Nikkō (train)

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Nikkō and Spacia Nikkō are limited express trains in Japan that run between Shinjuku in Tokyo and Tobu-Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture. They are operated jointly by JR East and Tobu Railway (the former operator was JNR).

What they are like
- Service type: Limited express
- Rolling stock: Since 2011, refurbished 253-1000 series 6-car EMUs. When Tobu 100 series Spacia trains are used, the service is called Spacia Nikkō.
- Route: Shinjuku to Tobu-Nikkō; from 2013, the trains also stop at Urawa Station.
- Speed and gauge: 120 km/h maximum speed, track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in); electrification is 1,500 V DC overhead.

History in brief
- 1956: The Nikkō service began as a semi-express between Ueno and Nikkō with KiHa 44800 DMUs.
- 1959: After electrification, 157 series EMUs were introduced (6 cars, later lengthened during busy seasons).
- 1963: The service became an Express with 165 series EMUs (7 cars, including a first-class car). It ran as Express until 1982, ending when the Tohoku Shinkansen opened.
- 2006: The name Nikkō was revived as a joint JR East–Tobu limited express between Shinjuku and Tobu-Nikkō, using a Kurihashi Station link for a crew change.
- 2011–present: The service uses refurbished 253-1000 series 6-car sets; Tobu 100 series Spacia trains may substitute, in which case it’s named Spacia Nikkō.