JR Tokyo Chuo Main And Rapid Line Trains

Chuo Main Line and Chuo Rapid Line

Series E233-0

Series E233-0 (Chuo Rapid Line, 10-car formation, car length 20m)
The first E233 Series 0 train was built and started operation on December 26, 2006, and was awarded the Laurel Prize by the Association of Friends of Railways in 2007.
The manufacturers are Tokyu Car Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and JR East Niitsu Sharyo Works. The main controller is a two-level VVVF inverter control system using IGBT elements, and the motor control system is a 1C4M2 group configuration. The main electric motor is an MT75 three-phase AC induction motor ( 140kW). In addition, this series is equipped with two or more units of the same equipment (pantograph, air compressor, increase in the number of main circuit equipment by increasing the MT ratio, etc.) to provide redundancy in case of failure or accident, and the “redundancy design concept” was adopted for the first time so that the train can run under its own power even if one of the units fails.
It is used on the Chuo Rapid Line (between Tokyo, Takao and Otsuki Station), Ome Line and Itsukaichi Line. For operations from Otsuki to the Fujikyuko Line, 10-car trains (4-car and 6-car) are split and merged at Otsuki Station to accommodate the 6-car platform limit inside the Fujikyuko Line.
*The 201 Series that was taken out of service and scrapped is here (retired train).

(1)Tokyo Station [2010/01/26].	(2)Haijima Station [2010/03/28].	(3)Near Hachioji Station [2010/05/04].	(4)Near Nishi-Hachioji Station [2010/05/04].
(5)Kokubunji Station [2010/09/13].	(6)Around Ochanomizu Station [2010/12/20].	(7)Musashi Sakai Station [2010/11/09].	(8)Nishiogikubo Station [2010/11/30].
(9)-(11)Toyota Rolling Stock Center [2014/11/8].

Series E257-0

Series E257-0 (Chuo Main Line, 9-car train + 2 extra cars, 20m in length)
Series E257-0 was manufactured by Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo and Tokyu Sharyo to replace Series 183 and 189 used for “Limited Express Azusa” and “Limited Express Kaiji” between “Shinjuku, Kofu and Matsumoto” stations on Chuo Main Line and was introduced in December 2001.
The main controller is an IGB-VVVF inverter controller, the main electric motor is a cage type three-phase AC induction motor, and the drive system is a TD parallel cardan drive system. This series has the basic structure of the E653 series introduced by East Japan Railway Company, and also introduces the new technology used in the E231 series, which has been introduced as a commuter train.

(1)Nishikokubunji Station[2014/08/20].

(2)Near Hachioji Station [2010/05/04].

(3)Near Nishi-Hachioji Station [2010/05/04].

(4)Nishiogikubo Station [2010/11/30].

E353 series

On October 26, 2017, JR East’s Nagano branch announced that the new E353 Series trains manufactured for express trains on the Chuo Main Line will begin commercial operation on December 23.
The limited express trains “Super Azusa”, “Azusa” and “Kaiji” on the Chuo Main Line are currently operated by the E351 series train which debuted in December 1993 and the E257 series train which debuted in December 2001.

The E353 Series is a new type of train developed to replace the aging E351 Series trains, and the first mass-produced 12-car train (9 basic cars + 3 attached cars) was completed in July 2015. The mass-produced cars were manufactured after technical verification and other tests.
As of December 23, the number of cars installed was 36 (three 3-car trains + three 9-car trains). The first mass-produced cars will be introduced after the necessary modifications for commercial operation. Initially, they will be operated on the “Super Azusa” limited express train between Shinjuku and Matsumoto, with four of the down trains (Super Azusa Nos. 1, 11, 23 and 29) and four of the up trains (Super Azusa Nos. 4, 18, 22 and 36) scheduled to become E353 Series.

Series E353 (Chuo Line, 9-car formation + 3 additional cars, 20m in length)
JR East announced on February 4, 2014 that it will newly build the E353 Series for express trains on the Chuo Line. To replace the aging E351 Series, the company will first build advanced cars to evaluate their performance and verify their technology. 12 advanced cars of the E353 Series will be built, including 9 basic cars and 3 attached cars. The shape of the leading section will be similar to that of the E259 Series for the Narita Express, and the front will be painted in a black-based color scheme. The sides will be white with a light purple band and black from the front.

The hotel expresses “Inheritance of tradition” and “Dynamism for the future”. The interior design is based on the theme of the “tranquility” of the Southern Alps and Azusa River, and pursues comfort for both business and leisure travelers. Some of the lead cars and green cars are equipped with an anti-sway device to improve passenger comfort. Air purifiers and security cameras will be installed in each car, and each seat will be equipped with a power outlet and a table for a PC. The interior facilities include large toilets that are wheelchair-accessible, full-color onboard information displays, and LED lighting in the cabins. The maximum speed is 130 kilometers per hour. The “air-spring type body tilting system” is adopted for the body tilting to pass through curves at high speed, and the same running performance as the “pendulum type body tilting system” of the former E351 Series is said to be achieved. The E353 Series will operate between Tokyo, Shiojiri and Matsumoto on the Chuo Main Line and Shinonoi Line, with a capacity of 686 passengers in a 12-car train.

Route Guide

Chuo Line
The Chuo Main Line runs 424.6 km between Tokyo and Nagoya, and is operated by JR East (East Japan Railway Company) between Tokyo and Shiojiri, and by JR Tokai (Central Japan Railway Company) between Shiojiri and Nagoya.
The Chuo Rapid Line is officially called the Chuo Kyuko Line, but it refers to the double-double track section between Mitaka and Ochanomizu. Rapid or special rapid trains operate between “Tokyo and Takao” stations, and there is also a direct connection from Tachikawa Station to the Ome Line and between “Tokyo and Otsuki” stations.

Chuo Sobu Line

Series 209-500

Series 209-500 (Chuo Sobu Line, 10-car fixed formation, car length 20m)
Series 209 was the first train designed by JR East’s Niitsu Sharyo Works to replace the 103 Series on the Chuo Sobu Line, and was introduced in November 1998. The main control system is a VVVF inverter control system using Mitsubishi Electric’s GTO thyristor element, and a TD parallel cardan drive system is used as the drive system. The main electric motor, MT68 cage type three-phase AC in duction motor, has a low rated output of 95kW, but unlike DC motors, the AC induction motor used with the VVVF inverter actually has an output equivalent to 150kW of DC motors, assuming that the motor is overloaded for an hour or more during startup.

(1)Nishiogikubo station [2011/01/14].

(2)Nishiogikubo Station [2011/03/05].

(3)Nishiogikubo Station [2011/11/02].

(4)Nishiogikubo Station [2011/11/02].

Series E231-0/900

Series E231-0/900 (Chuo Sobu Loop Line, 10-car fixed formation, car length 20m)
Series E231 is designed as a general type train that unifies the conventional classification of commuter and suburban type trains, and is equipped with improved performance of VVVF inverter control equipment, enhanced cage type three-phase AC induction motor, and acceleration power equivalent to that of Series 209 (gear ratio 7.07, maximum speed 110km/h, starting acceleration 2.5km/h/s), which is a commuter type train for short distance use. It maintains the same acceleration force and achieves the same maximum speed as the E217 series (gear ratio 6.06, maximum speed 120km/h, starting acceleration 2.0km/h/s), which is a suburban type train for medium distance trains.
The braking system is a combination of electric-command air brakes and power regenerative brakes, and power regenerative brakes can be used on electric cars until they are about to stop, and air brake retardation control is also used. The 500 series for the Yamanote Line and the 800 series for direct service on the Tozai Line can also use pure electric brakes. The main controller is a one-handle type made by Toshiba.

(1)Nishiogikubo station [2011/01/14].	(2)Near Ichigaya Station[2010/02/14].	(3)Near Nakano Station [2010/03/30].	(4)Mitaka Rolling Stock Center [2010/04/10].
(5)Around Ochanomizu Station [2010/12/20].	(6)Around Ochanomizu Station [2010/12/20].	(7)Nishiogikubo Station [2011/06/22].	(8)Nishiogikubo Station [2011/06/22].

Series E231-800

Series E231-800 (Chuo Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, 10-car fixed formation, car length 20m)
Series E231-800 was introduced in May 2003 for direct service on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
The width of this series is changed to 2,800mm and it is based on the Series 209-1000 for the Chiyoda Line.
The front of the first car is equipped with an emergency door for use inside subway lines, and in case of an emergency, an auxiliary stool with a ladder can be used to escape from the car.
The power ratio is 7.07, the maximum speed is 120km/h, and the starting acceleration is 2.5km/h/s. The control system is an improved SC60C type. The control system is an improved SC60C type VVVF inverter controller and MT73 type three-phase AC cage induction motor designed for enhanced high speed of the main electric motor, which maintains the same acceleration power as the Series 209 commuter trains for short distances and achieves the same maximum speed as the Series E217. The Mitaka Rolling Stock Center is home to seven trains with 70 cars in total.
The photo (3) shows the train slowly moving toward the detention line on the connecting line at the Gyotoku branch of the Fukagawa Inspection District of the Tokyo Subway.

(1)Nishiogikubo Station [2011/11/02].	(2)Nishiogikubo Station [2011/03/10].
(3)Near the site of Gyotoku Branch Office, Fukagawa Inspection District, Tokyo Subway [2010/05/08].	(4)Outside the premises of Mitaka Rolling Stock Center [2010/10/12].

Route Guide

■Chuo Sobu Loose Line
The Chuo Sobu Loop Line stops at every station between Mitaka Station on the Chuo Line and Chiba Station on the Sobu Line. The Chuo Sobu Loop Line stops at every station between Mitaka and Ochanomizu on the Chuo Rapid Line, and stops at every station between Kinshicho and Chiba on the Sobu Rapid Line.Chuo Sobu Line and Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
The Chuo Sobu Loop Line and the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line share the same section between Mitaka and Nakano Stations. During the daytime, the Chuo Sobu Line (bound for Chiba) and the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (bound for Nishi Funabashi) run alternately from Mitaka Station.
The Tozai Line direct service enters the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line at Nakano Station, but during the morning and evening rush hours, there is an extended service that runs between the Tozai Line section “Nakano – Minami-Sunamachi (underground line) – Nishi Funabashi (elevated above ground)” station, then re-enters the Sobu Loop Line at Nishi Funabashi Station to take the JR Line between Nishi Funabashi and Tsudanuma station. Tokyo Subway and Toyo Rapid Transit trains connect from Nishi Funabashi Station to Toyo Katsutadai Station on the Toyo Rapid Transit Line, but trains owned by JR East do not operate directly. Toyo Rapid Transit trains also go to Nakano Station.

Yamanote Line

E235 series

On July 2, 2014, JR East announced that it will conduct running tests of the E235 Series ahead of mass production and replace it with the E231 Series 500 around autumn of the same year. For more details, click here.
The first train of the E235 Series has been in service since November 30, 2015, after 13 years, and the mass-produced E235 Series cars will be introduced gradually from spring 2017, to be completed by spring 2020. The current Yamanote Line trains, E231 Series 500s, introduced between 2002 and 2005, were withdrawn from service on the Chuo and Sobu Lines at the end of January 2020, in conjunction with the introduction of the E235 Series. The retired cars are here.

The main controller of this new train “E235 series” will be equipped with a power semiconductor using SiC (silicon carbide), and the module will be “Full or Hybrid SiC”. The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line 1000 Series is the first train car to be equipped with power semiconductors using SiC, which is attracting attention as a next-generation power semiconductor.

AKB48

From December 1 to December 15, 2011, AKB48 members’ body advertisements were carried out on JR East Yamanote Line (11 cars and 1 train) and posters of each member were displayed in the train.
AKB48 official website is here.
JR East Japan Yamanote Line “Tokyo Pastel Sandwich” AKB48 [Na: Takamina
AKB48 leader (Team A) Minami Takahashi (nickname: Takamina) made announcements in the train at all 29 stations.
The outstanding singing ability shown in the strongest girls unit no3b (Northleeves) derived from AKB48 is especially outstanding, and the person of ability who took charge of narration in the documentary film “AKB48 Show must go on Shoujo-tachi wa Hurtful Yume mamoru” released in 2012 She is a very talented narrator.
The recording of the in-train announcement (pictured left) took place at a recording studio in Tokyo, and the way she took pauses and her smooth tone of voice made the work go smoothly, making the staff around her groan, and the recording was finished in about three hours. According to Takakazu, he was conscious of making his voice sound “mechanical and clean with suppressed emotion” and struggled with pronunciation, inflection and other details.

Minami Takahashi (AKB48)

Route Guide

Yamanote Line
The Yamanote Line is a 34.5-km long, 29-station loop service that starts at Shinagawa Station and runs to Tabata Station via Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro Stations, including a branch line of the Tokaido Main Line and part of the Tohoku Main Line.
On January 14, 2012, it was announced by the media that a new station is planned to be built between Shinagawa and Tamachi (Minato-ku, Tokyo) for the first time in about 40 years, with the aim of starting redevelopment work in the area including the new station in fiscal 2013. This is the first new station on the Yamanote Line since Nishi-Nippori Station in 1971.

Keihin-Tohoku Line, Negishi Line

Series E233-1000

Series E233-1000 (Keihin Tohoku Line, Negishi Line, 10-car fixed formation, car length 20m)
Series E233-1000 was developed based on the technology of Series E231, which was introduced in large numbers in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Series E531, which was introduced for medium-distance service on the Joban Line in 2005.
As a result, all 830 cars of Series 209-0 and 500 were replaced by this series by January 24, 2010.
From 2000, the front end of the train adopted the shock-absorbing structure of the E217 series suburban type for safety measures against level crossing accidents, etc. The shock-absorbing structure was also adopted for the commuter type. This structure consists of a “crushable zone” that absorbs impact by “collapsing” and a “survival zone” that protects the front section with a “strong structure”. This improves the safety of the crew and passengers in the event of a collision with a large truck or other vehicle.
The main controller is a two-level VVVF inverter control system using IGBT elements, and the main electric motor is an MT75 cage-type three-phase AC induction motor ( 140kW).

(1)Near Tsurumi Station [2010/01/28].	(2)Near Tsurumi Station [2010/01/28].	(3)Near Tsurumi Station2010/05/17]	(4)Near Shinkoyasu Station [2010/01/28].
(6)Shinkoyasu Station [2010/01/28].	(5)(7)(8)Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center [2011/08/27].

Route Guide

Keihin Tohoku Line and Negishi Line
The Keihin Tohoku Line runs between Omiya and Yokohama stations, and the Negishi Line runs between Yokohama, Isogo and Ofuna stations.

Tokaido Line and Shonan Shinjuku Line

E231 series

Series E231 (Shonan Shinjuku Line, Tokaido Line, 10-car train, 5 additional cars, 20m in length)
The E231 Series was jointly developed by East Japan Railway Company and Tokyu Car Corporation. It has a maximum speed of 120 km/h and a starting acceleration of 2.5 km/h/s. The performance of the VVVF inverter controller has been improved, and the cage-type three-phase AC induction motor has been strengthened to support high speeds.
The basic formation is 4M6T and the attached formation is 2M3T, 15-car formation with two double-decker green cars (Saha E231 type 1000).
Photos (1) to (4) show the Shonan Shinjuku Line, and photos (5) to (8) show the Tokaido Line main line. They belong to the Kofutsu Rolling Stock Center.

(1)Near Ebisu Station [2011/07/12].	(2)Komagome Station [2010/12/20].	(3)Near Tsurumi Station [2011/01/25].	(4)Shinkoyasu Station [2011/06/20].
(5)-(8)Tamachi Station [2011/09/12].

Series E233-3000

Series E233-3000 (Tokaido Line, 10-car formation, 5 additional cars, 20m in length)
In 2007, Tokyu Car Corporation completed a 10-car basic train and a 5-car attached train, which were assigned to the Kokufujin Rolling Stock Center and began commercial operation on March 10, 2008. The trains assigned to the Tamachi rolling stock center were replaced by Series 211 trains belonging to the Tamachi rolling stock center by April 2012. The trains for the Tamachi rolling stock center were manufactured at the Niitsu rolling stock works.

Tamachi Station [2014/02/17].

E217 series

Series E217 (Tokaido Line, 10-car train, 5 extra cars, length: 20m)
The E217 Series E217 of the Yokosuka Line and the Sobu Rapid Line, which belonged to the Kamakura Rolling Stock Center, was transferred to the Kokufutsu Rolling Stock Center in October 2004, and one train is in operation on the Tokaido Line now.
Series E217 has the same basic equipment as Series 209, such as running gear and bogies, and is equipped with a GTO thyristor-element VVVF inverter controller as the main controller, a cage-type 3-phase AC induction motor ( 95kW) as the main electric motor, and a TD coupling parallel cardan drive system (axle beam type bolsterless bogie) as the drive system. The GK Industrial Design Laboratory was in charge of the design and development of this train series, which was awarded the Good Design Product of the Year 1995 by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).
The E233 Series will be newly introduced to the Tokaido Line in September 2011, and this train is scheduled to be transferred to the Kamakura Rolling Stock Center by the end of October.
*Photographs (1) to (3) show the “Tokaido Line 120th Anniversary” head mark displayed in 2010.
With the timetable revision accompanying the opening of the Ueno Tokyo Line on March 14, 2015, its operation on the Tokaido Main Line was terminated. The two trains that had been diverted to the Tokaido Main Line returned to the Yokosuka Line and Sobu Rapid Line.

(1)Shinkoyasu Station [2010/01/28].

(2)Near Tsurumi Station [2010/01/28].

(3)Near Tsurumi Station [2010/01/28].

(4)Shinagawa Station [2011/08/27].

Series 185-0

Series 185-0 (Tokaido Line, Ito Line, Izu Hakone Railway Sunzu Line, Izu Kyuko Line, 10-car formation, car length 20m)
Series 185 was designed and manufactured in 1981 for use in both regular and limited express trains. The main controller is CS43 type resistance controller and the main electric motor is MT54 type DC direct current winding motor ( 120KW). The maximum speed is set to 110km/h.
It is used for the limited express “Odoriko” and the “Shonan Liner” that arrives and departs from Tokyo and Shinagawa.
The line connects Mishima Station with Shuzenji Station on the Sunzu Line of Izu Hakone Railway (express fare is not required on the Sunzu Line and the train is treated as a rapid train).
There is a system that connects “Ito (Ito Line)” station to “Izukyu Shimoda” station on the Izu Kyuko Line. All cars assigned to Tamachi Sharyo Center were transferred to Omiya General Rolling Stock Center in March 2013. The renewed Series E257-2000 will be introduced to some Odoriko and temporary trains in the March 14, 2020 timetable revision, replacing Series 185s, all of which will be retired by 2021.
On March 12, 2021, the former JNR-era cars (Series 185 ) used for limited express trains such as “Odoriko” between Tokyo and Shizuoka/Izu Peninsula made their last run as regular trains, and will be operated as extra trains after the die revision on March 13.

(1)Near Higashi-Kanagawa Station [2010/05/16].

(2)Tamachi Station [2011/09/12].

(3)Tamachi Station [2011/09/12].

(4)Tamachi Station [2014/02/17].

215 series

		Series 215 (Tokaido Line, 10-car formation, car length 20m) Series 215 is a DC suburban type train of JR East, and four 10-car trains (4M6T, 40 cars in total) were manufactured from 1992 to 1993. It is currently operated by Liner, Holiday Rapid Manashi, Rapid Izu and so on.

It was designed based on the two-story green car of Series 211 for the exclusive use of “Shonan Liner” and “Ohayo Liner Shinjuku/Home Liner Odawara” on Tokaido Line. The armature chopper control system (field additive excitation) and DC DC direct-wound motor are basically the same as the Series 211 system, but the current limit (current drop value after resistor short circuit) is set higher to ensure the same starting acceleration as the Series 211 to cope with the maximum operating speed of 120km/h and the increased weight of the car body. At the same time, the weak field ratio was changed from 35% to 30% to secure high-speed performance, and the bogie is also equipped with a yaw damper. Auxiliary power supply is changed from brushless MG of Series 211 to stationary inverter (SIV).

(1)Omiya Station [2010/08/11].

(2)Near Chigasaki Station [2011/07/22].

Route Guide

Tokaido Main Line
The Tokaido Main Line was the first railway line opened in Japan (Shimbashi to Yokohama). The section under the jurisdiction of JR East is defined by the Passenger Operation Regulations as the Tokyo Suburban Section, and the branch lines between Tokyo and Ofuna and between Shinagawa, Musashi-Kosugi and Tsurumi (on the Shin-Tsuru Line) are designated as the Specific Section for trains and are subject to low-priced short-distance passenger fares. The short-distance passenger fares are also available between Tokyo and Odawara.
The line between Tokyo and Odawara Station is a double-double track, which includes trunk lines such as the Yokosuka Line and Shonan Shinjuku Line, as well as many branch lines and the Japan Freight Railway Line.
The Tokyo Control Center will be equipped with the Tokyo Area Transport Operation System ( ATOS) between Tokyo and Yugawara Stations, and the ATS-P type security system between Tokyo and Atami Stations.
[ Routes via the Tokaido Main Line]
The Tokaido Line will run on a dedicated line between Tokyo and Atami Station.
■Yokosuka Line between “Tokyo and Ofuna” station “Shinagawa and Yokohama” station is via Shinazuru Line.
The Shonan Shinjuku Line between Yokohama and Ofuna/Odawara Stations and between Nishi-Ooi and Yokohama Stations is via the Shinatsuru Line.
The Keihin Tohoku Line runs on a dedicated line between Tokyo and Yokohama Station. The Yokohama Line is operated between Higashi-Kanagawa and Yokohama Stations.
The Yamanote Line runs on a dedicated line between Tokyo and Shinagawa Stations.

Shonan Shinjuku Line
The Shonan Shinjuku Line has two lines: one runs directly from Koganei/Utsunomiya (Tohoku Main Line/Utsunomiya Line) to Zushi (Yokosuka Line), and the other runs from Kagohara/Takasaki (Takasaki Line) to Hiratsuka/Odawara (Tokaido Main Line).
From Osaki, the train goes to Yokohama via the Shinazuru Line, so it does not go towards Kawasaki Station.
The main stops along the way are “~Yokohama ~Shinkawasaki ~Musashikosugi ~Nishiooi ~Osaki ~Shibuya ~Shinjuku~” stations.

Sobu Rapid Line and Yokosuka Line

E217 series

Series E217 (Sobu Rapid Line, Yokosuka Line, 11-car train, 4 additional cars, 20m in length)
Series E217 started commercial operation on February 3, 1994. The VVVF inverter control system with GTO thyristor elements made by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is used for the main control system, and a three-phase AC cage type induction motor with 95kW output is used for the main electric motor. It is.
The MT ratio of the basic train is 4M7T and that of the attached train is 2M2T. It belongs to Kamakura Rolling Stock Center.

(1)Near Tsurumi Station [2011/01/25].

(2)Near Zushi Station [2010/04/06].

(3)Near Zushi Station [2010/04/06].

(4)Near Shin-Kawasaki Station [2010/05/16].

E235 series

Series E235-1000 (Tokaido Line, 11-car formation, 4 additional cars, 20m in length)
The E235 Series 1000 Series will replace the E217 Series from 2020 with 15-car (8M7T), 51 11-car (6M5T) and 46 4-car (2M2T) formations, for a total of 745 newly built cars. The main electric motor is a totally enclosed fan type induction motor (cooled by heat exchange), the control system is VVVF inverter control (SiC element), and it is equipped with regenerative brakes. The first train, which will belong to the Kamakura Rolling Stock Center, was put on trial on June 3, 2020 on the Shinetsu Line (Niitsu – Hanyuda).

Route Guide

Sobu Line, Shinazuru Line, Yokosuka Line
The Sobu Line runs between Tokyo and Choshi Stations, and the Yokosuka Line runs to Kurihama Station via the Tokaido Line via the underground platform at Tokyo Station. The line between Tokyo and Shinagawa Station runs through the Tokyo Tunnel underground line, which is an additional section of the Tokaido Main Line, and comes out of the ground at Shinagawa Station. From Shinagawa Station, the line runs alongside the Tokaido Shinkansen until near Musashi-Kosugi Station, where it runs on the Tokaido Main Line’s Shinakaku Line.
At the junction between Shinagawa and Nishi Oi Station (former Megurogawa Signal Station), the Yamanote Freight Line, where the Narita Express express trains bound for Shinjuku Station and other trains run, branches off. At the next junction (former Serikubo Signal Station), the Osaki Branch Line (Serikubo Line) of the Yamate Freight Line, which runs the Shonan Shinjuku Line and other lines, joins the line. When you cross the Tama River with the Tokaido Shinkansen, you will be in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Near Shinkawasaki Station is the Shin-Tsurumi Signal Station, which connects with the Musashino Line (freight line) and the Tokaido Freight Line.
The main line goes via the Tokaido Line, but it uses the same route as the Shonan Shinjuku Line to Nishi-Oi Station, so it does not go towards Kawasaki Station once it leaves Yokohama Station.
The main stopping stations on the way are “Yokohama – Shinkawasaki – Musashi-Kosugi – Nishi-Ooi – Shinagawa – Shinbashi – Tokyo – Shin-Nihonbashi – Bakurocho – Kinshicho – Chiba” each station.
You can transfer to the Sobu Line east of Kinshicho Station.

Reference: Railway Diagram Information, May 2010 issue

Joban Line and Joban Rapid Line

E231 series

Series E231 (Joban Rapid Line, 10-car formation, 15-car formation, car length 20m)
All the trains were manufactured at JR East Niitsu Sharyo Works and appeared in November 2001. It operates between “Ueno and Toride” station on the DC section. The main controller is a VVVF inverter control system using Mitsubishi Electric’s GTO thyristor element, and the drive system is a TD parallel cardan drive system, and the brake system is an electric command air brake with regenerative brake. The main electric motor, an MT68 cage-type three-phase AC in duction motor, has a low rated output of 95 kW, but unlike DC motors, the AC induction motor used with the VVVF inverter actually has an output equivalent to 150 kW of DC motors, assuming that the motor is overloaded for an hour or more during startup and other periods when it exceeds its rated output. Ten basic 10-car trains and nine 5-car trains are currently in service at the Matsudo Rolling Stock Center.

(1)Abiko Station [2010/05/03].

(2)Kanamachi Station [2010/05/13].

(3)Kanamachi Station [2010/05/13].

(4)Kashiwa Station [2010/05/25].

E501 series

Series E501 (Joban Rapid Line, 10-car train, 5 additional cars, 20m in length)
Series E501 started commercial operation on March 22, 1997. It was designed for AC and DC power supply based on the Series 209 train for the Joban Line transportation improvement. The main circuit switching at the dead section separating the DC and AC sections is automatically switched by the ATS-P ground terminal. This train is the first JR train to adopt the GTO thyristor VVVF inverter control system of Siemens of Germany. The main electric motor is a three-phase AC cage type induction motor, and the output has been increased to 120Kw.

E531 series

Series E531 (Joban Rapid Line, 10-car train, 5 additional cars, 20m in length)
Series E531 is a train that is compatible with 20,000 VAC (50 Hz) and 1,500 VDC power supply. The control system is a VVVF inverter control system using IGBT elements, the main electric motor is a three-phase AC cage type induction motor ( 140kW), and the drive system is a CFRP TD joint flexible plate parallel cardan drive system.
The brake system is an electric command type brake (all-electric, speed reducing) with regenerative braking, and the maximum operating speed of 130 km/h has been achieved.
This is the same control and drive system as that of the E653 Series (Fresh Hitachi) express trains, based on the basic design of the E231 Series suburban type, in order to support high-speed operation. The maximum operating speed was raised to 130km/h for the first time in JR East’s regular trains.

(1)Nippori Station [2010/01/30].

(2)Minami Kashiwa Station [2010/05/03].

(3)Kashiwa Station [2010/05/25].

(4)Kanamachi Station [2011/06/20].

E657 series

Series E657 (Joban Main Line, 10-car formation, car length 20m)
The E657 Series is planned to be manufactured as a new type of limited express train for the Joban Line with 16 10-car trains (160 cars), and started commercial operation on March 3, 2012 with the “Fukko Iwaki Hula Girl” temporary limited express train. It is also scheduled to be used for “Super Hitachi” and “Fresh Hitachi” between “Ueno and Iwaki” stations on March 17, 2012, in accordance with the timetable revision. The control system is VVVF inverter control using IGBT elements, and the main electric motor is a cage-type three-phase induction motor (MT75B), with a TD parallel cardan drive system and axle-beam bolsterless bogies. The manufacturers are Kinki Sharyo, Hitachi, and Tokyu Sharyo Manufacturing. The seats in the train are equipped with tables and power outlets for laptop computers, and WiMAX broadband access has been installed for improved convenience.
The official announcement by JR East is here ( PDF).

E653 series

Series E653 (Joban Main Line, 7-car train, 4 additional cars, 20m in length)
Series E653 is a limited express train which started commercial operation on October 1, 1997, and is compatible with AC and DC power supply. The maximum operating speed is 130km/h. The car body is made of aluminum alloy. The main controller is a VVVF in verter using IGBT elements, the main electric motor is an MT72 three-phase AC cage type induction motor ( 145kW), the drive unit is a TD coupling type parallel cardan drive ( bolsterless bogie), and the braking system is an electric command type regenerative brake and speed reducing brake. The train was awarded the Good Design Award by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization in 1998.
The train consists of 7 basic cars, 8 trains, 56 cars, and 4 attached cars, 16 cars, for a total of 72 cars, which are located at the Katsuta Rolling Stock Center.
Normally, it is operated mainly between “Ueno and Katsuta/Takahagi” station of Joban Line limited express Fresh Hitachi.
*Photographs (1) and (2) show Scarlet Blossom paint.

(1)Nippori Station [2010/01/30].

(2)Kitakogane Station [2011/06/20].

(3)Kanamachi Station [2010/05/13].

(4)Kashiwa Station [2010/05/25].

Joban Joko Line (Chiba-Tokyo Railway)

Series 209-1000

Series 209-1000
(Joban Loop Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, 10-car fixed formation, car length 20m)
Series 209-1000 was introduced on December 4, 1999, to serve the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. It has a 2,800 mm wide car body, which complies with the mutual transit agreement, and a higher ratio of electric cars, and a fixed 10-car formation with a 6M4T MT ratio.

Mat 82 formation

(1)Matsudo Station [2010/05/13].

(2)Kashiwa Station [2010/05/25].

Series E233-2000

		Series E233-2000 (Joban Loop Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, 10-car fixed formation, car length 20m) Series E233-2000 is for Joban Loosely Line and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, and one train was introduced in 2009 to replace Series 207-900.
(1)Matsudo Station [Jul. 26, 2011].	(2)Matsudo Station [Jul. 26, 2011].
17 10-car trains were manufactured from FY2010 to replace Series 203 by the end of September 2011. The Series 203 cars that were taken out of service, scrapped, or transferred are here ( retired cars).

	E233 Series ATO Operation Starts On March 8, 2021, JR East conducted a trial run using the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system on the Joban Line. The ATO is a system that automatically performs acceleration/deceleration to the next station and stops at the platform by simply pressing a button at the time of departure. In the test run, a 10-car train of the E233 Series was used, and it ran between Matsudo and Abiko Stations on the Joban Line, stopping at each station. When departing from a station, the driver pressed two departure buttons at the same time and the train automatically started to accelerate. As it approached the platform of the next station, it gradually slowed down and stopped at each station in place.
Automatic Train Operation (ATO) equipped trains “ATO Departure Button”.
While the train was in motion, the driver only had his hand on the steering wheel where he could operate the brakes and other controls so that he could respond to emergencies.

Route Guide

■Joban Line
Joban Line is the official line between “Nippori – Sendai” station. The line between Nippori and Sendai is officially called Joban Line, but the line between Nippori and Sendai is officially called Tohoku Main Line. The double-double track section is between Ayase and Toride stations, and the Joban Loop Line is the Loop Line section between Kitasenju and Toride stations, including between Ayase and Kitasenju stations on the Chiyoda Line under the jurisdiction of the Tokyo Metro. In consideration of the influence on the JMA geomagnetic observatory located in Kakioka, Ishioka City along the line, DC overhead wires are used between “Ueno” and “Toride” station, and AC overhead wires are used north of “Fujishiro” station. Therefore, there is a dead section between Toride and Fujishiro stations. The Tsukuba Express Line also has a similar measure.