Shirayuki (train)

The Shirayuki (しらゆき) is a limited express service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) between Niigata and Jōetsumyōkō in Japan since 14 March 2015.[1] The name Shirayuki was also previously used for an express service operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) from 1963 until 1982.

Shirayuki

A E653-1100 series EMU for use on Shirayuki limited express services from March 2015
Overview
Service type	Express
Status	Operational
Locale	Japan
First service	20 April 1963 (Express) 14 March 2015 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)	JR East, Echigo Tokimeki Railway
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Start	Niigata
End	Jōetsumyōkō / Arai
Service frequency	5 return workings daily
Line(s) used	Shinetsu Main Line, Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myōkō Haneuma Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Ordinary
Technical
Rolling stock	E653-1100 series
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Service outline

The Shirayuki services operate between Niigata and Jōetsumyōkō via the Shinetsu Main Line and Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myōkō Haneuma Line, with some services extended to Arai. A total of five return workings operate daily.[1]

Rolling stock

Services use a fleet of four four-car E653-1100 series EMUs converted from former Joban Line E653 series trainsets.[2]

Formations

Trains are normally formed as four-car monoclass trainsets as shown below, with car 4 at the Niigata (northern) end. All cars are no-smoking.[3]

Car No.	1	2	3	4
Accommodation	Reserved	Reserved	Non-reserved	Non-reserved

History

A JNR KiHa 58 series DMU

The original Shirayuki train service was an express service which operated between Kanazawa and Aomori from 20 April 1963 until 15 November 1982 using KiHa 58 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains.[4]

See also

• List of named passenger trains of Japan

References

1. 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.
2. 特急「しらゆき」の運転に伴うＥ653系投入について [Introduction of E653 series with operation of "Shirayuki" limited express] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: JR East Niigata Division. 27 August 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 November 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
3. JR Timetable. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. February 2015. EAN 4910053110259.
4. Teramoto, Mitsuteru (23 July 2001). 国鉄・ＪＲ列車名大辞典 [JNR & JR Train Name Encyclopedia]. Tokyo, Japan: Chuoshoin Publishing Co., Ltd. p. 286. ISBN 4-88732-093-0.