E351 series

The E351 series (E351系) is a tilting electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on Chūō Main Line Super Azusa limited express services in Japan since 1993. First introduced in December 1993 (initially on Azusa services), a total of 60 vehicles were built, formed as five 8-car main sets (numbers S1 to S5) and five 4-car supplementary (numbers S21 to S25) sets.

Concept

Built jointly by Hitachi and Nippon Sharyo, the tilting E351 series trains were intended to replace the ageing 183 series EMUs used on Azusa Limited express services operating between Shinjuku in Tokyo and Matsumoto, and to increase speeds on the highly curved Chūō Main Line.

Operations

Between 16 March 1996 and 14 March 2008, E351 series sets were also used on Tōkaidō Main Line weekday morning Ohayō Liner Shinjuku 22 and evening Home Liner Odawara 27 commuter services.