Minakami (train)

The Minakami (水上) was a limited express train service in Japan operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) between Ueno in Tokyo and Minakami in Gunma Prefecture.^[2]

Minakami

185-200 series EMU on a Minakami service, December 2006
Overview
Service type	Limited express
First service	1964 (Semi express) 1997 (Limited express)
Last service	2010
Current operator(s)	JR East
Route
Termini	Ueno Minakami
Stops	14 Stations
Line(s) used	Tōhoku Main Line, Takasaki Line, Joetsu Line
Technical
Rolling stock	E653 series EMUs
Operating speed	110 km/h (70 mph)[1]

History

The Minakami service (written in hiragana as "みなかみ") began as a semi-express service between Ueno and Minakami from 1 October 1964. This operated until 30 September 1965, after which the train was renamed Okutone.^[3]

The name was revived from 1 October 1997 (this time written in kanji as "水上") following the renaming of the former Tanigawa limited express service.^[2]

From the start of the revised timetable on 4 December 2010, the Minakami will cease to be a regular service, operating only during busy seasons.^[4]

Rolling stock

Services are formed of 7-car E653 series EMU formations.

Former rolling stock

651 series (?-2023) These trains operated with 7 coaches

185 series (1985-2010)