E3 series Bullet Train

Data (as of 22 Feb 2026)

History

The E3 series is the second mini-Shinkansen, developed for the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen. Its maximum speed is 275 km/h (171 mph) on high-speed rail, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on non-high-speed rail. They were initially formed of five coaches, but soon became six. Those on the Yamagata Shinkansen consisted of seven. The couplers of the series were compatible not only with E2 series, but also 200 series, E4 series and E5 series.

The E3 series were introduced to Komachi (Tokyo - Akita) services when the Akita Shinkansen was opened in 1997. They were also introduced to Tsubasa (Tokyo - Shinjo) in 1999, when the Yamagata Shinkansen was extended from Yamagata to Shinjo. In most cases, they were formed of 16 or 17 coaches with the 200, E2, E4 or E5 series.

Following the introduction of E6 series to the Akita Shinkansen, the E3 series was withdrawn from Komachi by 2014. Many of them were scrapped, but some were reallocated to Tsubasa, replacing 400 series (1992-2010). Two redundant units were converted to special units for rail tours. The first one is Toreiyu, an onsen (hot spring) train. The other one was Genbi Shinkansen, the first art museum train on high-speed rail in the world. They were withdrawn in 2020 and 2022 respectively.

Those on the Yamagata Shinkansen were replaced with E8 series by 2025. However, the company decided to retain one unit for "freight Shinkansen" (which should rather be called a parcel train). There is also a plan to transport another unit to India where it will be used as a measurement train.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

There is no regular passenger service using the E3 series. The freight Shinkansen unit is expected to be reinstated later in 2026. It is not certain how long JR East keeps it operational. The other units are stored at depots and awaiting disposal.

Photos

The prototype unit looked apparently different from other units.

Tsubasa units were initially painted silver and green. A unit was restored to it in 2023.

The new Tsubasa livery (2014-25).