Asakaze
Asakaze service hauled by an EF66 in 1988
Overview
Service typeBlue Train Limited express
First service1956
Last service2005
Current operator(s)JR West
Route
Line(s) usedTokaido Main Line, Sanyo Main Line
Technical
Rolling stock24 + 14 series sleeper coaches
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification1,500 V DC

The Asakaze (あさかぜ) was a limited express sleeper train service operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and later by West Japan Railway Company (JR West), which ran from Tokyo to Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.[1]

The Asakaze was discontinued from the start of the revised timetable on 1 March 2005.

Rolling stock

The train was formed of 14 and 24 series sleeping cars hauled by an EF66 electric locomotive between Tokyo and Shimonoseki.[2]

History

The Asakaze service commenced on 19 November 1956, operating between Tokyo and Hakata. In October 1970, Tokyo to Shimonoseki Asakaze services were also introduced, and the Tokyo to Hakata services were discontinued in December 1994.[3]

The remaining Asakaze services were discontinued in 2005, with the final runs occurring on 28 February.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Asakaze.
  1. ^ "Bye-Bye Blue Train: Japan's Iconic Sleepers Give Way to "Cruise Trains"". nippon.com. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  2. ^ "こだわりの新幹線＆特急列車ガイド" (In-depth Shinkansen & Limited Express Guide), published 2000 by Ikaros
  3. ^ "列車名鑑1995" (Train Name Survey 1995), published 1995 by Railway Journal
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