Fujikawa (train)

The Fujikawa (ふじかわ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), which runs between Shizuoka and Kōfu. Since October 1995, it has been branded as Wide View Fujikawa, following the introduction of new 373 series EMUs replacing the previous 165 series trains.

373 and 165 series EMUs at an open day at Shizuoka in October 1995

Fujikawa
373 series EMU on a Fujikawa service at Shizuoka
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
First service1956 (Semi express)
1966 (Express)
1995 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)JR Central
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
TerminiShizuoka
Kōfu
Stops13
Distance travelled122.4 km (76.1 mi)
Average journey time2 hours 30 minutes approx
Service frequency7 return workings daily
Line(s) usedTōkaidō Main Line, Minobu Line
On-board services
Class(es)Standard only
Disabled accessYes
Sleeping arrangementsNone
Catering facilitiesNone
Observation facilitiesNone
Entertainment facilitiesNone
Other facilitiesRestrooms
Technical
Rolling stock373 series EMU
Electrification1,500 V DC
Operating speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Track owner(s)JR Central

History

The Fujikawa (富士川) was introduced on 20 March 1956 as a "Semi express" train running between Fuji and Kōfu using 80 series 4-car EMUs. From 1 October 1964, this was extended to run to and from Shizuoka.

From 5 March 1966, the service between Shizuoka and Kōfu was upgraded to "Express" status. From 15 March 1972, the 80 series EMUs were replaced by 165 series EMUs displaced by the opening of the Sanyō Shinkansen.

From 1 October 1995, the service was upgraded to become a Limited express following introduction of new 373 series EMU trains. The name was also changed to ふじかわ in hiragana.[1]

From 18 March 2007, all cars were made no-smoking.[2]

Stops

Trains stop at the following stations:

Shizuoka – Shimizu – Fuji – Fujinomiya – Utsubuna – Minobu – Shimobe-onsen – Kai-Iwama – Kajikazawaguchi – Ichikawa-Daimon – Higashi-Hanawa – Minami-Kōfu – Kōfu

Service

Like all JR Central limited express trains, a limited express fee has to be paid, on top of the normal fee to ride this service. Services are formed of 3-car 373 series EMUs. There are 7 return workings a day, with the journey time taking approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Shizuoka to Kōfu. Trains operate at a maximum speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).

Facilities

Only standard class is available on this service. Seat reservations can be made for an additional fee. There are no catering facilities available, though restrooms are available on this train.

References
  1. JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. pp. 30–32. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. JR電車編成表 2011夏 [JR EMU Formations – Summer 2011]. Japan: JRR. May 2010. p. 116. ISBN 978-4-330-21211-1.
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