The service commenced as the express Tokachi (十勝) on 1 February 1962, operating between Sapporo and Obihiro. The service continued until 30 September 1968.[4]
The name was revived from 1 September 1990 as the Limited expressTokachi (とかち) using KiHa 183 series DMUs. From 27 July 1991, four Tokachi services were upgraded to become Super Tokachi using KiHa 183 series DMU sets including bilevel Green cars.[4]
From 1 October 2007, new 5-car KiHa 261-1000 series tilting DMUs were introduced on Super Tokachi services, with KiHa 283 series tilting DMUs also used on some services.[1]
From 1 October 2009, the remaining two Tokachi return services daily were upgraded to Super Tokachi using KiHa 261-1000 series DMUs.[5] However, the service was returned to simply Tokachi from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2020.[citation needed]
Discontinuation of catering services
From 1 November 2014, the refreshment trolley service and Green car complimentary drink service were discontinued, with refreshments sold instead in car 1.[6] The refreshment service was discontinued entirely from 1 January 2015.[6]
^ ab"JR北海道、特急「スーパーとかち」車内販売&グリーン車サービス年内で終了" [JR Hokkaido to end on-board sales and Green car service on Super Tokachi limited express]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.