| Kubikino | |
| Type: | Rapid |
| Status: | Discontinued |
| Locale: | Shinetsu Main Line |
| Predecessor: | Minori |
| First: | 1 December 2002 |
| Last: | 13 March 2015 |
| Successor: | Shirayuki |
| Formeroperator: | JR East |
| Frequency: | 3 return services daily |
| Class: | Green + Standard |
| Stock: | 485 series EMUs |
| El: | 1,500 V DC overhead |
| Speed: | 120round=5NaNround=5 |
The was a "Rapid" limited-stop train service in Japan operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) between and on the Shinetsu Main Line in Niigata Prefecture from 2002 until March 2015.[1]
Services consisted of three trains in each direction daily.[1] [2]
Services were formed of 6-car 485 series EMUs, which included Green car (first class) accommodation. Niigata-based sets T16 and T17 were normally allocated to Kubikino duties, as these two sets did not receive the Green car seat refurbishment applied to other 485 sets used on Inaho limited express services in 2007.[1] [3]
Trains were formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Arai end.[1] [4]
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | KuRoHa 481 | MoHa 484 | MoHa 485 | MoHa 484 | MoHa 485 | KuHa 481 | ||
| Accommodation | Green | Reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved |
The Kubikino services commenced from the start of the revised timetable on 1 December 2002, replacing the previous Minori limited express services.[1] 4-car 485 series were initially used on these services, but 6-car Inaho 485 series sets were used from 20 May 2006 to relieve overcrowding.[1]
A predecessor to the Kubikino rapid service, the, operated as a semi-express between and from 1 October 1963, and as an express service from 5 March 1966, before being absorbed into semi-express services operating between and Niigata from 30 September 1968.[5] [6]
Kubikino services were discontinued from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2015, coinciding with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension from Nagano to Kanazawa. Services were replaced by new Shirayuki limited express services operating between Niigata and Arai.[7]