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{{Short description|High-speed railway line in Japan}}
{{Short description|High-speed railway line in Japan}}
{{Infobox rail line
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width = auto
| box_width = 30em
| name = Yamagata Shinkansen
| name = Yamagata Shinkansen
| native_name = 山形新幹線
| native_name = 山形新幹線
| native_name_lang = ja
| native_name_lang = ja
| color = FF8000
| color = {{rcr|JR East|Yamagata Shinkansen}}
| mapcolor = {{rcb|JR East|Yamagata Shinkansen|box}} [[Orange (colour)|Orange]] (#{{rcr|JR East|Yamagata Shinkansen}})
| logo =
| logo =
| logo_width =
| image = E3-1000 L54 Tsubasa 144 Kita-Yamagata 20150307.jpg
| logo_width =
| image = E3-1000 L54 Tsubasa 144 Kita-Yamagata 20150307.jpg
| image_width = 300px
| image_width = 300px
| caption = An E3-1000 series train on the Yamagata Shinkansen in March 2015
| caption = E3-1000 series train set L54 on the Yamagata Shinkansen between Kita-yamagata and Yamagata in March 2015
| type = [[Mini-shinkansen]]
| type = [[Mini-shinkansen]]
| system =
| status =
| system =
| status = Operational
| locale = [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]] and [[Yamagata Prefecture]]s
| start = [[Fukushima Station (Fukushima)|Fukushima]]
| locale = [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]] and [[Yamagata Prefecture]]s
| start = {{STN|Fukushima|Fukushima}}
| end = [[Shinjō Station|Shinjō]]
| end = {{STN|Shinjō}}
| stations = 11
| routes =
| stations = 11
| routes =
| daily_ridership =
| open = 1 July 1992
| daily_ridership =
| open = {{start date and age|1992|07|01|m=y}} ({{STN|Tokyo}}–{{STN|Yamagata}})<br>{{start date and age|1999|12|04|m=y}} (Yamagata–Shinjō)
| close =
| owner = [[JR East]]
| close =
| owner = {{ric|JR East|name=y}}
| operator =
| operator = JR East
| character =
| depot =
| character =
| depot = Yamagata
| stock = [[E3-1000 series]]/[[E3-2000 series]]
| stock = {{plainlist|
| linelength = 148.6 km
*[[E3 Series Shinkansen|E3 series]]
| tracklength =
*[[E8 Series Shinkansen|E8 series]]
| tracks =
|}}
| gauge = {{RailGauge|1435mm}}
| electrification = 20 kV AC, 50 Hz, overhead catenary
| linelength = {{cvt|148.6|km}}
| tracklength =
| speed = {{Convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}
| tracks = [[Double-track railway|Double-track]] (Single-track in some sections)
| elevation =
| gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}}
| map = [[File:JR Yamagata Shinkansen linemap.svg|240px]]
| electrification = [[Overhead line]]:<br/>{{Plainlist|
| map_name = Route Map (from Fukushima in blue)
* {{20 kV 50 Hz}} (Fukushima–Shinjō)
| map_state = collapsed
}}
| speed = {{ubl|class=nowrap
|{{cvt|130|km/h|round=10}}
}}
| elevation =
| maxincline = 3.75%
| map = [[File:JR Yamagata Shinkansen linemap.svg|240px]]
| map_name = Route Map (from Fukushima in blue)
| map_state = collapsed
}}
}}


The {{Nihongo|'''Yamagata Shinkansen'''|山形新幹線}} is a [[Mini-shinkansen]] route in Japan, operated by [[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East). It provides service between [[Tokyo Station|Tokyo]] and [[Shinjō Station|Shinjō]] in [[Yamagata Prefecture]] over the tracks of the [[Tohoku Shinkansen]] and the [[Ōu Main Line]].
The {{Nihongo|'''Yamagata Shinkansen'''|山形新幹線}} is a [[Mini-shinkansen]] route in Japan, operated by [[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East). It provides service between [[Tokyo Station|Tokyo]] and [[Shinjō Station|Shinjō]] in [[Yamagata Prefecture]] over the tracks of the [[Tohoku Shinkansen]] and the [[Ōu Main Line]].


The term Yamagata Shinkansen refers to the segment that connects [[Fukushima Station (Fukushima)|Fukushima]] and Shinjō. Because the shinkansen trains share tracks with regular service trains, it is often referred to as a "mini-shinkansen".
The term Yamagata Shinkansen refers to the segment that connects [[Fukushima Station (Fukushima)|Fukushima]] and Shinjō. Because the shinkansen trains share tracks with local trains running on {{Nihongo|conventional lines|在来線|zairaisen}}, it is often referred to as a "mini-shinkansen".


==Operations==
==Operations==
[[File:山形新幹線分岐.jpg|thumb|An aerial view showing the Yamagata Shinkansen diverging to the left from the [[Tohoku Shinkansen]] north of Fukushima Station]]
[[File:山形新幹線分岐.jpg|thumb|An aerial view showing the Yamagata Shinkansen diverging to the left from the [[Tohoku Shinkansen]] north of Fukushima Station]]
Trains consist of 7-car [[E3 series (train)|E3 series]] trainsets operating as ''[[Tsubasa (train)|Tsubasa]]'' services. Between {{STN|Tokyo}} and [[Fukushima Station (Fukushima)|Fukushima]], the trains run coupled to ''[[Yamabiko]]'' trains on the Tōhoku Shinkansen. Between Fukushima and Shinjō, the trains run on their own at a maximum speed of {{Convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} and share the line with regular Ōu Main Line trains.<ref name="railfan612">{{cite magazine| title = 300km/hのトップランナー|trans-title= 300 km/h Top Runners|magazine=[[Japan Railfan Magazine]]| volume = 52| issue = 612| page =14| publisher = Koyusha Co., Ltd.| location = Japan| date = April 2012}}</ref>
Trains consist of 7-car [[E3 Series Shinkansen|E3]] and [[E8 Series Shinkansen|E8 series]] trainsets operating as ''[[Tsubasa (train)|Tsubasa]]'' services. Between {{STN|Tokyo}} and [[Fukushima Station (Fukushima)|Fukushima]], some trains run coupled to ''[[Yamabiko]]'' trains on the Tōhoku Shinkansen. Between Fukushima and Shinjō, the trains run on their own at a maximum speed of {{Convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} and share the line with regular Ōu Main Line trains.<ref name="railfan612">{{cite magazine| title = 300km/hのトップランナー|trans-title= 300 km/h Top Runners|magazine=[[Japan Railfan Magazine]]| volume = 52| issue = 612| page =14| publisher = Koyusha Co., Ltd.| location = Japan| date = April 2012}}</ref>

As of July 2012, about 62 million passengers had ridden the line since it opened in July 1992.<ref name="jt20120703">{{cite web |url= http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120703a7.html|title= Yamagata Shinkansen Line turns 20|date= 3 July 2012|work= [[The Japan Times]] |page = 2|publisher= The Japan Times Ltd.|location= Japan|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120725071525/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120703a7.html|archive-date= 25 July 2012|access-date= 30 December 2013}}</ref> The fastest trains connect Tokyo and Yamagata stations in two hours and 29 minutes.<ref name="jt20120703"/>

===Construction of a new approach line at Fukushima Station===


In April 2021, JR East started construction of a new approach line at Fukushima station. Currently, the Yamagata Shinkansen can only enter and exit the Tohoku Shinkansen through platform 14 at Fukushima Station. This current layout requires the Yamagata Shinkansen to cross the north bound tracks to reach the Tokyo bound tracks. This new approach line will pass under the Tohoku Shinkansen, which will allow Yamagata Shinkansen to enter the Tohoku Shinkansen on platform 11 removing the crossing and reducing the gravitude of transport disruption. Construction is expected to finish by the end of fiscal year 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-24 |title=【解説】下り線を"またぐ"運転解消へ 山形新幹線「アプローチ線」工事中 JR福島駅 {{!}} TBS NEWS DIG (1ページ) |url=https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/346391 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=TBS NEWS DIG |language=ja}}</ref>
As of July 2012, about 62 million passengers had ridden the line since it opened in July 1992.<ref name="jt20120703">{{cite web |url= http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120703a7.html|title= Yamagata Shinkansen Line turns 20|date= 3 July 2012|work= [[The Japan Times]] |page = 2|publisher= The Japan Times Ltd.|location= Japan|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120725071525/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120703a7.html|archive-date= 25 July 2012|access-date= 30 December 2013}}</ref> The fastest trains connected Tokyo and Yamagata stations in two hours and 29 minutes.<ref name="jt20120703"/>


===Proposed Ou Base Tunnel===
===Proposed Ou base tunnel===
Construction of a [[Base tunnel]] on the Yamagata Shinkansen is proposed, with JR East having undertaken a survey of a planned route from Niwasaka to Sekine, just south of Yonezawa station.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=7 November 2022 |title=Yamagata mini-Shinkansen base tunnel proposal makes progress |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/infrastructure/yamagata-mini-shinkansen-base-tunnel-proposal-makes-progress/62884.article |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref> {{Convert|23.1|km|mi|abbr=on}} of the proposed {{Convert|24.9|km|mi|abbr=on}} line would be in tunnel, mostly to the north of the existing {{Convert|88|km|mi|abbr=on}} Fukushima – Yamagata section. To be built on an improved alignment, the tunnel would lower journey times between Fukushima and Yamagata by ~10 min due to a proposed line speed of up to 200 km/h.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}
Construction of a [[base tunnel]] on the Yamagata Shinkansen is proposed, with JR East having undertaken a survey of a planned route from Niwasaka to Sekine, just south of Yonezawa station.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=7 November 2022 |title=Yamagata mini-Shinkansen base tunnel proposal makes progress |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/infrastructure/yamagata-mini-shinkansen-base-tunnel-proposal-makes-progress/62884.article |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref> {{Convert|23.1|km|mi|abbr=on}} of the proposed {{Convert|24.9|km|mi|abbr=on}} line would be in tunnel, mostly to the north of the existing {{Convert|88|km|mi|abbr=on}} Fukushima – Yamagata section. To be built on an improved alignment, the tunnel would lower journey times between Fukushima and Yamagata by ~10 min due to a proposed line speed of up to {{Cvt|200|km/h|4=0}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=Yamagata pins hopes on shinkansen tunnel, but faces roadblocks |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/23/national/yamagata-shinkansen-tunnel/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}</ref>


The tunnel would avoid the Itaya Toge pass through the Ou mountains west of Fukushima. Gradients range from 3.0% to 3.8% and the line reaches an altitude of {{Convert|548|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The curvature and steep grades limit train speeds to {{Convert|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} or less, and the line is vulnerable to heavy rain and snowfall as well as high winds.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}} Between 2011 and 2017 a total of 410 Yamagata mini-Shinkansen services were either suspended or delayed, and 40% of these incidents occurred on the line over the Itaya Toge pass.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}
The tunnel would avoid the Itaya Toge pass through the Ou mountains west of Fukushima. Gradients range from 3.0% to 3.8% and the line reaches an altitude of {{Convert|548|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The curvature and steep grades limit train speeds to {{Convert|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} or less, and the line is vulnerable to heavy rain and snowfall as well as high winds.<ref name=":0" /> Between 2011 and 2017 a total of 410 Yamagata mini-Shinkansen services were either suspended or delayed, and 40% of these incidents occurred on the line over the Itaya Toge pass.<ref name=":0" />


If the {{Yen|150 billion}} base tunnel is authorised, detailed design would take five years and construction another 15 years.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}} The cost could increase by {{Yen|12 billion}} if the tunnel were to be built with a cross-section large enough to permit the line to be upgraded to the full Shinkansen loading gauge.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}
If the {{Yen|150 billion}} base tunnel is authorised, detailed design would take five years and construction another 15 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-14 |title=A 23 km tunnel planned on Yamagata Shinkansen – Difficult section with heavy snowing - [WTM] Railway & Travel News |url=https://en.wtmnews.net/202211141283 |access-date=2023-05-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> The cost could increase by {{Yen|12 billion}} if the tunnel were to be built with a cross-section large enough to permit the line to be upgraded to the full Shinkansen [[Loading gauge]].<ref name=":0" />


==Station list==
==Station list==
{{routemap
{{BS-map
| title=Route map
| title=Route map
| title-bg=Green
| title-bg=Green
| collapse=yes
| collapse=yes
| map=
| map=
{{BS2|STR|||[[Tohoku Main Line]]}}
STR\~~[[Tohoku Main Line]]
{{BS4|KBHFa|BHF|KBHFa|BHF|0.0|Fukushima}}
KBHFa\BHF\KBHFa\BHF~~0.0~~Fukushima
{{BS4|KRWgl|KRWg+r|O2=eKRWgl|eKRWg+r|STR}}
KRWgl\KRWg+r!~eKRWgl\eKRWg+r\STR
{{BS4|HST|STR|STR|STR|||Soneda}}
HST\STR\STR\STR~~ ~~ ~~Soneda
{{BS4|KRZu|KRZu|KRZu|ABZgr||[[Tohoku Shinkansen]]}}
KRZu\KRZu\KRZu\ABZgr~~[[Tohoku Shinkansen]]
{{BS4|STR|STR|STR|STR+GRZq||25 kV / 20 kV}}
STR\STR\STR\STR+GRZq~~25 kV / 20 kV
{{BS4|STRr|kSTR3|STR|O3=STRc2|STR3||[[Fukushima Kōtsū Iizaka Line]]}}
STRr\kSTR3\STR!~STRc2\STR3~~[[Fukushima Kōtsū Iizaka Line]]
{{BS4|kSTRr+1|kSTRc4|ABZg+1|STRc4||[[Tōhoku Main Line]], [[Abukuma Express Line]]}}
kSTRr+1\kSTRc4\ABZg+1\STRc4~~[[Tōhoku Main Line]], [[Abukuma Express Line]]
{{BS2||BHF|3.8|Sasakino}}
\BHF~~3.8~~Sasakino
{{BS2||BHF|6.9|Niwasaka}}
\BHF~~6.9~~Niwasaka
{{BS4|||ABZg2|STRc3}}
\\ABZg2\STRc3
{{BS4|||STR+c1|STR+4}}
\\STR+c1\STR+4
{{BS4|||TUNNEL2|TUNNEL2}}
\\TUNNEL2\TUNNEL2
{{BS4|||TUNNEL2|tSTRa|O4=POINTERg@fq||No. 2 Yoshigasawa Tunnel}}
\\TUNNEL2\tSTRa!~POINTERg@fq~~No. 2 Yoshigasawa Tunnel
{{BS4|||TUNNEL2|tSTRe}}
\\TUNNEL2\tSTRe
{{BS4||extSTRc2|eABZg3xu|STR}}
\extSTRc2\eABZg3xu\STR
{{BS4||extSTR+1e|tSTRa|tSTRa}}
\extSTR+1e\tSTRa\tSTRa
{{BS4|extSTRc2|exABZg3xu|tSTR|O3=POINTERg@fq|tSTR|O4=POINTERg@fq||Matsukawa Tunnel}}
extSTRc2\exABZg3xu\tSTR!~POINTERg@fq\tSTR!~POINTERg@fq~~Matsukawa Tunnel
{{BS4|extSTR+1e|exTUNNEL2|tSTR|tSTR}}
extSTR+1e\exTUNNEL2\tSTR\tSTR
{{BS4|exHST|extSTR|tSTR|tSTR||''Higashi-Akaiwa (temp., 1st)''}}
exHST\extSTR\tSTR\tSTR~~''Higashi-Akaiwa (temp., 1st)''
{{BS4|exTUNNEL2|extSTR|tSTR|tSTR}}
exTUNNEL2\extSTR\tSTR\tSTR
{{BS4|exHST|extSTR|tSTR|tSTR||''Higashi-Akaiwa (temp., 2nd)''}}
exHST\extSTR\tSTR\tSTR~~''Higashi-Akaiwa (temp., 2nd)''
{{BS4|extSTRa|extSTRe|tSTRe|tSTRe}}
extSTRa\extSTRe\tSTRe\tSTRe
{{BS4|extSTRe|exSTR2|STR+c2|O3=exSTRc3|STR3}}
extSTRe\exSTR2\STR+c2!~exSTRc3\STR3
{{BS4|exkSTR2|exSTRc1|eABZg+4|O3=STR+1|STRc4}}
exkSTR2\exSTRc1\eABZg+4!~STR+1\STRc4
{{BS4|exkSTRc1|exkSTRl+4|eABZg+r||}}
exkSTRc1\exkSTRl+4\eABZg+r\
{{BS2|exKBHFaq|eABZg+r||''Akaiwa''||Until 1990}}
exKBHFaq\eABZg+r~~ ~~''Akaiwa''~~ ~~Until 1990
{{BS2||BHF|14.6|Akaiwa||Since 1990}}
\BHF~~14.6~~Akaiwa~~ ~~Since 1990
{{BS4|||eABZgl|exENDEeq}}
\\eABZgl\exENDEeq
{{BS2|STRc2|ABZg3}}
STRc2\ABZg3
{{BS2|STR+1|TUNNEL2|O2=STRc4}}
STR+1\TUNNEL2!~STRc4
{{BS2|tSTRa|STR}}
tSTRa\STR
{{BS2|tSTR|O1=POINTERg@fq|TUNNEL2||大日向 Tunnel}}
tSTR!~POINTERg@fq\TUNNEL2~~大日向 Tunnel
{{BS2|tSTRe|TUNNEL2}}
tSTRe\TUNNEL2
{{BS4||STR|eABZg2xu|extSTRc3}}
\STR\eABZg2xu\extSTRc3
{{BS4||tSTRa|tSTRa|exSTR+4u}}
\tSTRa\tSTRa\exSTR+4u
{{BS4||tSTR|O2=POINTERg@fq|tSTR|O3=POINTERg@fq|exTUNNEL2||環金 Tunnel}}
\tSTR!~POINTERg@fq\tSTR!~POINTERg@fq\exTUNNEL2~~環金 Tunnel
{{BS4||tSTR|tSTR|exTUNNEL2}}
\tSTR\tSTR\exTUNNEL2
{{BS4||tSTRe|tSTRe|exTUNNEL2}}
\tSTRe\tSTRe\exTUNNEL2
{{BS4||STR2|STR+c3|O3=exSTRc2|exSTR3}}
\STR2\STR+c3!~exSTRc2\exSTR3
{{BS4||STRc1|eABZg+1|O3=STR+4|exSTRc4}}
\STRc1\eABZg+1!~STR+4\exSTRc4
{{BS2|exKBHFaq|eABZg+r||''Itaya''||Until 1990}}
exKBHFaq\eABZg+r~~ ~~''Itaya''~~ ~~Until 1990
{{BS2||BHF|21.2|Itaya||Since 1990}}
\BHF~~21.2~~Itaya~~ ~~Since 1990
{{BS4|||eABZgl|exENDEeq}}
\\eABZgl\exENDEeq
{{BS3||BS2+l|BS2+r}}
\BS2+l\BS2+r
{{BS3||tSTRa|O2=POINTERg@fq|TUNNEL2||Itayatoge Tunnel}}
\tSTRa!~POINTERg@fq\TUNNEL2~~Itayatoge Tunnel
{{BS3||tSTRe|TUNNEL2|O3=POINTERg@fq||2nd Itayatoge Tunnel}}
\tSTRe\TUNNEL2!~POINTERg@fq~~2nd Itayatoge Tunnel
{{BS3||BS2l|BS2r}}
\BS2l\BS2r
{{BS2|exENDEaq|eABZg+r}}
exENDEaq\eABZg+r
{{BS2||BHF|24.5|Toge||Since 1990}}
\BHF~~24.5~~Toge~~ ~~Since 1990
{{BS4|||eABZgl|exKBHFeq||''Toge''||Until 1990}}
\\eABZgl\exKBHFeq~~ ~~''Toge''~~ ~~Until 1990
{{BS3||BS2+l|BS2+r}}
\BS2+l\BS2+r
{{BS3||TUNNEL2|tSTRa}}
\TUNNEL2\tSTRa
{{BS3||TUNNEL2|tSTRe}}
\TUNNEL2\tSTRe
{{BS3||STR|TUNNEL1}}
\STR\TUNNEL1
{{BS3||BS2l|BS2r}}
\BS2l\BS2r
{{BS2|exENDEaq|eABZg+r}}
exENDEaq\eABZg+r
{{BS2||BHF|28.8|Ōsawa||Since 1990}}
\BHF~~28.8~~Ōsawa~~ ~~Since 1990
{{BS4|||eABZgl|exKBHFeq||''Ōsawa''||Until 1990}}
\\eABZgl\exKBHFeq~~ ~~''Ōsawa''~~ ~~Until 1990
{{BS3||BS2+l|BS2+r}}
\BS2+l\BS2+r
{{BS3||TUNNEL1|TUNNEL1}}
\TUNNEL1\TUNNEL1
{{BS3||BS2l|BS2r}}
\BS2l\BS2r
{{BS2||BHF|34.8|Sekine}}
\BHF~~34.8~~Sekine
{{BS4|||STR|STR+l||[[Yonesaka Line]]}}
\\STR\STR+l~~[[Yonesaka Line]]
{{BS4|||BHF|KBHFxe|40.1|Yonezawa}}
\\BHF\KBHFxe~~40.1~~Yonezawa
{{BS4|||eKRWg+l|exKRWr}}
\\eKRWg+l\exKRWr
{{BS2||BHF|45.6|Oitama}}
\BHF~~45.6~~Oitama
{{BS2|exKBHFa|BHF|49.9|Takahata}}
exKBHFa\BHF~~49.9~~Takahata
{{BS4||exSTRr|eKRWgl|exKRW+r||''Yamako Takahata Line''}}
\exSTRr\eKRWgl\exKRW+r~~''Yamako Takahata Line''
{{BS4|||BHF|KBHFxa|56.1|Akayu}}
\\BHF\KBHFxa~~56.1~~Akayu
{{BS4|||STR|STRl||[[Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line]]}}
\\STR\STRl~~[[Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line]]
{{BS2||DST|61.6|Kita-Akayu (Signal Box)}}
\DST~~61.6~~Kita-Akayu (Signal Box)
{{BS2||BHF|64.4|Nakagawa}}
\BHF~~64.4~~Nakagawa
{{BS2||BHF|68.3|Uzen-Nakayama}}
\BHF~~68.3~~Uzen-Nakayama
{{BS2||BHF|75.0|Kaminoyama-Onsen}}
\BHF~~75.0~~Kaminoyama-Onsen
{{BS2||BHF|77.8|Mokichi Memorial Museum}}
\BHF~~77.8~~Mokichi Memorial Museum
{{BS2||BHF|81.8|Zaō}}
\BHF~~81.8~~Zaō
{{BS4|||ABZg+l|KDSTeq||Yamagata Locomotive Depot}}
\\ABZg+l\KDSTeq~~Yamagata Locomotive Depot
{{BS4|||eKRWgl|exKRW+r}}
\\eKRWgl\exKRW+r
{{BS4|||BHF|KBHFxa|87.1|Yamagata}}
\\BHF\KBHFxa~~87.1~~Yamagata
{{BS4|||BHF|BHF|89.0|Kita-Yamagata}}
\\BHF\BHF~~89.0~~Kita-Yamagata
{{BS4|||STR|ABZgl||[[Aterazawa Line]]}}
\\STR\ABZgl~~[[Aterazawa Line]]
{{BS4||STR+l|KRZ|STRr}}
\STR+l\KRZ\STRr
{{BS2|BHF|BHF|91.9|Uzen-Chitose}}
BHF\BHF~~91.9~~Uzen-Chitose
{{BS2|STRr|STR||[[Senzan Line]]}}
STRr\STR~~[[Senzan Line]]
{{BS2||BHF|93.6|Minami-Dewa}}
\BHF~~93.6~~Minami-Dewa
{{BS2||BHF|94.9|Urushiyama}}
\BHF~~94.9~~Urushiyama
{{BS2||BHF|97.0|Takatama}}
\BHF~~97.0~~Takatama
{{BS2||BHF|98.3|Tendō-Minami}}
\BHF~~98.3~~Tendō-Minami
{{BS2||BHF|100.4|Tendō}}
\BHF~~100.4~~Tendō
{{BS2||BHF|103.4|Midaregawa}}
\BHF~~103.4~~Midaregawa
{{BS4|||STR|uexSTR+l||''Yachikidō''}}
\\STR\uexSTR+l~~''Yachikidō''
{{BS4|||BHF|uexKBHFe|106.3|Jimmachi}}
\\BHF\uexKBHFe~~106.3~~Jimmachi
{{BS2||BHF|108.1|Sakuranbo Higashine}}
\BHF~~108.1~~Sakuranbo Higashine
{{BS2||eBHF|109.0|''Kanisawa''||Until 1999}}
\eBHF~~109.0~~''Kanisawa''~~ ~~Until 1999
{{BS2||BHF|110.6|Higashine}}
\BHF~~110.6~~Higashine
{{BS2||BHF|113.5|Murayama}}
\BHF~~113.5~~Murayama
{{BS2||eDST|117.9|''金谷 (Signal Box)''||Until 1999}}
\eDST~~117.9~~''金谷 (Signal Box)''~~ ~~Until 1999
{{BS2||BHF|121.5|Sodesaki}}
\BHF~~121.5~~Sodesaki
{{BS2|exSTR+r|STR||''Yamako Obanazawa Line''}}
exSTR+r\STR~~''Yamako Obanazawa Line''
{{BS2|exKBHFe|BHF|126.9|Ōishida}}
exKBHFe\BHF~~126.9~~Ōishida
{{BS2||BHF|130.8|Kita-Ōishida}}
\BHF~~130.8~~Kita-Ōishida
{{BS2||BHF|133.7|Ashisawa}}
\BHF~~133.7~~Ashisawa
{{BS2||BHF|140.3|Funagata}}
\BHF~~140.3~~Funagata
{{BS2|STR+r|STR||[[Rikuu East Line]]}}
STR+r\STR~~[[Rikuu East Line]]
{{BS2|HST|STR||Minami-Shinjō}}
HST\STR~~Minami-Shinjō
{{BS2|eKRWgl|eKRWg+r}}
eKRWgl\eKRWg+r
{{BS2|STR|eDST|144.1|''Torigoe (Signal Box)''||Until 1999}}
STR\eDST~~144.1~~''Torigoe (Signal Box)''~~ ~~Until 1999
{{BS2|BHF|KBHFxe|148.6|Shinjõ}}
BHF\KBHFxe~~148.6~~Shinjõ
{{BS2|KRWl|xKRWg+r||''Yamako Obanazawa Line''}}
KRWl\xKRWg+r~~''Yamako Obanazawa Line''
{{BS4|||ABZgl|STRq||[[Rikuu West Line]]}}
\\ABZgl\STRq~~[[Rikuu West Line]]
{{BS2||STR||[[Ōu Main Line]]}}
\STR~~[[Ōu Main Line]]
}}
}}
* All stations listed below are located on the [[Ōu Main Line]].
* All stations listed below are located on the [[Ōu Main Line]].
Line 192: Line 205:
|align=right|272.8
|align=right|272.8
|align=right|0.0
|align=right|0.0
|{{Plainlist|
|[[Tōhoku Shinkansen]] (for Morioka), [[Tōhoku Main Line]]<br/>[[AbukumaExpress]]: [[Abukuma Express Line]]<br/>[[Fukushima Transportation]]: [[Fukushima Kōtsū Iizaka Line|Iizaka Line]]
* {{ric|JR East|Tohoku Shinkansen|name=y}} (for Morioka)
* {{rcb|JR East|Tohoku}}
* {{rcb|Fukushima Transportation|Iizaka}}
* {{rcb|AbukumaExpress|Abukuma Express}}}}
|[[Fukushima, Fukushima|Fukushima]]
|[[Fukushima, Fukushima|Fukushima]]
|[[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
|[[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
Line 200: Line 217:
|align=right|312.9
|align=right|312.9
|align=right|40.1
|align=right|40.1
|{{Plainlist|
|[[Yonesaka Line]]
* {{rcb|JR East|Yonesaka}}}}
|[[Yonezawa, Yamagata|Yonezawa]]
|[[Yonezawa, Yamagata|Yonezawa]]
|rowspan=10|[[Yamagata Prefecture|Yamagata]]
|rowspan=10|[[Yamagata Prefecture|Yamagata]]
Line 215: Line 233:
|align=right|328.9
|align=right|328.9
|align=right|56.1
|align=right|56.1
|{{Plainlist|
|[[Flower Nagai Line]]
* {{rcb|Yamagata Railway|Flower Nagai}}}}
|[[Nanyō, Yamagata|Nanyō]]
|[[Nanyō, Yamagata|Nanyō]]
|-
|-
Line 264: Line 283:
|align=right|421.4
|align=right|421.4
|align=right|148.6
|align=right|148.6
|{{Plainlist|
|[[Ōu Main Line]], [[Rikuu East Line]], [[Rikuu West Line]]
* {{rcb|JR East|Ou Main}}
* {{rcb|JR East|Rikuu East}}
* {{rcb|JR East|Rikuu West}}}}
|[[Shinjō, Yamagata|Shinjō]]
|[[Shinjō, Yamagata|Shinjō]]
|}
|}


==Rolling stock==
==Rolling stock==
As of March 2020, the following types are used on Yamagata Shinkansen services.
As of March 2024, the following types are used on Yamagata Shinkansen services.
[[File:JReastE3-2000-1000.jpg|thumb|right|[[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-2000 series|E3-2000 series]] (left) and [[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-1000 series|E3-1000 series]] (right) at [[Shinjō Station|Shinjō]]]]
[[File:JReastE3-2000-1000.jpg|thumb|right|[[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-2000 series|E3-2000 series]] (left) and [[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-1000 series|E3-1000 series]] (right) at [[Shinjō Station|Shinjō]]]]
* [[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-1000 series|E3-1000 series]] 7-car sets, since 4 December 1999 (to be replaced by [[E8 Series Shinkansen|E8 series]] after 2024)
* [[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-2000 series|E3-2000 series]] 7 car sets, since 20 December 2008 (to be replaced by [[E8 Series Shinkansen|E8 series]] after 2024)
* [[E8 Series Shinkansen|E8 series]] 7-car sets, since 16 March 2024<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |date=16 March 2024 |title=山形新幹線 25年ぶりの新型車両「E8系」営業運転開始 |trans-title="E8 series", begins revenue service, the first new vehicle on the Yamagata Shinkansen in 25 years |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240316/k10014392931000.html |access-date=16 March 2024 |website=NHK}}</ref>
* [[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-2000 series|E3-2000 series]] 7 car sets, since 20 December 2008


===Former rolling stock===
===Former rolling stock===
[[File:Tsubasa 422-6.jpg|thumb|A 400 series set on a ''Tsubasa'' service, March 2005]]
[[File:Tsubasa 422-6.jpg|thumb|A 400 series set on a ''Tsubasa'' service, March 2005]]
* [[400 Series Shinkansen|400 series]] 7-car sets (originally 6-car sets) withdrawn by 18 April 2010
* [[400 Series Shinkansen|400 series]] 7-car sets (originally 6-car sets) withdrawn by 18 April 2010
* [[E3 Series Shinkansen#E3-1000 series|E3-1000 series]] 7-car sets (from 4 December 1999 until 18 March 2024)<ref name="E3-1000withdrawn">{{cite web |title=E3系L53編成が新潟へ |trans-title=E3 series set L53 forwarded to Niigata |url=https://railf.jp/news/2024/03/19/170300.html |website=Japan Railfan Magazine Online |publisher=Koyusha Co., Ltd. |access-date=19 April 2024 |location=Japan |language=Japanese |date=19 March 2024}}</ref>

===Future rolling stock===

* [[E8 Series Shinkansen|E8 series]] 7-car sets, from 2024 onwards


===Non-revenue-earning-types===
===Non-revenue-earning-types===
[[File:Shinkansen E926 East-i.jpg|thumb|E926 East i train at Omiya Station, May 2001]]
[[File:Shinkansen E926 East-i.jpg|thumb|E926 East i train at Omiya Station, May 2001]]
* [[Doctor Yellow#For Tōhoku, Jōetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen|East i (E269)]]
* [[Doctor Yellow#For Tōhoku, Jōetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen|East i (E926)]]
*


==History==
==History==
Line 298: Line 316:
* 31 March 2011: Partial services resume between Fukushima and Shinjō.
* 31 March 2011: Partial services resume between Fukushima and Shinjō.
* 12 April 2011: Through-service resumed between Tokyo and Shinjō but at half of previous capacity.<ref>[[NHK]], "Yamagata Shinkansen fully resumes operations", 12 April 2011.</ref>
* 12 April 2011: Through-service resumed between Tokyo and Shinjō but at half of previous capacity.<ref>[[NHK]], "Yamagata Shinkansen fully resumes operations", 12 April 2011.</ref>
*13 February 2021: Services suspended north of [[Nasushiobara Station]] due to the [[2021 Fukushima earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|date=14 February 2021|title=Tohoku Shinkansen line breaks from the base of utility poles|language=ja|work=|agency=TBS News|url=https://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye4198620.html|url-status=live|access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref>
*13 February 2021: Services suspended north of [[Nasushiobara Station]] due to the [[2021 Fukushima earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|date=14 February 2021|title=Tohoku Shinkansen line breaks from the base of utility poles|language=ja|work=|agency=TBS News|url=https://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye4198620.html|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214014100/http://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newseye4198620.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*9 June 2022: The line celebrates 30 years of operation. An [[E3 Series Shinkansen|E3 series]] trainset will be wrapped in a commemorative livery and will stay in service until November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2022 |title=山形新幹線開業30周年を記念したラッピング車両を運転 |trans-title=Driving a wrapping vehicle commemorating the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Yamagata Shinkansen |url=https://railf.jp/news/2022/06/07/143000.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607064109/https://railf.jp/news/2022/06/07/143000.html |archive-date=7 June 2022 |access-date=8 June 2022 |website=Japan Railfan Magazine Online |language=ja}}</ref>
*9 June 2022: The line celebrates 30 years of operation. An [[E3 Series Shinkansen|E3 series]] trainset will be wrapped in a commemorative livery and will stay in service until November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2022 |title=山形新幹線開業30周年を記念したラッピング車両を運転 |trans-title=Driving a wrapping vehicle commemorating the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Yamagata Shinkansen |url=https://railf.jp/news/2022/06/07/143000.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607064109/https://railf.jp/news/2022/06/07/143000.html |archive-date=7 June 2022 |access-date=8 June 2022 |website=Japan Railfan Magazine Online |language=ja}}</ref>
*16 March 2024: Start of service by the [[E8 Series Shinkansen|E8 Series]]<ref name=":1" />


==References==
==References==
Line 317: Line 336:
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in Japan]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in Japan]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1992]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1992]]
[[Category:1992 establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:20 kV AC railway electrification]]
[[Category:25 kV AC railway electrification]]

Latest revision as of 05:14, 6 November 2024

Yamagata Shinkansen
E3-1000 series train set L54 on the Yamagata Shinkansen between Kita-yamagata and Yamagata in March 2015
Overview
Native name山形新幹線
StatusOperational
OwnerLogo of the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) JR East
LocaleFukushima and Yamagata Prefectures
Termini
Stations11
Color on map     Orange (#f36221)
Service
TypeMini-shinkansen
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Yamagata
Rolling stock
History
OpenedJuly 1, 1992; 32 years ago (1992-07-01) (TokyoYamagata)
December 4, 1999; 25 years ago (1999-12-04) (Yamagata–Shinjō)
Technical
Line length148.6 km (92.3 mi)
Number of tracksDouble-track (Single-track in some sections)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
ElectrificationOverhead line:
Operating speed
  • 130 km/h (80 mph)
Maximum incline3.75%
Route Map (from Fukushima in blue)

The Yamagata Shinkansen (山形新幹線) is a Mini-shinkansen route in Japan, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It provides service between Tokyo and Shinjō in Yamagata Prefecture over the tracks of the Tohoku Shinkansen and the Ōu Main Line.

The term Yamagata Shinkansen refers to the segment that connects Fukushima and Shinjō. Because the shinkansen trains share tracks with local trains running on conventional lines (在来線, zairaisen), it is often referred to as a "mini-shinkansen".

Operations

[edit]
An aerial view showing the Yamagata Shinkansen diverging to the left from the Tohoku Shinkansen north of Fukushima Station

Trains consist of 7-car E3 and E8 series trainsets operating as Tsubasa services. Between Tokyo and Fukushima, some trains run coupled to Yamabiko trains on the Tōhoku Shinkansen. Between Fukushima and Shinjō, the trains run on their own at a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) and share the line with regular Ōu Main Line trains.[1]

As of July 2012, about 62 million passengers had ridden the line since it opened in July 1992.[2] The fastest trains connect Tokyo and Yamagata stations in two hours and 29 minutes.[2]

Construction of a new approach line at Fukushima Station

[edit]

In April 2021, JR East started construction of a new approach line at Fukushima station. Currently, the Yamagata Shinkansen can only enter and exit the Tohoku Shinkansen through platform 14 at Fukushima Station. This current layout requires the Yamagata Shinkansen to cross the north bound tracks to reach the Tokyo bound tracks. This new approach line will pass under the Tohoku Shinkansen, which will allow Yamagata Shinkansen to enter the Tohoku Shinkansen on platform 11 removing the crossing and reducing the gravitude of transport disruption. Construction is expected to finish by the end of fiscal year 2026.[3]

Proposed Ou base tunnel

[edit]

Construction of a base tunnel on the Yamagata Shinkansen is proposed, with JR East having undertaken a survey of a planned route from Niwasaka to Sekine, just south of Yonezawa station.[4] 23.1 km (14.4 mi) of the proposed 24.9 km (15.5 mi) line would be in tunnel, mostly to the north of the existing 88 km (55 mi) Fukushima – Yamagata section. To be built on an improved alignment, the tunnel would lower journey times between Fukushima and Yamagata by ~10 min due to a proposed line speed of up to 200 km/h (124 mph).[5]

The tunnel would avoid the Itaya Toge pass through the Ou mountains west of Fukushima. Gradients range from 3.0% to 3.8% and the line reaches an altitude of 548 m (1,798 ft). The curvature and steep grades limit train speeds to 55 km/h (34 mph) or less, and the line is vulnerable to heavy rain and snowfall as well as high winds.[4] Between 2011 and 2017 a total of 410 Yamagata mini-Shinkansen services were either suspended or delayed, and 40% of these incidents occurred on the line over the Itaya Toge pass.[4]

If the ¥150 billion base tunnel is authorised, detailed design would take five years and construction another 15 years.[6] The cost could increase by ¥12 billion if the tunnel were to be built with a cross-section large enough to permit the line to be upgraded to the full Shinkansen Loading gauge.[4]

Station list

[edit]
Station Japanese Distance (km) Transfers Location
From Tokyo From Fukushima
Fukushima 福島 272.8 0.0 Fukushima Fukushima
Yonezawa 米沢 312.9 40.1 Yonezawa Yamagata
Takahata 高畠 322.7 49.9   Takahata, Higashiokitama District
Akayu 赤湯 328.9 56.1 Nanyō
Kaminoyama-Onsen かみのやま温泉 347.8 75.0   Kaminoyama
Yamagata 山形 359.9 87.1   Yamagata
Tendō 天童 373.2 100.4   Tendō
Sakurambo-Higashine さくらんぼ東根 380.9 108.1   Higashine
Murayama 村山 386.3 113.5   Murayama
Ōishida 大石田 399.7 126.9   Ōishida, Kitamurayama District
Shinjō 新庄 421.4 148.6 Shinjō

Rolling stock

[edit]

As of March 2024, the following types are used on Yamagata Shinkansen services.

E3-2000 series (left) and E3-1000 series (right) at Shinjō

Former rolling stock

[edit]
A 400 series set on a Tsubasa service, March 2005
  • 400 series 7-car sets (originally 6-car sets) withdrawn by 18 April 2010
  • E3-1000 series 7-car sets (from 4 December 1999 until 18 March 2024)[8]

Non-revenue-earning-types

[edit]
E926 East i train at Omiya Station, May 2001

History

[edit]
  • 1 July 1992: Tsubasa services start from Tokyo to Yamagata with six-car 400 Series Shinkansen attached to a 200 Series Shinkansen on Tōhoku Shinkansen tracks between Tokyo and Fukushima.
  • 1 December 1995: Trains are extended to seven cars.
  • 4 December 1999: Line is extended to Shinjō.
  • 21 September 2001: Double-decker E4 Series Shinkansen replace the 200 series trains on the Tōhoku Shinkansen.
  • 18 March 2007: All cars are made non-smoking.
  • 20 December 2008: E3-2000 series trains enter service
  • 18 April 2010: 400 series trains cease operations.
  • 11 March 2011: All services are suspended due to the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
  • 31 March 2011: Partial services resume between Fukushima and Shinjō.
  • 12 April 2011: Through-service resumed between Tokyo and Shinjō but at half of previous capacity.[9]
  • 13 February 2021: Services suspended north of Nasushiobara Station due to the 2021 Fukushima earthquake.[10]
  • 9 June 2022: The line celebrates 30 years of operation. An E3 series trainset will be wrapped in a commemorative livery and will stay in service until November 2022.[11]
  • 16 March 2024: Start of service by the E8 Series[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "300km/hのトップランナー" [300 km/h Top Runners]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 52, no. 612. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. April 2012. p. 14.
  2. ^ a b "Yamagata Shinkansen Line turns 20". The Japan Times. Japan: The Japan Times Ltd. 3 July 2012. p. 2. Archived from the original on 25 July 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  3. ^ "【解説】下り線を"またぐ"運転解消へ 山形新幹線「アプローチ線」工事中 JR福島駅 | TBS NEWS DIG (1ページ)". TBS NEWS DIG (in Japanese). 2023-02-24. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  4. ^ a b c d "Yamagata mini-Shinkansen base tunnel proposal makes progress". Railway Gazette International. 7 November 2022. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Yamagata pins hopes on shinkansen tunnel, but faces roadblocks". The Japan Times. 2023-01-23. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  6. ^ "A 23 km tunnel planned on Yamagata Shinkansen – Difficult section with heavy snowing - [WTM] Railway & Travel News". 2022-11-14. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  7. ^ a b "山形新幹線 25年ぶりの新型車両「E8系」営業運転開始" ["E8 series", begins revenue service, the first new vehicle on the Yamagata Shinkansen in 25 years]. NHK. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  8. ^ "E3系L53編成が新潟へ" [E3 series set L53 forwarded to Niigata]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 19 March 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  9. ^ NHK, "Yamagata Shinkansen fully resumes operations", 12 April 2011.
  10. ^ "Tohoku Shinkansen line breaks from the base of utility poles" (in Japanese). TBS News. 14 February 2021. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  11. ^ "山形新幹線開業30周年を記念したラッピング車両を運転" [Driving a wrapping vehicle commemorating the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Yamagata Shinkansen]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 7 June 2022. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
[edit]