碓氷峠
The 489 series trains were developed from the earlier 485 series specially for use on the "Hakusan" and "Asama" limited express services operating over the steeply graded Usui Pass (Yokokawa Station - Karuizawa Station of old JNR Shinetsu Main Line). They were designed to operate in multiple with the JNR Class EF63 electric banking locomotives.