Sazanami (train)
Japanese limited express train service
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The Sazanami (さざなみ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo and Tateyama via the Keiyo Line and Uchibō Line.[1]
A E257-500 series EMU on a Sazanami service in October 2006 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited express |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Chiba Prefecture |
| First service | 15 July 1972 |
| Current operator | JR East |
| Former operator | JNR |
| Route | |
| Termini | Tokyo Kimitsu |
| Distance travelled | 128.9 km (80.1 mi) |
| Lines used | Keiyo Line, Uchibo Line, Chūō Line, Sobu Line |
| On-board services | |
| Catering facilities | Trolley service |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | E257-500 series EMUs |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | 1,500 V DC overhead |
| Operating speed | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
Seasonal Shinjuku Sazanami services operate "mainly on weekends and holidays when service is heavy"[2] between Shinjuku and Tateyama via the Chūō Line and Sōbu Line. As of March 2024, trains no longer stop at Akihabara or Tsudanuma.[2]
As of 12 March 2022, 5 outbound trains and 3 inbound trains are operated each day, except on Saturdays and holidays.[3] These trains stop at the following stations listed below:
Rolling stock
- E257-500 series 5-car EMUs
A E257-500 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in May 2010 at Akihabara Station
Former rolling stock
- 183/189 series 9-car EMUs[4]
- 255 series 9-car EMUs[4]
A 189 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in February 2007
A 255 series EMU on a Sazanami service in March 2008
Formations
Sazanami trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.[3]
5-car E257 series
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | KuHa E256-500 | MoHa E257-1500 | MoHa E256-500 | MoHa E257-500 | KuHa E257-500 |
| Accommodation | Reserved | Reserved | Reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved |
9-car 255 series (No. 6 only)
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | KuHa 254 | MoHa 254 | MoHa 255 | SaRo 255 | SaHa 254 | SaHa 255 | MoHa 254 | MoHa 255 | KuHa 255 |
| Accommodation | Reserved | Reserved | Reserved | Green | Reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved |
History
- 15 July 1972 - Sazanami service starts coinciding with opening of the underground Sōbu Line platforms at Tokyo Station.
- 16 March 1991 - Sazanami service are rerouted via the Keiyo Line from Tokyo.
- 2 July 1993 - 255 series EMUs are introduced on View Sazanami services from Tokyo to Chikura.
- 16 October 2004 - E257-500 series EMUs are introduced.
- 10 December 2005 - The View Sazanami name is discontinued, and all services are made entirely no-smoking.[5]
The opening of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line road across the Tokyo Bay in 1997 saw increased competition from long-distance bus services offering cheaper fares, resulting in decreasing ridership figures on the Sazanami services.[6] From the start of the 15 March 2014 timetable revision, the number of services was reduced to six return workings daily.[6]
