjoyed my time there :D

[@officialnyiyanmoehtet]

I'm planning this trip soon. Do the Staff in Hokkaido speak English?

[@Tjuk02]

Station staff at major ticket offices will speak decent English and can help you with all train related questions. Wish you happy travels!

[@junjuncruz-xd8ms]

Very informative video sir thank you. How much is the train fare from sapporo to wakkanai?

[@junjuncruz-xd8ms]

Very informative video sir thank you. How much is the train fare from sapporo to wakkanai?

[@junjuncruz-xd8ms]

Very informative video sir thank you. How much is the train fare from sapporo to wakkanai?