Norokko Train in Hokkaido Begins Its Last Season; Passengers Soak up View as Sun Sets on Ending Service

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:18 JST, April 26, 2026

A sightseeing train that runs through the Kushiro marshland in Hokkaido set off for its final season on Saturday.

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train, which began running in 1989, is set to retire at the end of the season, as the train cars have aged.

Its last run is scheduled for Oct. 4.

The train departed JR Kushiro Station just after 11 a.m. and arrived 45 minutes later at JR Toro Station, 27.2 kilometers away.

Passengers enjoyed a majestic view of Hokkaido from the windows.

A company employee from Hyogo Prefecture, who was traveling with his wife, said, “Since this year is the train’s last season, it was a memorable ride.”