The Sazanami (さざなみ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo and Tateyama via the Keiyo Line and Uchibō Line.[1]

Sazanami

A E257-500 series EMU on a Sazanami service in October 2006
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Operational
Locale	Chiba Prefecture
First service	15 July 1972
Current operator(s)	JR East
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Termini	Tokyo Kimitsu
Distance travelled	128.9 km (80.1 mi)
Service frequency	4 return services daily
Line(s) used	Keiyo Line, Uchibo Line, Sobu Line
On-board services
Catering facilities	Trolley service
Technical
Rolling stock	E257-500 series EMUs
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	1,500 V DC overhead
Operating speed	120 km/h (75 mph)

Seasonal Shinjuku Sazanami services operate at certain weekends between Shinjuku and Tateyama.

Principal stations served Tokyo - Soga - Goi - (Anegasaki) - Kisarazu - Kimitsu

Rolling stock

• E257-500 series 5-car EMUs

• 
  A E257-500 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in May 2010 at Akihabara Station

Former rolling stock

• 255 series 9-car EMUs[2]
• 183/189 series 9-car EMUs[2]

• 
  A 189 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in February 2007
• 
  A 255 series EMU on a Sazanami service in March 2008

History

• 15 July 1972 - Sazanami service starts coinciding with opening of the underground Sōbu Line platforms at Tokyo Station.
• 16 March 1991 - Sazanami service are rerouted via the Keiyo Line from Tokyo.
• 2 July 1993 - 255 series EMUs are introduced on View Sazanami services from Tokyo to Chikura.
• 16 October 2004 - E257-500 series EMUs are introduced.
• 10 December 2005 - The View Sazanami name is discontinued, and all services are made entirely no-smoking.[3]

The opening of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line road across the Tokyo Bay in 1997 saw increased competition from long-distance bus services offering cheaper fares, resulting in decreasing ridership figures on the Sazanami services.[4] From the start of the 15 March 2014 timetable revision, the number of services was reduced to six return workings daily.[4]

See also

• List of named passenger trains of Japan

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sazanami (train).

• JR East 255 series Shiosai/Wakashio/Sazanami (in Japanese)
• JR East E257 series Wakashio/Sazanami/Shiosai/Ayame (in Japanese)