The is a
diesel multiple unit
A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a multiple-unit train powered by on-board diesel engines. A DMU requires no separate locomotive, as the engines are incorporated into one or more of the carriages. Diesel-powered single-unit railcars are also ...
(DMU) train type operated by
West Japan Railway Company
, also referred to as , is one of the Japan Railways Group (JR Group) companies and operates in western Honshu. It has its headquarters in Kita-ku, Osaka. It is listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is a constituent of the TOPIX Large70 index, ...
(JR-West) on ''
Hamakaze
The is a limited express train service in Japan operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West), which runs from to and .
Stops
Trains stop at the following stations:
– – – – ( Nishi-Akashi) – () – – – – – ...
''
limited express
A limited express is a type of express train or express bus service that stops at fewer locations compared to other express services on the same or similar routes.
Japan
The term "limited express" is a common translation of the Japanese ...
services between and since November 2010 and ''
Biwako Express
The is a commuter limited express train service operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between and or in Japan since June 2003. It replaced the previous ''Biwako Liner'' services.
Service pattern
, one weekday morning service ('' ...
'' services between Osaka and since March 2014.
Operations
* ''
Hamakaze
The is a limited express train service in Japan operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West), which runs from to and .
Stops
Trains stop at the following stations:
– – – – ( Nishi-Akashi) – () – – – – – ...
'' (from November 2010)
* ''
Biwako Express
The is a commuter limited express train service operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between and or in Japan since June 2003. It replaced the previous ''Biwako Liner'' services.
Service pattern
, one weekday morning service ('' ...
'' (from March 2014)
Formation
Trains are formed as 3-car sets, as shown below.
Interior
The trains are all standard-class, with a total seating capacity of 156 passengers per 3-car set. Seating is in standard 2+2 abreast configuration with a seat pitch of 970 mm, an increase of 60 mm compared with the earlier
KiHa 181 series trains.
History
The first three-car set was delivered from
Niigata Transys
is a Japanese railway vehicle and equipment manufacturer based in Seirō, Niigata. The company is a subsidiary of IHI Corporation and has a factory in Niigata, and representative offices in Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, and Niigata.
Products
Low ...
to Fukui Depot on 19 March 2010, with test running commencing on 23 March.
The trains entered revenue service from 7 November 2010.
Hana Akari
In October 2022, JR-West announced plans to remodel a KiHa 189 series set into a sightseeing train. The renovated train, designed by Yasuyuki Kawanishi, is scheduled to commence operation in late 2024. In June 2024, set H5 was converted to become the KiHa 189-7000 series sightseeing train branded .
The Hana Akari trainset is scheduled to enter revenue service on 5 October 2024.
References
External links
JR-West KiHa 189 series(Japan Railfan Magazine Online)
{{Use dmy dates, date=August 2019
189 series
West Japan Railway Company
Niigata Transys rolling stock
Train-related introductions in 2010