Service type Limited express Locale Japan Former operator(s) JNR | Status Operational Current operator(s) JR East | |
 | ||
First service 1 October 1957 (Semi express)
12 December 1966 (Limited express) | ||
The Azusa (あずさ) and Super Azusa (スーパーあずさ) are limited express services operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), which run between Shinjuku and Matsumoto via the Chūō Main Line and Shinonoi Line. The name Azusa is taken from the Azusa River in Matsumoto, Nagano.
Contents
Azusa
Shinjuku - Matsumoto - Minami-Otari
(One train a day starts/terminates at Chiba)
Super Azusa
Shinjuku - Matsumoto
Rolling stock
From 2016, new E353 series EMUs are scheduled to be introduced on Azusa and Super Azusa services, replacing the E351 and E257 series trains. The new trains will feature power outlets for passenger use and WiFi internet service.
Rolling stock previously used
Azusa
Azusa services are formed of 2+9-car or 9-car E257 series trainsets as shown below, with car 1 at the southern (Chiba/Tokyo/Shinjuku) end. All cars are no-smoking.
Super Azusa
Super Azusa services are formed of 4+8-car E351 series trainsets as shown below, with car 1 at the southern (Tokyo/Shinjuku) end. All cars are no-smoking.
History
The Azusa service began on 1 October 1957 as a semi express operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto. This operated until 24 April 1960 when it was absorbed into Hakuba semi express services.
The Azusa name was revived from 12 December 1966 for use on limited express services operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto.
The premier Super Azusa service commenced on 3 December 1994 with the delivery of the first new E351 series tilting EMUs.
New E257 series EMUs were introduced on Azusa services from the start of the revised timetable on 1 December 2001.
Smoking was prohibited in all cars from 18 March 2007.