#4110

489 series

🇯🇵 Japan ·built by Unknown builder· from 1972· Japanese electric multiple unit train type

1 photo from Wikimedia Commons · credits & licences

1. JNR 489 Express Noto: Sui-setz· Public domain

what is it?

The 489 series (489系, 489-kei) was a limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced in March 1972 by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in Japan, and later operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) until 2012.

who runs it

Japanese National Railways East Japan Railway Company West Japan Railway Company

base stats

speed 120 km/htop speed

Bars compare against all trains: 600 km/h (maglev), 1,700 seats; power, weight and number built on a log scale up to 20 MW, 1,000 t and 20,000 built.

fun facts

First built 54 years ago, in 1972.
Served for 40 years (1972–2012).

multiple unit: A self-propelled train: motors are spread under the passenger cars, so no separate locomotive.

spec sheet

built: 1972
in service from: 1972
retired: 2012
status: retired
number built: —
kind: multiple unit
traction: electric
origin: 🇯🇵 Japan
builders: Unknown builder
operators: Japanese National Railways, East Japan Railway Company, West Japan Railway Company
top speed: 120 km/h
power: —
gauge: 1,067 mm Cape gauge
electric system: 1,500 V DC / 20 kV AC, 50/60 Hz

From the Wikipedia infobox and Wikidata. Blank means the sources don't say.

Sources: Wikidata Q16934379, Wikipedia: 489 series (CC BY-SA 4.0).Updated 2026-10-25.