Tōkai (train) explained

Tōkai
Type:	Limited express (from 1996)
First:	1955 (Semi express) 1996 (Limited express Wide View Tōkai)
Last:	2007
Operator:	JR East ( -) JR Central ( -)
Line Used:	Tōkaidō Main Line
Stock:	373 series (1996 - 2007)

The was a limited express service which connected Tokyo Station and Shizuoka Station in Japan. The service was discontinued in March 2007 due to declining passenger numbers.

Stops

Trains stopped at the following stations:

– – – – – – – – – – – – –

Rolling stock

• 1955 - 1957: Locomotive-hauled
• 1957 - 1958: JNR 80 series EMUs
• 1958 - March 1982: JNR 153 series EMUs^[1]
• 1968 - 1996: JNR 165 series EMUs
• 16 March 1996  - 17 March 2007: JR Central 373 series EMUs (as Wide View Tōkai)

History

The Tōkai service was first introduced by Japanese National Railways (JNR) on 20 July 1955 as a locomotive-hauled semi express train operating between Tokyo and Nagoya. The train was upgraded to "express" status from 5 March 1966.^[2] From 16 March 1996, the service was upgraded to become the limited express Wide View Tōkai using pairs of new 373 series 3-car EMU trainsets, with two return workings daily between Tokyo and Shizuoka.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Book: ja: 写真とイラストで見る国鉄急行型電車のすべて . JNR Express EMUs in pictures . Neko Publishing Ltd. . 29 November 2013 . Japan . ja . 22–31 . 978-4-7770-1532-0.
2. Book: ja: 列車名鑑1995 . Train Name Directory 1995. Railway Journal. August 1995 . Japan.
3. Book: ja: こだわりの新幹線＆特急列車ガイド . In-depth Shinkansen & Limited Express Guide. Ikaros Publishing. August 2000 . Japan. 4-87149-284-2.