Akagi (train)
Limited express train service in Japan
title: "Akagi (train)" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["named-passenger-trains-of-japan", "east-japan-railway-company", "railway-services-introduced-in-1960", "1960-establishments-in-japan", "takasaki-line"] description: "Limited express train service in Japan" topic_path: "geography/japan" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akagi_(train)" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::summary Limited express train service in Japan ::
::data[format=table title="Infobox rail service"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Akagi |
| image | 高崎駅を発車する特急あかぎ.jpg |
| image_width | 300px |
| caption | An E257-5500 series EMU on an Akagi service, March 2023 |
| type | Limited express |
| status | Operational |
| locale | Tokyo / Gunma Prefecture |
| first | 10 March 1960 (Semi express)14 March 1985 (Limited express) |
| operator | JR East |
| formeroperator | JNR |
| start | or |
| end | |
| distance | 111.2 km |
| line_used | Tohoku Main Line, Takasaki Line |
| class | Green + Standard |
| seating | 2+2 unidirectional |
| stock | E257-5500 series EMUs |
| gauge | |
| el | 1,500 V DC overhead |
| speed | 110 km/h |
| :: |
| name = Akagi | image = 高崎駅を発車する特急あかぎ.jpg | image_width = 300px | caption = An E257-5500 series EMU on an Akagi service, March 2023 | type = Limited express | status = Operational | locale = Tokyo / Gunma Prefecture | predecessor = | first = 10 March 1960 (Semi express)14 March 1985 (Limited express) | last = | successor = | operator = JR East | formeroperator= JNR | ridership = | start = or | stops = | end = | distance = 111.2 km | journeytime = | frequency = | trainnumber = | line_used = Tohoku Main Line, Takasaki Line | class = Green + Standard | access = | seating = 2+2 unidirectional | catering = | entertainment= | otherfacilities= | stock = E257-5500 series EMUs | gauge = | el = 1,500 V DC overhead | speed = 110 km/h | owners = | routenumber = | map = | map_state =
The Akagi is a limited express train service in Japan operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo ( or stations) and in Gunma Prefecture. Some trains run to or from or .
Rolling stock
- E257-5500 series EMUs
From the start of the revised timetable on 18 March 2023, modified E257-5500 series 5-car EMUs were introduced on Akagi services, replacing the aging 651-1000 series 7-car trains.
Former rolling stock
- 651-1000 series EMUs
- 185 series EMUs
From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, refurbished 651 series EMUs were introduced on Akagi services, replacing the aging 185 series trains. Until March 2016, one return service to and from Shinjuku continued to use 185 series rolling stock.
JReast651-1000suwaro-akagi.jpg|A 651-1000 series EMU on an Akagi service, March 2014 File:JR East 185 shintokyu akagi.jpg|A 185 series EMU in original livery File:JR East 185-200 Limited Express Akagi.jpg|A 185-200 series EMU, January 2008
History
The Akagi service first started on 10 March 1960 as a semi-express service operating between Ueno and . From 14 March 1985, the service was upgraded to limited express status.
From 18 November 2013, one car (car 3 in 7- and 10-car formations, and cars 3 and 10 in 14-car formations) was designated as a reserved-seating car.
From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, eleven Akagi services running during weekday peak commuting hours were renamed Swallow Akagi with all ordinary-class seats reservable.
Since 13 March 2021, this limited express no longer runs on the Ryomo or Joetsu Lines. Northbound services terminate at Takasaki instead of continuing on to Shin-Maebashi or Maebashi.
Effective 18 March 2023, all Swallow Akagi services were converted back to ordinary Akagi services with all departures requiring a reservation.
References
References
- (August 2000). "こだわりの新幹線＆特急列車ガイド". Ikaros Publishing.
- (2008). "ＪＲ新幹線＆特急列車ファイル". Kōtsū Shimbun.
- (2023-03-18). "". link. Koyusha Co., Ltd.
- (20 December 2013). link. News release. East Japan Railway Company
- (2016-03-26). "". link. Koyusha Co., Ltd.
- (August 1995). "列車名鑑1995". Railway Journal.
- link. (19 September 2013). News release. East Japan Railway Company – Takasaki Branch Office
- [https://railf.jp/news/2021/03/14/200000.html Discontiued that AKAGI extended to Maebashi on Ryomo Line]
- (16 December 2022). "JR東日本，3月18日にダイヤ改正を実施".
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