 An E257-5500 series EMU on anAkagi service, March 2023 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited express |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Tokyo / Gunma Prefecture |
| First service | 10 March 1960 (Semi express) 14 March 1985 (Limited express) |
| Current operator(s) | JR East |
| Former operator(s) | JNR |
| Route | |
| Termini | Ueno orShinjuku Takasaki |
| Distance travelled | 111.2 km (69.1 mi)[1] |
| Line(s) used | Tohoku Main Line,Takasaki Line |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | Green + Standard |
| Seating arrangements | 2+2 unidirectional |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | E257-5500 series EMUs |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | 1,500 V DC overhead |
| Operating speed | 110 km/h (70 mph)[2] |
TheAkagi (あかぎ) is alimited express train service in Japan operated by theEast Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo (Ueno orShinjuku stations) andMaebashi inGunma Prefecture. Some trains run to or fromTakasaki orHonjō.
From the start of the revised timetable on 18 March 2023, modified E257-5500 series 5-car EMUs were introduced onAkagi services, replacing the aging 651-1000 series 7-car trains.[3]
From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, refurbished651 series EMUs were introduced onAkagi services, replacing the aging 185 series trains.[4] Until March 2016,[5] one return service to and from Shinjuku continued to use 185 series rolling stock.[4]
TheAkagi service first started on 10 March 1960 as a semi-express service operating between Ueno andMaebashi.[6] From 14 March 1985, the service was upgraded tolimited express status.[6]
From 18 November 2013, one car (car 3 in 7- and 10-car formations, and cars 3 and 10 in 14-car formations) was designated as a reserved-seating car.[7]
From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, elevenAkagi services running during weekday peak commuting hours were renamedSwallow Akagi (スワローあかぎ) with all ordinary-class seats reservable.[4]
Since 13 March 2021, this limited express no longer runs on theRyomo orJoetsu Lines. Northbound services terminate at Takasaki instead of continuing on to Shin-Maebashi or Maebashi.[8]
Effective 18 March 2023, allSwallow Akagi services were converted back to ordinaryAkagi services with all departures requiring a reservation.[9]
Named trains ofEast Japan Railway Company | ||
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | .svg){kind=logo} | |
| Limited express (daytime) | ||
| Rapid | ||
| Local | ||
| Excursion | ||
| Discontinued Shinkansen | ||
| Discontinued Limited express (Daytime) | ||
| Discontinued Limited express (overnight) | ||
| Discontinued Express | ||
| Discontinued Rapid | ||
| Discontinued Liner |
| |
| Discontinued Excursion | ||