Minakami (train)

The Minakami (水上) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) between Ueno in Tokyo and Minakami in Gunma Prefecture.[2]

Minakami

185-200 series EMU on a Minakami service, December 2006
Overview
Service type	Limited express
First service	1964 (Semi express) 1997 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)	JR East
Route
Start	Ueno
End	Minakami
Line(s) used	Tōhoku Main Line, Takasaki Line, Joetsu Line
Technical
Rolling stock	185 series EMUs
Operating speed	110 km/h (70 mph)[1]

History

The Minakami service (written in hiragana as "みなかみ") began as a semi-express service between Ueno and Minakami from 1 October 1964. This operated until 30 September 1965, after which the train was renamed Okutone.[3]

The name was revived from 1 October 1997 (this time written in kanji as "水上") following the renaming of the former Tanigawa limited express service.[2]

From the start of the revised timetable on 4 December 2010, the Minakami will cease to be a regular service, operating only during busy seasons.[4]

Rolling stock

Services are formed of 7-car 185 series EMU formations, sometimes coupled with Akagi services.[1]

References

1. ＪＲ新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 72. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
2. こだわりの新幹線＆特急列車ガイド [In-depth Shinkansen & Limited Express Guide]. Japan: Ikaros. 2000. p. 86. ISBN 4-87149-284-2.
3. 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995. p. 130.
4. "２０１０年１２月 ダイヤ改正について (Details of December 2010 Timetable Revision)" (PDF) (Press release) (in Japanese). JR East. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2010.

External links

• JR East 185 series Akagi/Kusatsu/Minakami (in Japanese)