Muroto (train)

*Muroto*
	Kiha 185 series train on a Muroto service in May 2010
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Operational
First service	1962 (Semi express); 1966 (Express); 1999 (Limited express);
Current operator(s)	JR Shikoku
Route
Termini	Tokushima; Mugi
Stops	11
Distance travelled	67.7 km (42.1 mi) (Tokushima-Mugi);
Average journey time	1 hour 15 minutes approx
Service frequency	1 return working daily
Line(s) used	Mugi Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Standard only
Disabled access	Yes
Sleeping arrangements	None
Catering facilities	None
Observation facilities	None
Entertainment facilities	None
Other facilities	Toilet
Technical
Rolling stock	KiHa 185 series DMUs
Electrification	Diesel
Operating speed	110 km/h (68 mph)
Track owner(s)	JR Shikoku

The Muroto (むろと) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by JR Shikoku which runs from Tokushima to Mugi and from Mugi to Awa-Kainan as a Local service.

The Muroto service was introduced on 13 March 1999.

Route

The stations served by this service are as follows:

Tokushima - Awa-Tomida - Minami-Komatsushima - Hanoura - Anan - Awa-Tachibana - Kuwano - Aratano - Yuki - Hiwasa - Mugi - (Sabase) - (Asakawa) - (Awa-Kainan)

Between Mugi and Awa-Kainan, the train runs as a Local service.

Rolling stock

KiHa 185 series 2-car DMUs (from 1999)

History

Muroto services began as a semi express from Takamatsu to Mugi in Shikoku from 18 July 1962. From 5 March 1966, however, the name was used for express trains operating. From 13 March 1999, the name was used for limited express trains operating between Tokushima and Kaifu.

Future plans

From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2025, Muroto services are scheduled to be discontinued.^[1]

References

JR Timetable, August 2008 issue
"JR新幹線&特急列車ファイル" (JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File), published 2008 by Kōtsū Shimbun

^ "住民以外は「日本一乗るのが難しい」特急が廃止へ! わずか1往復のレア列車が見納めに" [The "most difficult limited express train for non-residents to ride in Japan" will be abolished! Last chance to see a rare train that only makes one round trip]. Traffic News (in Japanese). Japan: Mediavague Co., Ltd. 13 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.

External links

JR Shikoku Train Information (in Japanese)

[1] "住民以外は「日本一乗るのが難しい」特急が廃止へ! わずか1往復のレア列車が見納めに" [The "most difficult limited express train for non-residents to ride in Japan" will be abolished! Last chance to see a rare train that only makes one round trip]. Traffic News (in Japanese). Japan: Mediavague Co., Ltd. 13 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.

[1]