JR East E657 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The E657 series is a type of dual-voltage limited express train for Joban Line services. 19 ten-carriage units replaced 651 series and E653 series. They are based on E259 series, but these two types look so different that it might be hard to believe it.

They were supposed to be operated between Ueno and Iwaki, but they have been running between Shinagawa and Ueno after Ueno-Tokyo Line was opened. Furthermore, some Hitachi services run as far as Sendai after Joban Line was reconstructed and recovered from damages caused by the triple disasters in 2011 (earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown).

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The E657 series trains are used for Limited Express Hitachi (Shinagawa - Iwaki) and Tokiwa (Shinagawa - Katsuta). Some Hitachi services start from and terminate at Sendai, running the entire Joban Line. A few units were painted yellow, green etc., just like the E653 series trains were used to be.