The Ōu Main Line ( 奥羽本線 , Ōu-honsen ) is a railway line in Japan, operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It connects Fukushima Station through Akita Station to Aomori Station . Since the opening of the Yamagata Shinkansen on July 1, 1992, the Fukushima–Yamagata section (as well as the Yamagata–Shinjō section since 1999) is sometimes referred to as the Yamagata Line . The name of the line as a whole refers to the ancient provinces of Mutsu ( 陸 奥 ) and Dewa ( 出 羽 ), as it connects both ends of Mutsu by passing north–south through Dewa.
35-449: The Ōu Main Line is split into the following four sections. Due to the differences in the tracks of these sections, there are no trains that go through more than one (with the exception of an Akita–Shinjō connection). Local and rapid services on the line are generally operated by 701 series (entire line) and 719 series (Fukushima - Shinjō only) electric multiple unit trains. On this section,
70-683: A dual-gauge section between Jinguji and Minejoshikawa (on the Omagari to Akita section), enabling Shinkansen trains to pass at speed on the mostly single-track line. Additionally, local services continue to be provided on the gauge-converted lines by 701-5000 series standard-gauge suburban/interurban rolling stock. 701 series The 701 series ( 701系 , 701-kei ) is an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on local services by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Aoimori Railway , and Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR) in Japan. The design
105-606: A new approach line at Fukushima station. Currently, the Yamagata Shinkansen can only enter and exit the Tohoku Shinkansen through platform 14 at Fukushima Station. This current layout requires the Yamagata Shinkansen to cross the north bound tracks to reach the Tokyo bound tracks. This new approach line will pass under the Tohoku Shinkansen, which will allow Yamagata Shinkansen to enter the Tohoku Shinkansen on platform 11 removing
140-680: A separate alignment, with a high speed (240–320 km/h or 150–200 mph) and a commensurately high construction cost. Following privatisation and regionalisation of the JNR network in 1987, the JR East company decided to convert the Fukushima–Yamagata section of the 1,067 mm gauge Ōu Main line to 1,435 mm gauge, enabling Shinkansen trains from Yamagata to travel on the Tohoku Shinkansen line through to Tokyo. Called Mini-shinkansen , this
175-440: A toilet and wheelchair space. The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. 92 701-1000 series cars were delivered between 1994 and 1995 to Morioka and Sendai depots, formed as 2- and 4-car units. As of 2010, 14 cars (seven 2-car sets), 30 cars (fifteen 2-car sets) are based at Morioka, and 36 cars (four 4-car sets and ten 2-car sets) are based at Sendai. Eight of
210-417: Is derived from the 209 series commuter EMU, and was intended to replace locomotive-hauled trains formed of JNR 50 series [ ja ] coaches in the north of Japan. 89 701-0 series cars were delivered in 1993, formed as three-car sets (N1 to N13) and two-car sets (N14 to N38), all based at Akita Depot. Three two-car sets (N36 to N38) were later modified with some transverse seating, and from 2005,
245-544: Is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. The Iwate Galaxy Railway Line 7000 series fleet consists of four 7000-0 series sets, which were originally JR East 701-1000 series sets transferred from Morioka in December 2002, and three newly built 7000-100 series sets delivered in September 2002. The 7000-100 series sets have some transverse seating. The IGR 7001 car is fitted with a PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The IGR 7000 car
280-477: Is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. The IGR 7001 car is fitted with a PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The IGR 7000 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. Yamagata Shinkansen The Yamagata Shinkansen ( 山形新幹線 ) is a Mini-shinkansen route in Japan, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It provides service between Tokyo and Shinjō in Yamagata Prefecture over
315-472: Is fitted with one PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. Eighteen two-car sets (numbered F2-501 to F2-518) were delivered to Sendai depot between 1998 and 2001, including set F2-508, which was rebuilt from an earlier damaged 701-1000 series unit. Sets from F2-509 onward were fitted with wheelchair spaces and ATS-Ps from new. They are used interchangeably with Sendai 701-1000 series sets. The KuMoHa 701 car
350-463: Is fitted with one PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. Ten 2-car sets (numbered N5001 to N5010) were delivered to Akita depot between 1996 and 1997, entering service from 22 March 1997 on the 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ) standard gauge sections of the Tazawako Line between Morioka and Ōmagari , and on
385-508: Is improved due to the elimination of the need to change trains at the junction. The success of this project led to the conversion of the Omagari to Akita section in conjunction with the opening of the Akita Shinkansen in 1997, and the extension of the Yamagata Shinkansen to Shinjo in 1999. These projects also created parallel 1,435 and 1,067 mm gauge lines between Omagari and Akita and between Yamagata and Uzen-Chitose respectively, and
SECTION 10
#1733094554234420-569: The Senzan Line . The Sendai-based sets are normally used on the Joban Line between Iwaki and Iwanuma , and on the Tohoku Main Line between Iwanuma and Sendai. They are also available for use on Senzan Line services if required. The Akita-based sets are used interchangeably alongside the 701-0 series sets. The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with
455-483: The Ōu Main Line between Ōmagari and Akita . These sets were based on the earlier 701-1000 series, with some transverse seating, PS106 single-arm pantographs, and ATS-P. The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. Nine two-car 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ) standard gauge sets (numbered Z1 to Z9) were delivered to Yamagata depot in 1999, ahead of
490-449: The 2-car sets were subsequently transferred to Sendai. The Akita-based sets had the original PS104 scissors-type pantographs replaced with PS109 single-arm pantographs between 2007 and 2008. Snowploughs were also added to the front ends at the same time. The Sendai-based sets had the original PS104 scissors-type pantographs replaced with lower-profile PS105 lozenge-type pantographs in 2002 to allow operation through limited-clearance tunnels on
525-727: The Nihonkai Hisui Line), part of the Shinetsu Main Line (including the Myoko Haneuma Line), Hakushin Line , and the Uetsu Main Line , this section of the Ōu Main Line is one of the express lines and freight lines that make up the Nihonkai Jūkan-sen ( Sea of Japan Trans-Japan Line). The Japanese national government built the Ōu Main Line, starting construction from Aomori in 1894, from Fukushima in 1899 and linking
560-526: The Tohoku Main Line between Ichinoseki and Morioka , and on the Iwate Galaxy Railway Line between Morioka and Iwate-Numakunai . The Aomori-based sets are used on the Tohoku Main Line between Hachinohe and Aomori . The KuMoHa 701 and MoHa 701 cars are each fitted with one PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. The KuMoHa 701 car
595-523: The Tōhoku Shinkansen. Between Fukushima and Shinjō, the trains run on their own at a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) and share the line with regular Ōu Main Line trains. As of July 2012, about 62 million passengers had ridden the line since it opened in July 1992. The fastest trains connect Tokyo and Yamagata stations in two hours and 29 minutes. In April 2021, JR East started construction of
630-579: The Uzen-Chitose–Yamagata section in conjunction with the Senzan Line (also at 1,500 V DC) in 1960. Trials on the Senzan Line subsequently resulted in the adoption of 20 kV AC for all further electrification, and the abovementioned sections were converted to the new standard when the Yonezawa to Yamagata section was electrified in 1968. The Aomori to Akita section was electrified (at 20 kV AC) in 1971, as
665-430: The crossing and reducing the gravitude of transport disruption. Construction is expected to finish by the end of fiscal year 2026. Construction of a base tunnel on the Yamagata Shinkansen is proposed, with JR East having undertaken a survey of a planned route from Niwasaka to Sekine, just south of Yonezawa station. 23.1 km (14.4 mi) of the proposed 24.9 km (15.5 mi) line would be in tunnel, mostly to
700-469: The entire fleet had the original PS104 scissors-type pantographs replaced with PS109 single-arm pantographs. Snowploughs were also added to the front ends at the same time. These sets are used on the Uetsu Main Line between Tsuruoka and Akita , on the Ōu Main Line between Shinjō and Aomori , and on the Tsugaru Line between Aomori and Kanita . The sets with transverse seating are mainly used on
735-607: The later E721 series trains, as well as new flooring material internally. The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. The Aoimori Railway 701 series fleet consists of one 701-0 series set, which was originally a JR East 701-1000 series set transferred from Morioka in December 2002, and a newly built 701-100 series set delivered in September 2002. The 701-100 series set has some transverse seating. A further seven two-car (former 701-1000 series) sets were transferred from JR East during 2010 ahead of
SECTION 20
#1733094554234770-475: The line is vulnerable to heavy rain and snowfall as well as high winds. Between 2011 and 2017 a total of 410 Yamagata mini-Shinkansen services were either suspended or delayed, and 40% of these incidents occurred on the line over the Itaya Toge pass. If the ¥150 billion base tunnel is authorised, detailed design would take five years and construction another 15 years. The cost could increase by ¥12 billion if
805-590: The north of the existing 88 km (55 mi) Fukushima – Yamagata section. To be built on an improved alignment, the tunnel would lower journey times between Fukushima and Yamagata by ~10 min due to a proposed line speed of up to 200 km/h (124 mph). The tunnel would avoid the Itaya Toge pass through the Ou mountains west of Fukushima. Gradients range from 3.0% to 3.8% and the line reaches an altitude of 548 m (1,798 ft). The curvature and steep grades limit train speeds to 55 km/h (34 mph) or less, and
840-648: The opening of the extension of the Yamagata Shinkansen to Shinjō in November 1999. During 2001, the original PS105 lozenge-type pantographs were replaced with PS106B single-arm pantographs. Snowploughs were added to the front ends at the same time. The fleet is used on the Ōu Main Line between Yonezawa and Shinjō . The fleet of nine trainsets underwent a programme of refurbishment between 2013 and 2016. Improvements included replacement of electrical converters and transformers with similar equipment to that used on
875-465: The original 2-car sets were transferred to the Iwate Galaxy Railway Line , becoming IGR 7000-0 series (see below), and one 2-car set was transferred to the Aoimori Railway , becoming Aoimori 700-0 series (see below). On 28 October 1999, one Aomori-based 2-car set (KuMoHa 701-1033 + KuHa 700-1033) was damaged by storm surge at Aomori Station . New bodies were manufactured for this set in 2000, and it
910-493: The tracks of the Tohoku Shinkansen and the Ōu Main Line . The term Yamagata Shinkansen refers to the segment that connects Fukushima and Shinjō. Because the shinkansen trains share tracks with local trains running on conventional lines ( 在来線 , zairaisen ) , it is often referred to as a "mini-shinkansen". Trains consist of 7-car E3 and E8 series trainsets operating as Tsubasa services. Between Tokyo and Fukushima , some trains run coupled to Yamabiko trains on
945-450: The transfer of passenger operations from JR East on the section from Hachinohe to Aomori when the Tohoku Shinkansen extension to Shin-Aomori opened in December 2010. These units are modified with the addition of some transverse seating. The Aoimori Railway fleet was repainted into a new lighter blue livery incorporating the railway's "Mori" mascot logo. The Aoimori 701 car is fitted with a PS105 lozenge-type pantograph. The Aoimori 700 car
980-431: The two sections in 1905. In 1909 the formal name of the line was declared. Opening dates for the individual sections are as follows. Various sections of the line have been double-tracked since 1963. The section between Niwasaka and Akaiwa stations proved to be geologically unstable, with one of the original tunnels collapsing in 1910. A realignment involving two new tunnels was opened a year later. Geological instability
1015-433: The Ōu Main Line between Shinjō and Akita. The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space. Thirteen 701-100 series cars were delivered in 1994, formed as one 3-car set and five 2-car sets. All sets were initially based at Akita Depot, but four of
1050-607: The Ōu Main Line shares the tracks with the Akita Shinkansen . Because the Ōu Main Line occasionally runs from Akita to Shinjō as a local train, this section contains one standard gauge track and two narrow gauge tracks. Also, the few Komachi trains running on this section have the priority. Together with the San'in Main Line , Maizuru Line , Obama Line , Hokuriku Main Line (including the IR Ishikawa Railway, Ainokaze Toyama Railway, and
1085-557: The Ōu Main Line shares the tracks with the Yamagata Shinkansen . The rail gauge is 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ) to allow the Yamagata Shinkansen to run on it. The Ōu Main Line is known as the Yamagata Line on this section. Crossing the Yamagata - Akita border, there is little demand in this section, and all trains except one limited-stop "Rapid" train run as all-stations "Local" trains. On this section,
Ōu Main Line - Misplaced Pages Continue
1120-411: Was a cost-effective way of providing an improved level of service on the line, although only purpose-built Shinkansen trains can travel on such lines, as the loading gauge was not changed, nor the voltage (full standard Shinkansen lines use 25 kV AC). The Yamagata Shinkansen opened in 1992, and although the maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph), the overall transit time to places beyond Fukushima
1155-463: Was renumbered KuMoHa 701-1508 + KuHa 700-1508 and reallocated to Sendai depot. A further seven 701-1000 series two-car sets were transferred to the Aoimori Railway during 2010, becoming Aoimori 700-0 series. The Sendai-based sets are used on the Tohoku Main Line between Kuroiso and Ichinoseki , including the branch line to Rifu , and on the Senzan Line . The Morioka-based sets are used on
1190-417: Was suspected as the cause of a derailment on the section in 1948 that killed three crewmen, and another realignment was undertaken when the section was double-tracked in 1968. Itaya station was originally a reversing station , and was realigned as a through station in conjunction with the gauge conversion work (see below) in 1990. The Fukushima to Yonezawa section was electrified at 1,500 V DC in 1949, and
1225-535: Was the Akita to Uzen-Chitose section in 1975. The company also opened a 5 km 762 mm gauge line to the Hanaoka mine in 1914 including a bridge over the Ōu Main Line at Odate, which was converted to 1,067 mm gauge in 1951 to enable ore wagons to be forwarded via JNR trains. Freight services ceased in 1983 and the line closed in 1985. Full standard Shinkansen lines are constructed using 1,435 mm gauge track on
#233766