E353 series

The exterior styling was overseen by the industrial design firm Ken Okuyama Design.^[5] Like the E351 series trains they replaced, the new E353 series trains incorporate tilting technology to allow faster speeds around curves.^[6][7] The trains use a pneumatic tilt system (instead of the pendulum system used in the older trains) and an active suspension to reduce tilt times and help reduce motion sickness in passengers.

The train features a database of curves along the line, allowing the train to begin tilting before reaching the curve. The pre-series train also had dampers installed between the cars to reduce vibrations, but this feature was discontinued on the subsequent production trainsets.^[8] Maximum operating speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).^[8] To reduce any step up from station platforms, the train floor height is 1,130 mm (3 ft 8.49 in), 10 mm (0.39 in) lower than on E259 series and E657 series trains.^[9]

• 
  Closeup of the gangway connection between sets S101 (left) and S201 (right) in July 2015
• 
  The PS39 single-arm pantograph on MoHa E353-1 (car 10) in July 2015

The trains use bolsterless bogies developed from those used on earlier E259 series and E657 series trains.^[9] Motored bogies with capability for retrofitting anti-oscillation equipment (rear bogies on car 1 and 3) are designated DT81, motored bogies equipped anti-roll devices (cars 2, 5, 7, and 10) are designated DT82, and motor bogies not equipped with either (cars 6 and 11) are designated DT81A.^[9] Non-powered (trailer) bogies are designated TR265, and are equipped with a parking brake and capability for retrofitting anti-oscillation equipment, but those not equipped with a parking brake (rear bogies on cars 4 and 14, and both bogies on car 9) are designated TR265A, and those on car 8, which not equipped with either are designated TR265B.^[9]

Green car (first class) accommodation is in 2+2 abreast configuration with a seat pitch of 1,160 mm (46 in).^[10] The wine red seat covers are intended to create subdued atmosphere.^[11] Standard class is also arranged 2+2 with a seat pitch of 960 mm (37.8 in), compared to 970 mm (38.2 in) for Super Azusa E351 series trains.^[12] The pale blue seat covers are intended to evoke images of the Azusa River, after which the train service was named.^[11] AC power outlets are provided at each seat.^[2] The trains include universal access toilets and security cameras.^[2] LED lighting is used on these trains, for the first time on JR East limited express rolling stock.^[11]

While not initially included in the pre-series train, luggage racks are installed in cars 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12.^[8]

Inside, the floors feature rubber coverings to reduce the noise of footsteps. Individual seat numbers are written in braille and each seat has an individual air diffuser for passenger comfort. The cars also feature air purifiers using ozone to reduce unpleasant odors.^[13]

• 
  The interior of an ordinary-class car in January 2018
• 
  AC power outlets inside an ordinary-class car in January 2018
• 
  The interior of a Green car in January 2018

Cars 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11 have toilet facilities as follows.^[10]

Details of the new trains on order were first officially announced by JR East in February 2014.^[3]

The first trainset, consisting of one nine-car and one three-car set, was delivered from the Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC) factory in Yokohama to Matsumoto Depot in July 2015.^[14][15] Mainline test running started on 29 July 2015.^[16] The pre-series train was formally shown off to the media on 2 August 2015.^[11]

As of June 2017^[update], the train was still undergoing test running.^[17]

In October 2017, JR East announced that the first trains would enter revenue service on Super Azusa services from 23 December 2017, by which date three pairs of (9+3-car) trainsets would be available.^[18]

The trains were awarded the 2018 Laurel Prize by the Japan Railfan Club.^[19]

From the start of the revised timetable on 17 March 2018, all Super Azusa services were operated by E353 series trains.^[20][6]

Beginning on 1 July 2018, E353 series trains began replacing the E257 series trainsets used on Azusa and Kaiji services.^[21] With the start of the 16 March 2019 timetable revision, all Azusa and Kaiji services were operated with E353 series trains. In addition, three-car E353 series trainsets were deployed on Fuji Excursion services, which operate between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko on the Fujikyuko Line. These services are coupled with nine-car Kaiji services between Shinjuku and Ōtsuki.^[1]