Shinano (train)
The , branded as is a limited express train service in Japan operated by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), which runs between and via . Like all JR Central limited express trains, a limited express fee has to be paid, on top of the normal fare to ride this service. Until 26 March 2016, after which it was discontinued, there was a daily return service which ran from Nagano to , which travelled a total distance of 441.2 km (274.1 mi), making the "Shinano" the furthest travelling limited express service in Japan with the whole journey taking approximately 5 hours  30 minutes. Route. Trains start or terminate at Nagoya Station. There was a daily return service between Nagano and Ōsaka, which travelled a total distance of 274.1 miles (441.2 km), taking approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, once making the "Shinano" Japan's furthest travelling limited express service. The service was discontinued on 26 March 2016, due to declining passenger numbers. In the past, some trains also ran seasonally to station but these ceased operations too. Trains stop at the following stations: Stations in brackets indicate the stations where not all "Shinano" services stop at. Accommodation. Green car (first class) and  standard class accommodation is provided, with 2+2 abreast unidirectional seating in both classes. Seat pitch is in Green class and in standard class. All trains are no smoking. Onboard catering services ceased on 16 March 2013. History. The "Shinano" service was first introduced on 11 November 1953 as a "semi-express" operating between Nagoya and Nagano. This was upgraded to "express" status from 13 December 1959, and became a "limited express" from 1 October 1968.