Shinano

383 series electric train on a Shinano service in May 2007
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Operational
First service	11 November 1953 (Semi-express) 13 December 1959 (Express) 1 October 1968 (Limited express)
Last service	26 March 2016 (Nagano - Ōsaka service)
Current operator(s)	JR Central / JR East
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Termini	Nagoya Nagano
Stops	15
Distance travelled	250.8 km (155.8 mi)
Average journey time	2 hours 55 minutes approx
Service frequency	Approximately one train an hour in each direction
Line(s) used	Chūō Main Line, Shinonoi Line, Shin'etsu Main Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Green + Standard
Disabled access	Yes
Seating arrangements	2+2 unidirectional
Sleeping arrangements	None
Catering facilities	None
Observation facilities	None
Entertainment facilities	None
Other facilities	Toilets
Technical
Rolling stock	383 series EMU
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	1,500 V DC
Operating speed	130 km/h (81 mph)[1]
Track owner(s)	JR Central, JR East

The Shinano (しなの), branded as (Wide View) Shinano (（ワイドビュー）しなの) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), which runs between Nagoya and Nagano via Matsumoto.^[1] Like all JR Central limited express trains, a limited express fee has to be paid, on top of the normal fare to ride this service.

Route

Trains start and terminate at Nagoya Station.

There was formerly a daily return service between Nagano and Ōsaka, which travelled a total distance of 274.1 miles (441.2 km) and took approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. This made the Shinano the furthest travelling daytime limited express service in Japan prior to its discontinuation on 26 March 2016 due to declining passenger numbers. Some trains also ran seasonally to Hakuba, a service which has also stopped.

Trains stop at the following stations:

Nagoya - (Kanayama) - Chikusa - Tajimi - (Ena) - Nakatsugawa - (Nagiso) - (Agematsu) - Kiso-Fukushima - Shiojiri - Matsumoto - (Akashina) - (Hijiri-Kōgen) - Shinonoi - Nagano

Parentheses indicate stations where some but not all services stop.

Rolling stock

• 383 series 6-, 8-, or 10-car EMUs (since 1 December 1996)^[1]

Past

• KiHa 181 series DMUs (1968–1972)
• 381 series EMUs (1972–2008)

• 
  Preserved JNR KiHa 181 series DMU car
• 
  381 series EMU on a seasonal Shinano service, July 2006

Accommodation

Green car (first class) and standard class accommodation is provided, with 2+2 abreast unidirectional seating in both classes.^[1] Seat pitch is 1,200 mm (47 in) in Green class and 1,000 mm (39 in) in standard class.^[1] All trains are no smoking. Onboard catering services ceased on 16 March 2013.

History

The Shinano service was first introduced on 11 November 1953 as a "semi-express" operating between Nagoya and Nagano.^[2] This was upgraded to "express" status from 13 December 1959, and became a "limited express" from 1 October 1968.^[2]