Shiokaze (train)

For the heritage railway train in Kitakyushu with the same name, see Mojikō Retro Scenic Line.

Shiokaze

8000 series train on a Shiokaze service in May 2007
Overview
Service type	Limited express
First service	1972
Current operator(s)	JR Shikoku
Route
Line(s) used	Seto-Ōhashi Line, Yosan Line
Technical
Rolling stock	8000 series EMU, 8600 series EMU
Operating speed	130 km/h (81 mph) (max)

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.

Route

The main stations served by this service are as follows.

Okayama - Tadotsu - Imabari - Matsuyama

Rolling stock

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

Past rolling stock

KiHa 181 series DMU on a Shiokaze service in 1985

• KiHa 181 series DMUs (1972–1993)
• KiHa 185 series DMUs (1986–1990)
• 2000 series tilting DMUs (1990–2016)

History

• 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26 March 2016: 8600 series tilting EMUs to be introduced on four daily round-trip services. 2000 series trains will be withdrawn.

References

• 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

External links

• JR Shikoku Train Information (in Japanese)