The Shiokaze (しおかぜ, English: "sea breeze") is a limited express train service in Japan operated by JR Shikoku which runs from Okayama to Matsuyama.

Shiokaze
8000 series train on a Shiokaze service in May 2007
Overview
Service typeLimited express
First service1972
Current operator(s)JR Shikoku
Route
Line(s) usedSeto-Ōhashi Line, Yosan Line
Technical
Rolling stock8000 series EMU, 8600 series EMU
Operating speed130 km/h (81 mph) (max)

Route

edit

The main stations served by this service are as follows. Stations in parentheses indicate that not all Shiokaze serves the station. The limited express Ishizuchi connects with Shiokaze from Utazu station.

Okayama - Kojima - Utazu - Marugame - Tadotsu - (Takuma) - (Takase) - Kan'onji - Kawanoe - Iyo-Mishima - Niihama - Iyo-Saijo - Nyugawa - Imabari - (Iyo-Hojo) - Matsuyama

Rolling stock

edit
 
2000 series DMU on a Shiokaze service at Tadotsu Station in January 2008
  • 8000 series 5-, or 8-car tilting EMUs (Okayama - Matsuyama services, coupled with Ishizuchi services)
  • 8600 series 5-, 7-, or 8-car tilting EMUs[1]

Past rolling stock

edit
 
KiHa 181 series DMU on a Shiokaze service in 1985

History

edit
  • 1972: Shiokaze services start between Takamatsu and Uwajima and between Takamatsu and Matsuyama.
  • 1986: KiHa 185 series DMUs introduced, and Shiokaze becomes L Tokkyū service.
  • November 1990: 2000 series tilting DMUs introduced.
  • July 1992: 8000 series tilting EMUs introduced.
  • 15 March 2008: All cars made no-smoking.
  • 26 March 2016: 8600 series tilting EMUs to be introduced on four daily round-trip services.[1] 2000 series trains will be withdrawn.

References

edit
  • JR Timetable, August 2008 issue
  • "JR新幹線&特急列車ファイル" (JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File), published 2008 by Kōtsū Shimbun
edit