Asama (train)
An E7 series set on an Asama service in August 2020 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Shinkansen (Local) |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Japan |
| First service | 1 March 1961 (Semi-express) 1 October 1997 (Shinkansen) |
| Current operator(s) | JR East |
| Former operator(s) | JNR |
| Route | |
| Termini | Tokyo Nagano |
| Line(s) used | Hokuriku Shinkansen |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | Standard + Green + Gran Class |
| Catering facilities | Trolley service |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | E7 series, W7 series |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | 25 kV AC 50/60 Hz overhead |
| Operating speed | 260 km/h (160 mph) |
The Asama (あさま) is a high-speed Shinkansen train service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on the Hokuriku Shinkansen in Japan. The shinkansen service was introduced in October 1997, but the name was first used for a semi-express service operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1961. “Asama" is the name of an active volcano (Mount Asama) near Karuizawa, on the boundary between Gunma and Nagano Prefecture.