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

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR Hokkaido Limited Express "SUZURAN," which connects Sapporo Station to Higashi-Muroran Station and Muroran Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to Noboribetsu Onsen and Muroran, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

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 "SUZURAN" is a JR Hokkaido limited express train connecting Sapporo Station with Higashi-Muroran Station and Muroran Station. It can be used to access Noboribetsu Onsen and Muroran. It is operated using 785 series or 789 series 1000 series trains, and as of March 2026, all seats are reserved. The 789 series 1000 series and others have spacious reserved seats called "u-seats". Depending on the train, it may depart from or arrive at Higashi-Muroran Station or Muroran Station, so please check the destination.

What is "SUZURAN"?

"SUZURAN" is a JR Hokkaido limited express train named after the lily of the valley, Hokkaido's official flower. The Muroran Main Line runs from Oshamanbe Station, through Tomakomai, to Iwamizawa Station. Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring resorts, boasting nine different types of spring water. Muroran is an industrial city that prospered from steelmaking and port operations. The 789 series is an electric train designed to withstand Hokkaido's harsh winters.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "SUZURAN" lies in its direct, no-transfer access from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen and Muroran. The u-seats offer more spacious seating than regular reserved seats, ensuring a comfortable journey. Noboribetsu Onsen's Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a site of volcanic activity with rising steam. Noboribetsu Onsen is known as a "department store of hot springs," boasting nine different types of spring water. Noboribetsu Marine Park NIX is a popular aquarium for families. Cape Chikyu in Muroran is a cliffside viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The Hakucho Bridge is a symbolic suspension bridge in Muroran. Lake Toya can be accessed by transferring from Higashi-Muroran Station. Checking the stops and travel times before boarding makes it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stopovers. The scenery outside the window changes significantly depending on the season, so choosing the time of year to suit your purpose is recommended. The Muroran Main Line runs along the Pacific coast for a considerable distance. The Toya-Usu Geopark is known as a region where people coexist with volcanoes.

"SUZURAN" Timetable

Downbound (towards Higashi-Muroran Station) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Sapporo Station)

The "SUZURAN" operates several round trips per 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 daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Fares, Tickets and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "SUZURAN" operates daily throughout the year. There are direct services to Muroran Station and services that terminate at Higashi-Muroran Station. During winter, delays or service suspensions may occur due to snowfall.

Operating Sections of "SUZURAN"

Main Sections

• Sapporo Station to Minami-Chitose Station (JR Chitose Line)
• Minami-Chitose Station to Tomakomai Station (JR Chitose Line)
• Tomakomai Station to Higashi-Muroran Station/Muroran Station (JR Muroran Main Line)

Noboribetsu Station is the gateway to Noboribetsu Onsen. You can access Noboribetsu Onsen by bus from Noboribetsu Station. Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is known for its impressive scenery of rising steam. At Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, you can enjoy facilities that recreate the townscape of the Edo period. Cape Chikyu in Muroran is an observation spot with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Hakucho Bridge is one of the largest suspension bridges in Eastern Japan. Tomakomai is known for its surf clam landings. Since travel to surrounding tourist spots is mainly by bus or on foot, it is advisable to check local transportation options in advance. There are often tourist information centers around the station where you can get maps and brochures. For lines with limited service, it is advisable to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Lake Shikotsu is known for its exceptionally clear waters.

Stations Where the "SUZURAN" Stops

Main Stops

• Sapporo Station
• Shin-Sapporo Station
• Minami-Chitose Station
• Tomakomai Station
• Noboribetsu Station
• Higashi-Muroran Station
• Muroran Station

Fares for "SUZURAN"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "SUZURAN" is the sum of the basic fare ticket and the reserved seat limited express ticket. Since all seats are reserved, please specify the train and seat you wish to use before boarding. Reserved seat fares may vary depending on the date and section of travel. If you are traveling only between Higashi-Muroran Station and Muroran Station, there is a special exception that allows you to use an available reserved seat in the ordinary car with only a basic fare ticket.

Differences from "Hokuto"

Between Sapporo and Higashi-Muroran, there are two trains: the "SUZURAN" and the "Hokuto," which goes directly to Hakodate. The "SUZURAN" terminates at Higashi-Muroran Station or Muroran Station. The "Hokuto" goes directly to Hakodate and also stops at Higashi-Muroran Station. If you are heading towards Noboribetsu or Muroran, you can use either train.

How to Buy Tickets for "SUZURAN"

Eki-net (Online Reservation)

JR Hokkaido's limited express trains allow you to reserve reserved seats through online 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 Machines and Ticket Offices

You can purchase your basic fare ticket and reserved seat limited express ticket at the station's reserved seat ticket machines or ticket offices. Since all seats on the "SUZURAN" are reserved, please reserve your seat before boarding.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation in Noboribetsu Onsen with train travel.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

The "SUZURAN" can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS or eligible JR Hokkaido rail passes. Since all seats are reserved, pass holders must reserve their seats before boarding. The coverage area and reservation methods vary depending on the pass.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

Tickets purchased through online reservations may require you to pick up a paper ticket. Please check the reservation completion screen to see if you are eligible for a ticketless product and how to receive your ticket. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, please complete the procedure at a designated ticket machine or ticket office before boarding.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

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 Muroran 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.

Seating Information for "SUZURAN"

Seat Types

The "SUZURAN" is operated using either the 785 series or the 789 series 1000 series, and all seats are reserved. In addition to standard class reserved seats, some trains and cars offer "u-seats" which have wider seat spacing and are equipped with power outlets.

Distinctive Seating

u-seats offer wider seat pitch than regular reserved seats, ensuring a comfortable journey. The 789 series is designed to withstand Hokkaido's harsh winters. The seats recline for a comfortable ride. From seats on the Pacific side, you can enjoy views of the coastline. The scenery changes depending on the direction of travel, so it's advisable to check your seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's best to check your seat location in advance and make a reservation 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.

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the "SUZURAN".

There is no in-car sales service on the "SUZURAN". If you would like to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the ekiben shops or stalls at Sapporo Station. In Tomakomai, dishes using surf clams are a local specialty. In Muroran, Muroran yakitori is known as a local delicacy. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it is advisable to stop by early. There is a wide variety of ekiben available, so it is fun to take some time to choose before boarding. 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 for everyone. 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 the "SUZURAN".

All seats on the "SUZURAN" are reserved. Some trains depart from and arrive at Higashi-Muroran Station, while others depart from and arrive at Muroran Station, so please check your destination before boarding. During winter, delays and cancellations may occur due to snow or strong winds. If you are going to Noboribetsu Onsen, you will need to transfer to a local bus or other transportation from Noboribetsu Station.

Since there is no onboard service, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. It is also advisable to check the train's operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

The "SUZURAN" is a JR Hokkaido limited express train connecting Sapporo Station with Higashi-Muroran Station and Muroran Station. It is a major access train to Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring resorts. All seats are reserved, and you can enjoy a more comfortable journey by choosing the "u-seat" on trains such as the 789 series 1000 series.

Enjoy a tour of Hokkaido's hot springs on your way to the "department store of hot springs" via the "SUZURAN".

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.