Limited Express "LILAC" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Hokkaido Limited Express "LILAC," which connects Sapporo Station and Asahikawa Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative routes, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as a vital access train to Asahikawa and northern Hokkaido, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip. A physical ticket is required for boarding. IC cards and credit card touch payments are not accepted. The train has reserved seats and Green Car seats. There is no onboard sales service.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "LILAC" is a JR Hokkaido Limited Express train that connects Sapporo Station and Asahikawa Station via the JR Hakodate Main Line. It is a major Limited Express train connecting Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, and Asahikawa, the central city of northern Hokkaido. Along with the Limited Express "KAMUI," which runs on the same route, it operates at a high frequency. The train uses 789 series electric trains and has Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Green Car seats. Since all seats are reserved, please purchase a reserved seat limited express ticket before boarding. It is also used as a starting point for trips to Asahiyama Zoo and the Furano/Biei area. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "LILAC"?

"LILAC" is a JR Hokkaido Limited Express train named after the lilac flower, which is also the official flower of Sapporo. Lilacs are beloved flowers that brighten up Sapporo in early summer, and a Lilac Festival is also held. The 789 series 0-series train used for this service was formerly used as the "Super Hakucho" that ran through the Seikan Tunnel. With the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, this train was repurposed for the Limited Express service between Sapporo and Asahikawa. JR Hokkaido's Limited Express trains feature Green Cars with spacious 3-across seating and power outlets by the window.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "LILAC" train lies in its speed, connecting Sapporo and Asahikawa in about 1 hour and 25 minutes, and its frequent service. The Green Car offers spacious seating with three seats across, ensuring a comfortable journey even on long distances. Asahikawa is a city nationally known for Asahiyama Zoo. Asahiyama Zoo has gained popularity for its unique approach of exhibiting animals in their natural behavior, attracting many visitors. From Asahikawa, access to Furano and Biei is also convenient. The hills of Biei are known for their landscape of gently rolling hills and patchwork-like fields. From the train window, you can see the vast rural scenery of the Ishikari Plain. Asahikawa ramen is a local ramen dish characterized by its soy sauce-based soup. Checking the stopping stations and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season and time of day, so it is recommended to choose different times of day for the outbound and return journeys.

"LILAC" Timetable

*The "LILAC" train operates more than ten round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Asahikawa Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Sapporo Station) Timetable

The "LILAC" train operates more than ten round trips a day. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while the intervals between trains may be longer during the day. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important Notes Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "LILAC" train operates daily throughout the year. During winter, delays or service suspensions may occur due to snowfall. Along with the Limited Express "KAMUI" train, which runs on the same route, a high-frequency schedule is maintained.

"LILAC" Operating Sections

Main Sections

• Sapporo Station to Iwamizawa Station (JR Hakodate Main Line)
• Iwamizawa Station to Takikawa Station (JR Hakodate Main Line)
• Takikawa Station to Asahikawa Station (JR Hakodate Main Line)

Asahikawa Station is the gateway to sightseeing in northern Hokkaido. Asahiyama Zoo can be accessed by bus from Asahikawa Station in about 40 minutes. In front of Asahikawa Station is a pedestrianized shopping street called Kaimono Park. Biei and Furano can be accessed by transferring to the JR Furano Line from Asahikawa Station. The lavender fields of Furano are a representative summer landscape of Hokkaido. Sounkyo Onsen can be accessed by bus from Asahikawa Station. The area around Takikawa boasts the largest rapeseed field area in Japan. Since transportation to surrounding tourist spots is mainly by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures. Iwamizawa has a history of flourishing as a coal mining town.

"LILAC" Stopping Stations

Main Stopping Stations

• Sapporo Station
• Iwamizawa Station
• Bibai Station
• Sunagawa Station
• Takikawa Station
• Fukagawa Station
• Asahikawa Station

*The stopping stations vary depending on the train.

"LILAC" Fares

Representative Section Fare

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for "LILAC" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the reserved seat limited express fare depending on the seat you choose. Since all seats are reserved, please purchase your reserved seat limited express ticket before boarding. If you use a Green Car, you will need the prescribed limited express fare and Green Car fare, not just the reserved seat limited express fare. Fares may vary depending on the section of the journey and the time of year.

Difference from Limited Express "KAMUI"

Two Limited Express trains operate between Sapporo and Asahikawa: the "LILAC" and the Limited Express "KAMUI." The "LILAC" uses 789 series 0-series trains, while the Limited Express "KAMUI" uses 789 series 1000-series trains. Both trains are equipped with U-seats, but there are differences in the specifications of the vehicles. Stopping stations and travel times vary depending on the train, so it's a good idea to check before boarding.

How to Buy Tickets for "LILAC"

Eki-net (Internet Reservation)

JR Hokkaido's Limited Express trains allow you to reserve reserved seats through internet reservation services such as "Eki-net." Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to certain conditions and fees.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines and Midori-no-madoguchi. Since all seats are reserved, you will need to purchase both a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat limited express ticket. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Midori-no-madoguchi can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation in the Asahikawa and Furano areas with train travel.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The "LILAC" train is operated by JR Hokkaido, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or Hokkaido Rail Pass. Even when using a pass, separate procedures may be required if you wish to use reserved seats or U-seats. Reservations for reserved seats are also required when using a pass. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

Even if you purchase your tickets online, you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?

Within the Kitaca area around Sapporo, you can use a transportation IC card for the basic fare portion of your ticket. However, some sections towards Asahikawa may be outside the IC card area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

"LILAC" Seating Information

Seat Types

The "LILAC" train is operated using 789 series electric trains and consists of Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Green Car (all seats reserved). During peak seasons, seats fill up quickly, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. When booking, you may be able to choose between window and aisle seats. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

U-seats offer wider seat pitch than regular reserved seats, ensuring a comfortable journey. The 789 series train is designed to withstand Hokkaido's harsh winters. The seats recline, making even journeys of around 1.5 hours comfortable. From the windows, you can enjoy the vast scenery of the Ishikari Plain. Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For longer journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting JR Hokkaido's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

 

 

Enjoying Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on "LILAC"

"LILAC" does not offer in-car sales service. If you would like to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the bento box shops or stalls at Sapporo Station. Sapporo Station offers a variety of bento boxes featuring Hokkaido specialties such as salmon roe and crab. In Asahikawa, Asahikawa ramen and Jingisukan (grilled lamb) are famous. Hokkaido's bento boxes come in a wide variety, making it fun to choose before boarding. Since the shops inside the stations may have limited operating hours, it is best to prepare in advance if you are traveling early in the morning or late at night. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors, etc., to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "LILAC"

All seats on the "LILAC" train are reserved. During peak seasons, it may be fully booked, so early reservations are recommended. During winter, delays or service suspensions may occur due to snow. To reach Asahiyama Zoo, take a bus from Asahikawa Station. The train uses different rolling stock and seating arrangements than the Limited Express "KAMUI" train, so please confirm the train name and seat type when making your reservation.

Since there is no onboard service, if you plan to eat, be sure to prepare before boarding. Checking the train schedule on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "LILAC" is a JR Hokkaido Limited Express train connecting Sapporo Station and Asahikawa Station. It is operated using the 789 series, and passengers can choose from the spacious "U-seats" option. This train serves as a starting point for sightseeing in northern and central Hokkaido, including Asahiyama Zoo, Furano, and Biei.

Enjoy a journey through Hokkaido's vast landscapes, from Sapporo to Asahikawa, aboard the "LILAC" train.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.