JR West 287 series

Data (as of 23 May 2026)

History

The 287 series is a type of limited express train. It looks like 683 series, but the 287 series is not dual-voltage and can only run with DC 1.5 kV electricity. The 287 series trains were introduced to Limited Express in northern and southern Kansai region, replacing 183 series and 381 series. However, the 287 series is not a tilting train, and thus trains run slower than the 381 series at tight curves. Each unit is formed of three, four or six coaches.

The 287 series was initially introduced to limited express services in northern Kansai region such as Konotori (Shin-Osaka - Kinosakionsen via the Fukuchiyama Line) in 2010. Others entered into Kuroshio services (Shin-Osaka - Shingu) in 2012.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 287 series are used for Limited Express Hashidate (Kyoto - Amanohashidate), Kinosaki (Kyoto - Kinosakionsen) and Konotori (Shin-Osaka - Kinosakionsen), as well as Kuroshio (Shin-Osaka - Shingu), along with 289 series. Some units for Kuroshio are decorated with eye-catching stickers.

Photos

Those in the northern the Kansai region (like Konotori) have red bands.

Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture is known for Adventure World, an amusement park where giant pandas were exhibited until 2025. Although there is no panda today due to the political tensions between Japan and China, some units are still decorated like a panda.