Jump to content

Asama (train): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted 2 edits by Erick100999 (talk) to last revision by 112.215.66.78. (TW)
→Train formations: not needed or specific to this article
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Japanese high-speed Shinkansen train service}}
{{italic title}}
{{italic title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Update|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox rail service
{{Infobox rail service
| name = ''Asama''
| name = ''Asama''
| image = E7 F4 Asama 522 Omiya 20140419.jpg
| image = Series-E7-F19.jpg
| image_width = 300px
| image_width = 300px
| caption = An E7 series set on an ''Asama'' service, April 2014
| caption = An E7 series set on an ''Asama'' service in February 2021
| type = [[Shinkansen]]
| type = [[Shinkansen]] ([[Shinkansen#Service names|Local]])
| status = Operational
| status = Operational
| locale = Japan
| locale = Japan
| predecessor =
| predecessor =
| first = 1 March 1961 (Semi-express)<BR>1 October 1997 (Shinkansen)
| first = 1 March 1961 (Semi-express)<br>1 October 1997 (Shinkansen)
| last =
| last =
| successor =
| successor =
Line 17: Line 19:
| line_used = [[Hokuriku Shinkansen]]
| line_used = [[Hokuriku Shinkansen]]
| ridership =
| ridership =
| start = {{ja-stalink|Tokyo}}
| start = {{STN|Tokyo}}
| stops =
| stops =
| end = {{ja-stalink|Nagano}}
| end = {{STN|Nagano}}
| distance =
| distance =
| journeytime =
| journeytime =
| frequency =
| frequency =
| trainnumber =
| trainnumber =
| class = Standard + Green + Gran Class (E7/W7 series)
| class = Standard + Green + Gran Class
| access =
| access =
| seating =
| seating =
| catering = Trolley service
| catering = [[Trolley service]]
| stock = [[E2 series]], [[E7 series]], [[W7 series]]
| stock = [[E7 series]], [[W7 series]]
| gauge = {{RailGauge|1435mm}}
| gauge = {{RailGauge|1435mm|allk=on}}
| el = 25 kV AC 50/60 Hz overhead
| el = [[25 kV AC]] 50/60 [[Hertz|Hz]] [[Overhead line|overhead]]
| speed = {{Convert|260|km/h|mph|disp=5|abbr=on}}
| speed = {{Convert|260|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}
| owners =
| owners =
| routenumber =
| routenumber =
Line 38: Line 40:
}}
}}


The {{Nihongo|'''''Asama'''''|あさま}} is a high-speed [[Shinkansen]] train service operated by [[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) on the [[Nagano Shinkansen]] in Japan.<ref name="kotsu2008">{{cite book | title = {{noitalic|JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル}} |trans_title= JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File| publisher = Kōtsū Shimbun | year = 2008 | location = Japan | page = 20| isbn = 978-4-330-00608-6}}</ref> The shinkansen service was introduced in October 1997, but the name was first used for a semi-express service operated by [[Japanese National Railways]] (JNR) in 1961.<ref name="meikan1995">{{cite book | title = {{noitalic|列車名鑑1995}} |trans_title= Train Name Directory 1995| publisher = Railway Journal| date = August 1995 | location = Japan| page = | isbn = }}</ref>　"Asama" is the name of an active volcano ([[Mount Asama]]) near [[Karuizawa, Nagano|Karuizawa]], on the boundary between [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]] and [[Nagano Prefecture]].
The {{Nihongo|'''''Asama'''''|あさま}} is a high-speed [[Shinkansen]] train service operated by [[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) on the [[Hokuriku Shinkansen]] in Japan.<ref name="kotsu2008">{{cite book | script-title=ja: JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル |trans-title= JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File| publisher = Kōtsū Shimbun | year = 2008 | location = Japan | page = 20| isbn = 978-4-330-00608-6}}</ref> The shinkansen service was introduced in October 1997, but the name was first used for a semi-express service operated by [[Japanese National Railways]] (JNR) in 1961.<ref name="meikan1995">{{cite book | script-title=ja: 列車名鑑1995 |trans-title= Train Name Directory 1995| publisher = Railway Journal| date = August 1995 | location = Japan}}</ref> “Asama" is the name of an active volcano ([[Mount Asama]]) near [[Karuizawa, Nagano|Karuizawa]], on the boundary between [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]] and [[Nagano Prefecture]].


==Operations==
==Operations==
All 16 ''Asama'' services stopped at {{Ja-stalink|Tokyo}}, {{Ja-stalink|Ueno}}, {{Ja-stalink|Omiya}}, {{Ja-stalink|Takasaki}}, {{Ja-stalink|Karuizawa}}, {{Ja-stalink|Sakudaira}}, {{Ja-stalink|Ueda}}, and {{Ja-stalink|Nagano}}. 11 of them made an additional stop at {{Ja-stalink|Kumagaya}}, {{Ja-stalink|Honjo-Waseda}}, and {{Ja-stalink|Annaka-Haruna}}.
All 16 ''Asama'' services stop at {{STN|Tokyo}}, {{STN|Ueno}}, {{STN|Ōmiya|Saitama}}, {{STN|Takasaki}}, {{STN|Karuizawa}}, {{STN|Sakudaira}}, {{STN|Ueda|Nagano}}, and {{STN|Nagano}}. 11 of them make an additional stop at {{STN|Kumagaya}}, {{STN|Honjō-Waseda}}, and {{STN|Annaka-Haruna}}.


==Train formations==
==Train formations==
''Asama'' services are operated using 8-car [[E2 series]] or 12-car [[E7 series]] or [[W7 series]] trainsets formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.<ref name="jrr2012_summer">{{cite book |title = {{noitalic|JR電車編成表 2012夏}} |trans_title= JR EMU Formations - Summer 2012| publisher = Kotsu Shimbunsha | date = May 2012 | location = Japan | page = 13| isbn = 978-4-330-28612-9}}</ref>
''Asama'' services are operated using 12-car [[E7 series]] or [[W7 series]] trainsets formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.<ref name="jrr2012_summer">{{cite book |script-title=ja: JR電車編成表 2012夏 |trans-title= JR EMU Formations - Summer 2012| publisher = Kotsu Shimbunsha | date = May 2012 | location = Japan | page = 13| isbn = 978-4-330-28612-9}}</ref> Car 11 is a "Green" car, and car 12 is a "Gran Class" car with 2+1 seating. Unlike on Tohoku Shinkansen ''[[Hayabusa (train)|Hayabusa]]'' services, however, a dedicated attendant service is not provided in Gran Class cars on ''Asama'' services.<ref name="tt201403"/> All cars are no-smoking.<ref name="tt201403"/>

===E2 series===
⚫
In E2 series sets, car 7 is a "Green" (first class) car.<ref name="tt201403">{{cite book | title=JR Timetable | publisher=Kotsu Shimbunsha | date=March 2014 | location=Japan | page=970 | isbn=4910053110341|ignore-isbn-error=true}}</ref> All cars are no-smoking.<ref name="tt201403"/>

⚫
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
|-
⚫
! Car No. !! 1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 4 !! style="background: #FFF2E6"| 5 !! style="background: #FFF2E6"| 6 !! style="background: #E6FFE6" | 7 !! style="background: #FFF2E6"| 8
⚫
|-
⚫
! Class
⚫
| Non-reserved || Non-reserved || Non-reserved || Non-reserved || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Reserved || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Reserved || style="background: #F5FFF5" | Green || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Reserved
⚫
|-
⚫
! Facilities
⚫
| Toilet || &nbsp; || Toilet || Phone || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Toilet || style="background: #FFFAF5"| &nbsp; || style="background: #F5FFF5" | Toilet, wheelchair space || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Wheelchair space, phone
⚫
|}

⚫
<gallery>
⚫
File:JRE E2 N1 E215 inside.jpg|Interior of an E2 series Green car
⚫
File:JRE E2 E226-301 inside.jpg|Interior of an E2 series ordinary-class car
</gallery>

===E7/W7 series===
In E7 and W7 series sets, car 11 is a "Green" car, and car 12 is a "Gran Class" car with 2+1 seating. Unlike on Tohoku Shinkansen ''[[Hayabusa (train)|Hayabusa]]'' services, however, a dedicated attendant service is not provided in Gran Class cars on ''Asama'' services.<ref name="tt201403"/> All cars are no-smoking.<ref name="tt201403"/>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 81: Line 61:
|}
|}


<gallery>
<gallery class=center>
File:E7Gran Class.JPG|Interior of an E7 series Gran Class car 12
File:E7Gran Class.JPG|Interior of an E7 series Gran Class car 12
File:E7First-class car.JPG|Interior of an E7 series Green car 11
File:E7 Green class car 20140412.jpg|Interior of an E7 series Green car 11
File:E7Standard-sized car.JPG|Interior of an E7 series ordinary-class car 10
File:E7Standard-sized car.JPG|Interior of an E7 series ordinary-class car 10
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Rolling stock==
==Rolling stock==
⚫
* [[E2 series]] 8-car N sets (since 1 October 1997)
* [[E7 series]] 12-car F sets (since 15 March 2014)
* [[E7 series]] 12-car F sets (since 15 March 2014)
* [[W7 series]] 12-car W sets (since 14 March 2015)
* [[W7 series]] 12-car W sets (since 14 March 2015)


Services were initially operated using a dedicated fleet of fourteen 8-car [[E2 series]] "N" sets based at Nagano Shinkansen Depot.<ref name="jrr2012_summer">{{cite book |title = {{noitalic|JR電車編成表 2012夏}} |trans_title= JR EMU Formations - Summer 2012| publisher = Kotsu Shimbunsha | date = May 2012 | location = Japan | page = 13| isbn = 978-4-330-28612-9}}</ref> Trains are designed to maintain speeds of {{Convert|260|km/h|mph|disp=5|abbr=on}} on the 30&nbsp;km continuous gradient of 30[[Per mil|‰]] between {{Ja-stalink|Takasaki}} and Karuizawa.
Services were initially operated using a dedicated fleet of fourteen 8-car [[E2 series]] "N" sets based at Nagano Shinkansen Depot.<ref name="jrr2012_summer"/> Trains are designed to maintain speeds of {{Convert|260|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}} on the 30&nbsp;km continuous gradient of 30[[Per mil|‰]] between {{STN|Takasaki}} and Karuizawa.


New [[E7 series]] 12-car sets, also based at Nagano Depot, were introduced on ''Asama'' services from the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014.<ref name="dj361">{{cite journal|script-title=ja:3月15日ダイヤ改正と各地の話題　|trans_title= 15 March timetable revision and topics from around the regions|journal = Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine |volume = 43|issue = 361|page = p.12|publisher = Kōtsū Shimbun |location = Japan |language= Japanese|date = May 2014}}</ref> These trains include "Gran Class" seating arranged 2+1 abreast. E7 series trainsets were initially used on seven return services daily, with a further four return workings added from 19 April 2014.<ref name="dj361"/>
New [[E7 series]] 12-car sets, also based at Nagano Depot, were introduced on ''Asama'' services from the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014.<ref name="dj361">{{cite magazine|script-title=ja:3月15日ダイヤ改正と各地の話題　|trans-title= 15 March timetable revision and topics from around the regions|magazine=Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine |volume = 43|issue = 361|page =12|publisher = Kōtsū Shimbun |location = Japan |language= ja|date = May 2014}}</ref> These trains include "Gran Class" seating arranged 2+1 abreast. E7 series trainsets were initially used on seven return services daily, with a further four return workings added from 19 April 2014.<ref name="dj361"/> JR West [[W7 series]] 12-car sets, based at Hakusan Depot, were introduced from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2015.


<gallery class=center>
JR West [[W7 series]] 12-car sets, based at Hakusan Depot, were introduced from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2015.
File:Series-E7-F19.jpg|An E7 series set on an ''Asama'' service in February 2021

⚫
<gallery>
⚫
File:N11 Asama 514 Tokyo 20020601.jpg|JR East E2 series set N12 arriving at Tokyo Station on an ''Asama'' service, June 2002
File:JReastE7 F2 Omiya 20140517.jpg|A JR East E7 series trainset
File:W7 series set W3 20150207.jpg|A JR West W7 series trainset
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Previously used===
===Former rolling stock===
* [[E2 series]] 8-car J sets (October 1997&ndash;2002)
* [[E2 series]] 8-car J sets (from 1 October 1997 until 2002)
⚫
* [[E2 series]] 8-car N sets (from 1 October 1997 until 31 March 2017)
* [[200 Series Shinkansen#Set F80|200 series]] 12-car F80 set (February 1998 only)
* [[200 Series Shinkansen#Set F80|200 series]] 12-car F80 set (February 1998 only)
* [[E4 series]] 8-car P50/P80 sets, as ''Max Asama''
* [[E4 series]] 8-car P50/P80 sets, as ''Max Asama''


<gallery>
<gallery class=center>
File:E2 J6 Asama Karuizawa 19980218.jpg|A Nagano Shinkansen E2 series "J" set, February 1998
File:E2 J6 Asama Karuizawa 19980218.jpg|An 8-car Nagano Shinkansen E2 series set J6 arriving at Karuizawa Station on a Tokyo-bound ''Asama'' service in February 1998
⚫
File:N11 Asama 514 Tokyo 20020601.jpg|A JR East E2 series set N11 arriving at Tokyo Station on an ''Asama'' service in June 2002
File:Shinkansen E4series (4467135007).jpg|An E4 series set
File:Shinkansen E4series (4467135007).jpg|An E4 series set
File:200 F80 Asama Ueda 19980218.jpg|Modified set F80 on a Nagano Shinkansen ''Asama'' service, February 1998
File:200 F80 Asama Ueda 19980218.jpg|Modified set F80 on a Nagano Shinkansen ''Asama'' service in February 1998
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Pre-shinkansen===
===Pre-shinkansen===
[[File:JRE-EC189-Asama.jpg|thumb|189 series ''Asama'' service at Ōmiya Station, 1991]]
[[File:JRE-EC189-Asama.jpg|thumb|189 series ''Asama'' service at Ōmiya Station in 1991]]
* [[181 series]] EMU sets (October 1966&ndash;)
* [[181 series]] EMU sets (October 1966&ndash;)
* [[189 series]] EMU 9/11/12-car sets (October 1975&ndash;September 1997)
* [[189 series]] EMU 9/11/12-car sets (October 1975&ndash;September 1997)
Line 127: Line 104:


===Limited express ''Asama''===
===Limited express ''Asama''===
[[File:489 asama.JPG|thumb|189 series in ''Asama'' livery on the Shinetsu Main Line, August 1997]]
[[File:489 asama.JPG|thumb|489 series in ''Asama'' livery on the Shinetsu Main Line, August 1997]]
After a gap of three years, the name ''Asama'' was re-introduced from 1 October 1966 on the [[Limited express]] services operating between [[Ueno Station|Ueno]] and [[Nagano Station|Nagano]] or [[Naoetsu Station|Naoetsu]]. By the late 1990s, there were 29 workings daily in each direction, formed of 9- or 11-car [[189 series]] EMU formations. During the busy summer periods, a second [[First class travel|Green car]] was sometimes added to increase formations to 12 cars.<ref name="meikan1995"/>
After a gap of three years, the name ''Asama'' was re-introduced from 1 October 1966 on the [[Limited express]] services operating between [[Ueno Station|Ueno]] and [[Nagano Station|Nagano]] or [[Naoetsu Station|Naoetsu]]. By the late 1990s, there were 29 workings daily in each direction, formed of 9- or 11-car [[189 series]] EMU formations. During the busy summer periods, a second [[First class travel|Green car]] was sometimes added to increase formations to 12 cars.<ref name="meikan1995"/>


Line 144: Line 121:


===Shinkansen ''Asama''===
===Shinkansen ''Asama''===
From 1 October 1997, the name ''Asama'' was used for the services on the newly opened [[Nagano Shinkansen]] (absorbed into the Hokuriku Shinkansen from 2015), operating between {{Ja-stalink|Tokyo}} and {{Ja-stalink|Nagano}}.<ref name="kotsu2008"/>
From 1 October 1997, the name ''Asama'' was used for the services on the newly opened [[Hokuriku Shinkansen|Nagano Shinkansen]] (absorbed into the Hokuriku Shinkansen from 2015), operating between {{STN|Tokyo}} and {{STN|Nagano}}.<ref name="kotsu2008"/>


During the [[1998 Winter Olympics]] in February 1998, additional services were provided using one specially modified [[200 Series Shinkansen|200 series]] train (set F80), limited to a maximum speed of 210&nbsp;km/h.<ref name="railfan444">{{cite journal| title = 200系F80編成|trans_title= 200 series set F80| journal = [[Japan Railfan Magazine]] | volume = 38| issue = 444| page = p.64–65| publisher = Koyusha Co., Ltd.| location = Japan | date = April 1998| url = | doi = | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> Four [[E4 series]] double-decker "Max" trains (sets P51/52 and P81/82) were also specially built for seasonal use on the Nagano Shinkansen as ''Max Asama'' services, but only two (sets P81 and P82) are capable of travelling as far as Nagano because the line west of Karuizawa runs on a 60&nbsp;Hz power supply, unlike the rest of the line that runs on a 50&nbsp;Hz power supply.
During the [[1998 Winter Olympics]] in February 1998, additional services were provided using one specially modified [[200 Series Shinkansen|200 series]] train (set F80), limited to a maximum speed of 210&nbsp;km/h.<ref name="railfan444">{{cite magazine| script-title=ja: 200系F80編成|trans-title= 200 series set F80|magazine=[[Japan Railfan Magazine]] | volume = 38| issue = 444|pages=64–65| publisher = Koyusha Co., Ltd.| location = Japan | date = April 1998}}</ref> Four [[E4 series]] double-decker "Max" trains (sets P51/52 and P81/82) were also specially built for seasonal use on the Nagano Shinkansen as ''Max Asama'' services, but only two (sets P81 and P82) are capable of travelling as far as Nagano because the line west of Karuizawa runs on a 60&nbsp;Hz power supply, unlike the rest of the line that runs on a 50&nbsp;Hz power supply.


From the start of the revised timetable on 10 December 2005, ''Asama'' services were made entirely no-smoking.<ref name="jrr2012_summer"/>
From the start of the revised timetable on 10 December 2005, ''Asama'' services were made entirely no-smoking.<ref name="jrr2012_summer"/>

⚫
The services operated using [[E2 series]] eight-car sets (until 31 March 2017) were formed as follows. Car 7 was a "Green" (first class) car.<ref name="tt201403">{{cite book | title=JR Timetable | publisher=Kotsu Shimbunsha | date=March 2014 | location=Japan | page=970}}</ref> All cars were no-smoking.<ref name="tt201403"/>

⚫
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
|-
⚫
! Car No. !! 1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 4 !! style="background: #FFF2E6"| 5 !! style="background: #FFF2E6"| 6 !! style="background: #E6FFE6" | 7 !! style="background: #FFF2E6"| 8
⚫
|-
⚫
! Class
⚫
| Non-reserved || Non-reserved || Non-reserved || Non-reserved || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Reserved || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Reserved || style="background: #F5FFF5" | Green || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Reserved
⚫
|-
⚫
! Facilities
⚫
| Toilet || &nbsp; || Toilet || Phone || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Toilet || style="background: #FFFAF5"| &nbsp; || style="background: #F5FFF5" | Toilet, wheelchair space || style="background: #FFFAF5"| Wheelchair space, phone
⚫
|}

<gallery class=center>
⚫
File:JRE E2 N1 E215 inside.jpg|Interior of an E2 series Green car
⚫
File:JRE E2 E226-301 inside.jpg|Interior of an E2 series ordinary-class car
⚫
</gallery>


From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, new [[E7 series]] 12-car trainsets were introduced on ''Asama'' services.<ref name="dj361"/> Initially used on seven return services daily, this number was increased to eleven return services daily from 19 April 2014.<ref name="dj361"/>
From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, new [[E7 series]] 12-car trainsets were introduced on ''Asama'' services.<ref name="dj361"/> Initially used on seven return services daily, this number was increased to eleven return services daily from 19 April 2014.<ref name="dj361"/>


Following the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension beyond Nagano to Kanazawa in 2015, the ''Asama'' name continued to be used for those services operating between Tokyo and Nagano,<ref name="news20131010">{{cite web |url= http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2013/20131008.pdf|script-title=ja:北陸新幹線の列車名の決定について|trans_title= Hokuriku Shinkansen train names decided|date= 10 October 2013 |work= News release|publisher= JR East & JR West|location= Japan|language= Japanese|format= pdf|archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate= 10 October 2013}}</ref> with some services still operated by 8-car E2 series trains.<ref name="jreast20140827">{{cite web |url= http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2014/20140814.pdf|script-title=ja:北陸新幹線 長野～金沢間開業に伴う運行計画の概要について |trans_title= Outline of service plans for opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano to Kanazawa|date= 27 August 2014 |work= News release|publisher= JR East & JR West|location= Japan|language= Japanese|format= PDF|archiveurl= |archivedate= |accessdate= 27 August 2014}}</ref>
Following the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension beyond Nagano to Kanazawa in 2015, the ''Asama'' name continued to be used for those services operating between Tokyo and Nagano,<ref name="news20131010">{{cite web |url= http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2013/20131008.pdf|script-title=ja:北陸新幹線の列車名の決定について|trans-title= Hokuriku Shinkansen train names decided|date= 10 October 2013 |work= News release|publisher= JR East & JR West|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 10 October 2013}}</ref> with some services still operated by 8-car E2 series trains.<ref name="jreast20140827">{{cite web |url= http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2014/20140814.pdf|script-title=ja:北陸新幹線 長野～金沢間開業に伴う運行計画の概要について |trans-title= Outline of service plans for opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano to Kanazawa|date= 27 August 2014 |work= News release|publisher= JR East & JR West|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 27 August 2014}}</ref>

The last services operated using eight-car E2 series trainsets ran on 31 March 2017, from which date all ''Asama'' services were formed of E7 and W7 series trainsets.<ref name="railfan20170401">{{cite web |url= http://railf.jp/news/2017/04/01/202000.html |script-title=ja: E2系N編成“あさま”の営業運転終了 |trans-title= E2 series N set ''Asama'' services end |date= 1 April 2017|work= Japan Railfan Magazine Online|publisher= Koyusha Co., Ltd.|location= Japan|language= ja|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170401150843/http://railf.jp/news/2017/04/01/202000.html |archive-date= 1 April 2017 |url-status=live |access-date= 1 April 2017}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 162: Line 159:
==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Asama (train)}}
{{Commons category|Asama (train)}}
* [http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/shinkan/e2.html JR East E2 series ''Asama''] {{ja icon}}
* [http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/shinkan/e7.html JR East E7 series ''Asama''] {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/shinkan/e7.html JR East E7 series ''Asama''] {{ja icon}}


{{Shinkansen}}
{{Shinkansen}}
{{JR East trains}}
{{JR East trains}}


⚫
[[Category:Shinkansen]]
[[Category:Named passenger trains of Japan]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1961]]
[[Category:East Japan Railway Company]]
[[Category:East Japan Railway Company]]
⚫
[[Category:Named Shinkansen trains]]

Latest revision as of 12:46, 28 July 2024

Asama
An E7 series set on an Asama service in February 2021
Overview
Service typeShinkansen (Local)
StatusOperational
LocaleJapan
First service1 March 1961 (Semi-express)
1 October 1997 (Shinkansen)
Current operator(s)JR East
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
TerminiTokyo
Nagano
Line(s) usedHokuriku Shinkansen
On-board services
Class(es)Standard + Green + Gran Class
Catering facilitiesTrolley service
Technical
Rolling stockE7 series, W7 series
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification25 kV AC 50/60 Hz overhead
Operating speed260 km/h (160 mph)

The Asama (あさま) is a high-speed Shinkansen train service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on the Hokuriku Shinkansen in Japan.[1] The shinkansen service was introduced in October 1997, but the name was first used for a semi-express service operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1961.[2] “Asama" is the name of an active volcano (Mount Asama) near Karuizawa, on the boundary between Gunma and Nagano Prefecture.

Operations

[edit]

All 16 Asama services stop at Tokyo, Ueno, Ōmiya, Takasaki, Karuizawa, Sakudaira, Ueda, and Nagano. 11 of them make an additional stop at Kumagaya, Honjō-Waseda, and Annaka-Haruna.

Train formations

[edit]

Asama services are operated using 12-car E7 series or W7 series trainsets formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.[3] Car 11 is a "Green" car, and car 12 is a "Gran Class" car with 2+1 seating. Unlike on Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa services, however, a dedicated attendant service is not provided in Gran Class cars on Asama services.[4] All cars are no-smoking.[4]

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Green Gran Class
Facilities Toilets   Toilets, phone   Toilets   Wheelchair space, accessible toilet, phone   Toilets   Wheelchair space, accessible toilet Toilets
  • Interior of an E7 series Gran Class car 12
    Interior of an E7 series Gran Class car 12
  • Interior of an E7 series Green car 11
    Interior of an E7 series Green car 11
  • Interior of an E7 series ordinary-class car 10
    Interior of an E7 series ordinary-class car 10

Rolling stock

[edit]
  • E7 series 12-car F sets (since 15 March 2014)
  • W7 series 12-car W sets (since 14 March 2015)

Services were initially operated using a dedicated fleet of fourteen 8-car E2 series "N" sets based at Nagano Shinkansen Depot.[3] Trains are designed to maintain speeds of 260 km/h (160 mph) on the 30 km continuous gradient of 30‰ between Takasaki and Karuizawa.

New E7 series 12-car sets, also based at Nagano Depot, were introduced on Asama services from the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014.[5] These trains include "Gran Class" seating arranged 2+1 abreast. E7 series trainsets were initially used on seven return services daily, with a further four return workings added from 19 April 2014.[5] JR West W7 series 12-car sets, based at Hakusan Depot, were introduced from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2015.

  • An E7 series set on an Asama service in February 2021
    An E7 series set on an Asama service in February 2021

Former rolling stock

[edit]
  • E2 series 8-car J sets (from 1 October 1997 until 2002)
  • E2 series 8-car N sets (from 1 October 1997 until 31 March 2017)
  • 200 series 12-car F80 set (February 1998 only)
  • E4 series 8-car P50/P80 sets, as Max Asama
  • An 8-car Nagano Shinkansen E2 series set J6 arriving at Karuizawa Station on a Tokyo-bound Asama service in February 1998
    An 8-car Nagano Shinkansen E2 series set J6 arriving at Karuizawa Station on a Tokyo-bound Asama service in February 1998
  • A JR East E2 series set N11 arriving at Tokyo Station on an Asama service in June 2002
    A JR East E2 series set N11 arriving at Tokyo Station on an Asama service in June 2002
  • An E4 series set
    An E4 series set
  • Modified set F80 on a Nagano Shinkansen Asama service in February 1998
    Modified set F80 on a Nagano Shinkansen Asama service in February 1998

Pre-shinkansen

[edit]
189 series Asama service at Ōmiya Station in 1991

History

[edit]

Semi-express Asama

[edit]

The name Asama was first introduced on 1 March 1961 for semi-express (準急, junkyū) services operating between Nagano and Niigata. This service operated until 30 November 1962, after which the train was renamed Akakura (赤倉). From 1 December 1962, the name was used for the semi-express services operating between Ueno in Tokyo and Nagano on the Shinetsu Line. This service continued until 30 September 1963, after which the train was renamed Maruike (丸池).[2]

Limited express Asama

[edit]
489 series in Asama livery on the Shinetsu Main Line, August 1997

After a gap of three years, the name Asama was re-introduced from 1 October 1966 on the Limited express services operating between Ueno and Nagano or Naoetsu. By the late 1990s, there were 29 workings daily in each direction, formed of 9- or 11-car 189 series EMU formations. During the busy summer periods, a second Green car was sometimes added to increase formations to 12 cars.[2]

The typical 11-car 189 series formation in 1995 was as shown below, with car 1 at the Ueno end.[2]

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Numbering KuHa 189 MoHa 188 MoHa 189 MoHa 188 MoHa 189 SaRo 189 MoHa 188 MoHa 189 MoHa 188 MoHa 189 KuHa 189
Accommodation Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Green Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved

Shinkansen Asama

[edit]

From 1 October 1997, the name Asama was used for the services on the newly opened Nagano Shinkansen (absorbed into the Hokuriku Shinkansen from 2015), operating between Tokyo and Nagano.[1]

During the 1998 Winter Olympics in February 1998, additional services were provided using one specially modified 200 series train (set F80), limited to a maximum speed of 210 km/h.[6] Four E4 series double-decker "Max" trains (sets P51/52 and P81/82) were also specially built for seasonal use on the Nagano Shinkansen as Max Asama services, but only two (sets P81 and P82) are capable of travelling as far as Nagano because the line west of Karuizawa runs on a 60 Hz power supply, unlike the rest of the line that runs on a 50 Hz power supply.

From the start of the revised timetable on 10 December 2005, Asama services were made entirely no-smoking.[3]

The services operated using E2 series eight-car sets (until 31 March 2017) were formed as follows. Car 7 was a "Green" (first class) car.[4] All cars were no-smoking.[4]

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Class Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Reserved Reserved Green Reserved
Facilities Toilet   Toilet Phone Toilet   Toilet, wheelchair space Wheelchair space, phone
  • Interior of an E2 series Green car
    Interior of an E2 series Green car
  • Interior of an E2 series ordinary-class car
    Interior of an E2 series ordinary-class car

From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, new E7 series 12-car trainsets were introduced on Asama services.[5] Initially used on seven return services daily, this number was increased to eleven return services daily from 19 April 2014.[5]

Following the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension beyond Nagano to Kanazawa in 2015, the Asama name continued to be used for those services operating between Tokyo and Nagano,[7] with some services still operated by 8-car E2 series trains.[8]

The last services operated using eight-car E2 series trainsets ran on 31 March 2017, from which date all Asama services were formed of E7 and W7 series trainsets.[9]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 20. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. ^ a b c d 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995.
  3. ^ a b c JR電車編成表 2012夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2012]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. May 2012. p. 13. ISBN 978-4-330-28612-9.
  4. ^ a b c d JR Timetable. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. March 2014. p. 970.
  5. ^ a b c d 3月15日ダイヤ改正と各地の話題 [15 March timetable revision and topics from around the regions]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 43, no. 361. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. May 2014. p. 12.
  6. ^ 200系F80編成 [200 series set F80]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 38, no. 444. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. April 1998. pp. 64–65.
  7. ^ 北陸新幹線の列車名の決定について [Hokuriku Shinkansen train names decided] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: JR East & JR West. 10 October 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  8. ^ 北陸新幹線 長野～金沢間開業に伴う運行計画の概要について [Outline of service plans for opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano to Kanazawa] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: JR East & JR West. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  9. ^ E2系N編成“あさま”の営業運転終了 [E2 series N set Asama services end]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 1 April 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Asama (train).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Asama_(train)&oldid=1237165047"