JNR 381 series

Data (as of 5 Apr 2025)

History

The 381 series was the first tilting train in Japan for regular passenger service. Due to topographical reasons (steep gradients and tight curves), intercity trains in Japan were far slower than those in other developed countries. Hence, Japanese National Railways has decided to develop a new tilting train that can run faster even in mountains.

The series looked like other limited express EMUs such as 183 series and 485 series, but the body of the 381 series was mainly made of aluminium while others were made of steel. Outdoor units of air conditioning were installed below floor to keep the train stable, making the roof empty except pantographs.

JNR introduced the 381 series to Limited Express Shinano (Nagano - Nagoya), Kuroshio (Tennoji - Shingu) and Yakumo (Okayama - Izumoshi). The tilting system contributed to making journey times shorter but it also made the train uncomfortable, and passengers gave the trains nicknames using words like "exhaustion" and "vomit".

When JNR was privatised in 1987, JR Central and JR West succeeded the series. Those owned by JR Central were replaced with 383 series in 1996, but a few of them remained for twelve more years and used for extra services during peak seasons. JR West used them until 2015 for not only Kuroshio and Yakumo but also other limited express trains in Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures including Hashidate (Kyoto - Amanohashidate) and Konotori (Shin-Osaka - Kinosakionsen).

Since 2021, the 381 series had been the last JNR electric train type that is used for regular limited express services and thus highly popular among railway enthusiasts. The series was withdrawn from regular Yakumo services in 2024, superseded by 273 series. The 381 series remained a few more months to deal with congestion during high seasons.

Photos

JNR Limited Express Livery, to which the 381 series was originally painted.

When the 381 series were running in the middle of Osaka as Kuroshio.

"Panorama Green Car", the refurbished first class carriage. It is also available on Yakumo.

Super Yakumo livery was seen in 1994-2011 and restored in 2023.

Green Yakumo was adopted in 1997 but was changed to the current livery (white and red with light green bands) by 2011. A four-car unit was restored to green in 2023.