JNR 185 series

Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)

History

This article is about 185 series (electric). Do not be confused with KiHa 185 series (diesel).

The 185 series was a type of limited express EMU developed by Japanese National Railways, based on 117 series.

JNR developed the 185 series both for limited express and regional stopping services so that standard coaches of the series were less comfortable than other intercity trains at that time. JNR introduced the 185 series to a few stopping services on Tokaido Main Line and Express Izu along with 153 series (retired in 1983). Izu services were promoted in 1981 to Limited Express Odoriko (Tokyo - Izukyu-Shimoda and Shuzenji). In 1982, JNR introduced the 185 series to Takasaki Line and used them for Express Kusatsu (Ueno - Manza Kazawaguchi), Yukemuri (Ueno - Minakami) and regional stopping services as far as Karuizawa.

However, the series was not necessarily popular among passengers despite being new due to poor accommodation. Since JNR designed it for regional services, seating was inferior to that of other limited express trains. On the other hand, the series was not fit for stopping services as there were only two sets of doors per coach, contributing to severe congestion.

JR East took over all coaches following the privatisation of JNR in 1987, and refurbished all of them in 1995-2002. They were mainly used for Odoriko as well as Shonan Liner (Tokyo or Shinjuku - Odawara), Akagi (Ueno - Takasaki), Kusatsu (Ueno - Naganoharakusatsuguchi) and Minakami (Ueno - Minakami) services.

The 185 series lasted far longer than enthusiasts anticipated: all 224 carriages had been registered for use until 2013 (note that JR East has been known for replacing trains that are even less than 20 years old). The last regular services provided by the series were Odoriko, which were superseded by E257 series in 2021.

Even after that, a few units remained operational for rail tours and photo sessions for three more years. The last unit was sent for scrap in the following year.

Photos

So-called "Shonan Block Livery" for Odoriko services.

So-called "New Limited Express Livery" for those in northern Kanto region, such as Limited Express Akagi.

Shonan Livery modelled after JNR 80 series EMU repainted in 2010. It was restored to the Shonan Block Livery in 2013.

JNR Limited Express Livery, which was not originally for the 185 series. JR East painted a unit in such a way in 2012, but restored to the original livery in 2015.