JNR 205 series
Fujikyu 6000 series

Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)

History

The 205 series is a commuter EMU type developed by Japanese National Railways. The body is made of stainless-steel unlike the predecessors (e.g. 103 series). The traction was initially developed for suburban trains rather than commuter trains so that it did not necessarily work well on some commuter rails with too many stations.

The 205 series trains were introduced to the Yamanote Line and other various commuter lines in the capital including the Keihin-Tohoku, Saikyo and Sobu & Chuo (Local) Lines. In 1990, JR East developed carriages with six doors on each side to ease severe congestion. Some of those on the Keiyo and Musashino Lines had white front ends, which enthusiasts called "Märchen". Those introduced to the Sagami Line had very different design as shown further below.

Those on the Yamanote Line were reallocated in the 2000s to many other lines in the Greater Tokyo Area such as the Hachiko, Keiyo and Musashino Lines. In addition, a few were converted, shortened and transferred to northern Kanto region (Tochigi Prefecture). However, all of them dramatically declined in the 2010s as JR East replaced them with E233 series or E131 series. Some of them were resold to Fujikyu Railway in 2012 and renamed 6000 series.

The 205 series trains were also introduced to Osaka area. Those built before the privatisation of JNR were for the Tokaido Main and San-yo Main Lines, while those after the privatisation were for the Hanwa Line. JR West refurbished and now uses them on the Nara Line.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

JR East has a few units for Senseki and Nambu (branch) Lines. The one for the Nambu Line is a spare unit that runs occasionally. Senseki Line trains will be replaced with E131 series by early-2026.

JR West uses them for stopping services on the Nara Line, and there is no plan of withdrawal at present.

Fujikyu Railway uses the 6000 series on the entire line, mostly for stopping services.

Photos

There are subtle differences between those introduced by JNR (left) and JR West (right). Both are now used on the Nara Line.

JR East has some odd-looking units, which were converted from intermediate carriages. They are now used on the Senseki and Nambu branch Lines.

Sagami Line units looked completely different, and they were unique to the Sagami and Yokohama Lines.

Those introduced in 1990-91 by JR East have completely different front end ("Märchen"). A few units were later reallocated to the Nikko and Utsunomiya Lines.

They were initially introduced to the Keiyo and Musashino Lines when Keiyo Line construction was completed in 1990.

Those on the Musashino Line were mostly reallocated from the Yamanote Line. Their traction was replaced with new inverters, and they were in service until 2020.

Saikyo and Kawagoe Lines' trains were common in the middle of Tokyo, but they were often regarded as a source of tremendous noise.

Yokohama Line units were often said to be identical to the Yamanote Line livery unless there were dark green bands.

Nambu Line units were mostly from the Yamanote Line as well.

Prototype units of the 205 series looked slightly different from others, such as windows between doors. They were initially introduced to the Yamanote Line, and later reallocated to the Keiyo Line.

Fujikyu 6000 series, former 205 series prototype on the Keiyo Line.