485 series

The 485 series (485系) (and its variants) is a Japanese limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) type introduced in 1964 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and currently used by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Until 2011, this series was also used by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu).

481 series

Introduced in 1964, the 481 series trains ran on the Tsubame service on the Tōkaidō Main Line and Sanyō Main Line from 1 October 1964 to 9 March 1975, as well as on the Hokuriku Main Line. These services were subsequently operated by JR West and JR Kyushu.

Interior

Interior of SaShi 481-37 restaurant car, 1985

Interior of SaShi 481-37 restaurant car, 1985

483 series

This series was first introduced in 1965 and operated on the Tōhoku Main Line (Yamabiko service), and the Jōban Line. Now operated by JR East.

Introduced in 1968, the trains initially ran from Osaka to Aomori on the Hakuchō service. The original design was closely based on the bonnet-style 181 series EMU, with the primary difference being ceilings that were 12.5 cm higher. However, trains produced from 1972 onwards, starting with the 485-200 series, featured a new design with a cab adapted from the 583 series sleeper expresses, which became the standard on nearly all subsequent JNR limited-express EMUs. Hence the 183 series, 381 series, and 781 series trainsets all share the same basic design with the 485 series.