page_title: Azusa (train)
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Azusa (train) / History
caption_attribution_description: English: A JR East 183 series EMU on an Azusa limited express service in "Grade-up Azusa" livery (probably taken in the late 1980s or early 1990s) 日本語: 国鉄183系特急電車「あずさ」グレードアップ車
context_page_description: The Azusa is a limited express service operated by East Japan Railway Company, which mainly run between Shinjuku and Matsumoto via the Chūō Main Line and Shinonoi Line. The name Azusa is taken from the Azusa River in Matsumoto, Nagano. On the Chūō Main Line, limited express Kaiji also runs between Tokyo / Shinjuku and Kōfu / Ryūō
  The Super Azusa was a former name given to services operated with superior tilt-body rolling stock, namely the E351 series, and the E353 series.
context_section_description: The Azusa service began on 1 October 1957 as a semi express operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto. This operated until 24 April 1960 when it was absorbed into Hakuba semi express services.
  The Azusa name was revived from 12 December 1966 for use on limited express services operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto.
  The premier Super Azusa service commenced on 3 December 1994 with the delivery of the first new E351 series tilting EMUs.
  New E257 series EMUs were introduced on Azusa services from the start of the revised timetable on 1 December 2001.
  Smoking was prohibited in all cars from 18 March 2007.
  From 16 March 2019 onwards, with the replacement of E257 series trains to E353 series trains on all Azusa services, the name Super Azusa were discontinued and were integrated with Azusa services.
caption: A 183 series EMU in original "Grade-up Azusa" livery
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