| Tsugaru | |
| Type: | Limited express |
| Predecessor: | Kamoshika |
| First: | 1954 (Express) 2002 (Limited express) |
| Operator: | JR East |
| Formeroperator: | JNR |
| Frequency: | 4 return services daily |
| Line Used: | Tohoku Main Line Ou Main Line |
| Class: | Green + Standard |
| Stock: | E751 series EMUs |
| El: | 20 kV AC (50 Hz) overhead |
| Speed: | 130abbr=onNaNabbr=on[1] |
The is a limited express train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), which runs from to and via the Tōhoku Main Line and Ōu Main Line.[2]
Four return workings operate daily between and, with two return workings between Aomori and during busy seasons.[2]
Services are normally formed of 4-car E751 series electric multiple units (EMUs) based at Aomori depot,[3] with Aomori-based 4-car 485-3000 series EMUs also used on some additional services during busy seasons.[4]
Trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Akita end.[5] All cars are no-smoking.[6]
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Green | Reserved | Reserved | Non-reserved | Non-reserved |
| Facilities | Toilet | Toilet |
The was first introduced on 1 October 1954 as an express service operating between in Tokyo and via and . From 19 November 1956, the train was amended to run via and Akita. This service was discontinued from the start of the revised timetable on 1 December 1993.[7]
The Tsugaru name was revived from 1 December 2002 as a limited express service operating between and, superseding the former Hatsukari limited express service which ran between and Aomori up until the opening of the Tōhoku Shinkansen extension to Hachinohe.[8] Services were formed of 6-car 485-3000 series and E751 series EMUs based at Aomori depot, with JR Hokkaido 789 series EMUs used on some services.[1]
From 4 December 2010, with the opening of the Tōhoku Shinkansen extension from Hachinohe to, the Tsugaru services were amended to operate between Aomori and Akita, replacing the Kamoshika and Inaho services that previously ran on this route.[2] From this date, services were formed of shortened 4-car 485-3000 series EMUs, with the E751 series EMUs temporarily removed from service.[9]
From 23 April 2011, the E751 series sets were reinstated on Tsugaru services, this time formed as 4-car sets, replacing the 485-3000 series sets.[3]