The Shimokita (しもきた) is a "Rapid" limited-stop train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Aoimori Railway Company, which runs from Hachinohe to Ōminato via the Aoimori Railway Line and the Ōminato Line.[1]

Shimokita

JR East KiHa 100 series DMU car KiHa 100-202 at Aomori Station on a Shimokita rapid service in February 2004
Overview
Service type	Rapid
Status	Operational
Locale	Aomori Prefecture
First service	15 September 1961 (Semi express) 1 October 1966 (Express) 1 December 1993 (Rapid)
Current operator(s)	JR East Aoimori Railway
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Termini	Hachinohe Ōminato
Stops	8
Distance travelled	109.7 km (68.2 mi)
Service frequency	3 round trip services daily to Hachinohe
Line(s) used	Ōminato Line Aoimori Railway 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	Toilets
Technical
Rolling stock	KiHa 100 series DMUs
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	None
Operating speed	100 km/h (62 mph)

Service pattern

There are three daily round trip services to Hachinohe.[2]

Station list

History

Semi express (1961 - 1965)

The Shimokita name was first used on 15 September 1961 for a semi express service which operated between Morioka in Iwate Prefecture and Ōwani in Aomori Prefecture via Aomori.[3] This was discontinued on 30 September 1965, replaced by the Michinoku service.[3]

Express (1966 - 1982)

The Shimokita name was subsequently used from 1 October 1966 for an express service which operated between Morioka and Ikarigaseki in the down direction and between Ōwani and Morioka in the up direction.[3] This was discontinued on 14 November 1982.[3]

Rapid (1993 - )

The Shimokita name was revived in 1993 when new KiHa 100 series DMU trains were introduced on the former Usori rapid services operating between Ōminato, Noheji, and Aomori.[4] On 13 March 2021, the Shimokita service operated jointly by JR East and the Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Ōminato was abolished, though the service continues to operate between Hachinohe and Ōminato.[5]

See also

• List of named passenger trains of Japan

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shimokita (train).