JR East E131 series

Data (as of 22 Feb 2026)

History

The E131 series is a type of urban and suburban train. It was designed for rural lines in the Greater Tokyo Area, based on E129 series and E235 series. The E131s are compatible with driver-only operation, and some units have track monitoring system that allows the train to check and assess condition of tracks while running as a passenger service.

The E131 series was first introduced to Chiba Prefecture, replacing some 209 series units. These E131s are called variant 0, and each unit is formed of two coaches with transverse seating and an accessible toilet.

Those on the Sagami Line (variant 500) were introduced to replace 205 series. They are formed of four coaches with longitudinal seating only, and there is no toilet.

Variant 600 is for Utsunomiya area, replacing the 205 series as well. They are formed of three coaches with longitudinal seating and an accessible toilet.

Variant 800 is used on the Senseki Line. Each unit is formed of four coaches with longitudinal seating, and all units are compatible with driver-only operation.

Variant 1000 was introduced in 2023 to the Tsurumi Line, and each unit is formed of three coaches. Due to strict minimum structure outline, these three-car trains have smaller body than others. There is no transerse seating or toilet.

JR East envisages that stopping services in rural areas will be less costly and thus sustainable even the population declines.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The variant 0 of the E131 series are used on the Kashima Line, the Narita Line (Narita - Katori), the Sotobo Line (Kazusa-Ichinomiya to the south) and the Uchibo Line (Kisarazu to the south). They can be formed of four coaches by combining two units.
The variant 500 are used on the entire Sagami Line. They are always formed of four coaches, and are never formed of eight.
The variant 600 is used on the JR Nikko Line and the Utsunomiya Line (Koganei - Kuroiso), and formed of six coaches during rush hours.
The variant 800 is used on the Senseki Line, and the variant 1000 is used on the Tsurumi Line.

The company plans to introduce the series (variant 800) to the Nagano area (variant 200) in financial year 2026 to replace 211 series.

Photo

Those for the Tsurumi Line is smaller than others due to the aforementioned reasons and thus look different.