Locale Japan Current operator(s) JR East | Status Operational | |
 | ||
First service 1 June 1958 (Semi-express)14 March 2015 (Limited express) | ||
The Tokiwa (ときわ) is a limited express service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) between Shinagawa in Tokyo and Iwaki via the Joban Line and Ueno-Tokyo Line since 14 March 2015. The services replaced the former Fresh Hitachi services operated on the Joban Line between Ueno and Iwaki. The Tokiwa train service name was also formerly used for semi-express services operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) from June 1958 until March 1985.
Contents
Service outline
Tokiwa limited express services operate between Shinagawa in Tokyo and Iwaki in Fukushima Prefecture, supplementing the limited-stop Hitachi limited express services formerly named Super Hitachi.
Rolling stock
Former rolling stock
Formations
Tokiwa trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo (Ueno/Shinagawa) end. All cars are no-smoking.
History
The original Tokiwa semi-express service was introduced on 1 June 1958, operating between Ueno in Tokyo and Taira Station (present-day Iwaki Station) in Fukushima Prefecture via the Joban Line using KiHa 55 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains. Three return services operated daily. Following electrification of the Joban Line, 451 series electric multiple unit (EMU) trains were introduced on some Tokiwa services from October 1962. Primarily used on Miyagino express services, these formations included buffet cars, although a buffet service was not provided on Tokiwa services.
A typical 11-car 451 series formation (without a buffet car) as used following the October 1978 timetable revision is shown below.
From 5 March 1966, Tokiwa services were upgraded from "semi express" to "express" status. From the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 1985, Tokiwa services were absorbed into Hitachi limited express services, and the name was discontinued.