Fujikyu 2000 series Fujisan Express

Data (as of 11 Feb 2022)

History

The 2000 series was ex-165 series of Japanese National Railways. The 165 series was a type of express train introduced mainly to express services in the Greater Tokyo Area and Nagoya area in the 1960s. JNR converted two three-carriage units to Joyful Train, a specific trainset for rail tours and excursions. They were called Panorama Express Alps and reentered service in 1987, days before the privatisation of JNR. JR East took them over, and used for various tours and chartered trains. They were mostly coupled together and treated as a six-car unit.

Panorama Express Alps retired in 2001, but Fujikyu purchased both of them. Fujikyu divided them into two units, and used them for Limited Express Fujisan Express. They were dramatically repainted with 101 obnoxious characters, but accommodation was almost unchanged including observation deck and compartments.

One of two units were restored to Panorama Express Alps livery in 2014, weeks before retirement. The other unit was withdrawn in 2016.

The original style of the 165 series was almost identical to this train.

Photos

The sharp end of the 2000 series with observation deck.

The blunt end of the 2000 series had remnants of Japanese National Railways.

The sharp end of Panorama Express Alps.

The blunt end of Panorama Express Alps.