Sazanami (train)

The Sazanami (さざなみ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo and Tateyama via the Keiyo Line and Uchibō Line.

Seasonal Shinjuku Sazanami services operate at certain weekends between Shinjuku and Tateyama.

As of 12 March 2022, 5 outbound trains and 3 inbound trains are operated each day, except on Saturdays and holidays. These trains stop at the following stations listed below:

Tokyo - Soga - Goi - (Anegasaki) - Kisarazu - Kimitsu

Rolling stock

 * E257-500 series 5-car EMUs
 * 255 series 9-car EMUs

Former rolling stock

 * 183/189 series 9-car EMUs

Formations
Sazanami trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.

History

 * 15 July 1972 - Sazanami service starts coinciding with opening of the underground Sōbu Line platforms at Tokyo Station.
 * 16 March 1991 - Sazanami service are rerouted via the Keiyo Line from Tokyo.
 * 2 July 1993 - 255 series EMUs are introduced on View Sazanami services from Tokyo to Chikura.
 * 16 October 2004 - E257-500 series EMUs are introduced.
 * 10 December 2005 - The View Sazanami name is discontinued, and all services are made entirely no-smoking.

The opening of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line road across the Tokyo Bay in 1997 saw increased competition from long-distance bus services offering cheaper fares, resulting in decreasing ridership figures on the Sazanami services. From the start of the 15 March 2014 timetable revision, the number of services was reduced to six return workings daily.