Nasuno

Nasuno

なすの

An all-stops section local service on the Tohoku Shinkansen, running between Tokyo Station and Koriyama, a medium-sized city approximately 225 km north of Tokyo.

History

In 1959, the name Nasuno was used on a semi-express service (準急) between Ueno and Kuroiso on the Tohoku Main Line. In 1966, this was upgraded to an express (急行). From 1968, Nasuno services were expanded, serving Nikko, Utsunomiya, Kuroiso and Shirakawa. The Nasuno services were discontinued in 1985. In 1995, the name was adopted for the new all-stations services on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Prior to 1995, Aoba services had performed local services along the whole line. However, with the introduction of short-distance Nasuno services, Aoba services were reduced. In 1997, Aoba services were discontinued altogether, with the local services covered by Nasuno as far as Koriyama, and all further stations served by the Yamabiko.

Origin

The name Nasuno is derived from the Nasu Highlands 那須高原　and Nasu Onsen 那須温泉　areas located alongside the Tohoku Shinkansen between Utsunomiya and Koriyama.

Services

There are approximately 16 return Nasuno services daily, starting/terminating either at Oyama, Nasu Shiobara, or Koriyama. The majority of services are at the morning and evening rush hours and are primarily used by workers commuting into and out of Tokyo. Double decker Nasuno services, named Max Nasuno, are also in place. All Nasuno services stop at all stations.

Further Reading

Christopher P. Hood, Shinkansen – From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan, 2006, London: Routledge, ISBN 0415320526.