Tanigawa

An E4 series train on a Joetsu Shinkansen Max Tanigawa service in February 2021
Overview
Service type	Shinkansen
Status	Operational
Locale	Honshu, Japan
Predecessor	Toki
First service	15 November 1982 (Limited express) 1 October 1997 (Shinkansen)
Current operator(s)	JR East
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Start	Tokyo
End	Echigo-Yuzawa or Gala Yuzawa
Line(s) used	Joetsu Shinkansen Gala-Yuzawa Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Green + standard
Catering facilities	Trolley service
Technical
Rolling stock	E2 series, E4 series, E7 series
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Electrification	25 kV AC, 50 Hz
Operating speed	240 km/h (150 mph)

The Tanigawa (たにがわ) is a high-speed train service operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on the Joetsu Shinkansen in Japan.^[1]

Rolling stock

• E2 series 10-car sets (from 26 January 2013)^[2]
• E4 series (Max Tanigawa)
• E7 series (since March, 3 2019)

Former rolling stock

• 185 series EMUs (15 November 1982 - September 1997)
• E1 series (Max Tanigawa) (until September 2012)
• 200 series 10-car "K" sets (1 October 1997 – 15 March 2013)

History

The name Tanigawa (written as "谷川") was first introduced on 15 November 1982 for limited express services operating between Ueno in Tokyo and Minakami on the Jōetsu Line.^[3]

From 1 October 1997, the name (written as "たにがわ") was used for the all-stations services between Tokyo and Echigo-Yuzawa on the Jōetsu Shinkansen, replacing the previous Toki all-stations services. During the winter skiing season, trains terminate and start at the seasonal Gala-Yuzawa Station.^[1]

E2 series 10-car sets were introduced on three return Tanigawa services daily from 26 January 2013, operating at a maximum speed of 240 km/h.^[2][4]