Shirasagi

Overview
Service type	Limited express
First service	25 December 1964
Current operator(s)	JR West
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Termini	Nagoya
Stops	Tsuruga
Service frequency	14 return services daily
Line(s) used	Tokaido Main Line Hokuriku Main Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Green, standard
Technical
Rolling stock	681 series EMUs 683 series EMUs
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Operating speed	130 km/h (80 mph)

The Shirasagi (しらさぎ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West) since 1964. It runs between Nagoya and Tsuruga. Shirasagi (白鷺) is the Japanese name for the "egret", a white heron.

For services continuing to and from Nagoya, a switchback is required at Maibara Station to enable services to continue travel in either direction. Half of all services operate between Maibara and Tsuruga.

Rolling stock

Services are normally operated using Kanazawa-based 681 series and 683-8000 series EMUs formed as 6-, 6+3-, or 6+3+3-car formations. Services were originally formed of 7-car 485 series, 489 series and 5-, 5+3-,^[1] or 5+3+3-car 683 series EMUs.^[2]

Formations

Services are formed as follows:

History

The Shirasagi service was first introduced on 25 December 1964.^[1] Services operated between Nagoya and Toyama.

From the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2015, with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, all Shirasagi services were shortened for the first time to run between Nagoya and Kanazawa.^[3]

From the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 2024, all Shirasagi services will be shortened for the second time to run between Nagoya and Tsuruga with the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen.^[4] With effect from the same date, all non-reserved seating will be discontinued on all Shirasagi services.^[5]