Ariake (train)

Ariake

787 series train on Ariake service, January 2005
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Operational
Locale	Kyushu, Japan
First service	1 October 1950
Current operator(s)	JR Kyushu
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Start	Hakata
Stops	Kumamoto
Technical
Rolling stock	787 series EMU
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	20 kV AC
Operating speed	130 km/h (80 mph)[1]

The Ariake (有明) is a limited express train service operated in Kyushu, Japan by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu). It runs between Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto in Kumamoto Prefecture.

History

The Ariake service commenced on 1 October 1950, originally as a "Semi express" service operating between Hakata and Kumamoto.^[2] From 1 October 1965, the train was upgraded to become an "Express" service, and was extended to run between Okayama and Kumamoto.^[2] From 1 October 1967, the train was upgraded to become a "Limited express" service, running between Mojiko and Nishi-Kagoshima (now Kagoshima-Chuo).^[2]

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  A 485 series EMU on an Ariake service in 1991

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  A 783 series EMU on a Hyper Ariake service around 1990

References

1. JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 52. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
2. 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995. p. 123.

External links

• JR Kyushu Ariake train information (Japanese)