Access to Mito, Katsuta and Iwaki from Ueno. Limited Express Hitachi and Tokiwa

Iwaki, Katsuta, Mito
All Limited Express Super Hitachi and Fresh Hitachi will be operated by the newest E657 series in this coming Macrh. (C) Sonic Rail Garden
E657 series is one of the newest fleets and is used for Limited Express Hitachi and Tokiwa.

E657 series is one of the newest fleets and is used for Limited Express Hitachi and Tokiwa.

Limited Express Hitachi (ひたち) and Tokiwa (ときわ) are operated mostly between Shinagawa, Tokyo, Ueno and Katsuta, Iwaki via Mito on Joban line. These trains were operated as Super Hitachi and Fresh Hitachi from Ueno station before March 13, 2015. After that, these trains depart from Shinagawa station via Tokyo station. It is much more convenient to get on this train from Tokyo now. These trains connect most of cities along the coast side in Ibaragi and southern part of Fukushima.

If you travel to Mito, Iwaki, Yumoto Hot Springs resort, this train gives you directly transfer from Tokyo, Shinagawa and Ueno.

This train is fully covered by Japan Rail Pass. I will tell you the details about this train.

Route, schedule and trip time

Hitachi is operated between Shinagawa/Ueno and Iwaki. Tokiwa is operated mostly between Shinagawa/Ueno and Takahagi or Katsuta. Tokiwa stops at many more stations than Hitachi between Ueno and Mito. Most of Hitachi do not stop at any stations between Ueno and Mito. Both Hitachi and Tokiwa depart from Ueno station before 10:00 am. After 10:00 am, most of Tokiwa and Hitachi depart from Shinagawa station

Average trip times are the following:
Ueno – Mito : 1 hour 10-20 minutes
Ueno – Iwaki : 2 hours 20 minutes

If you take these trains at Shinagawa, trip time is 15 minutes longer and 7 minutes longer if you take it at Tokyo.

There are more than 38 round trips a day. It is operated every 30 minutes from 7:00 to 23:00. Most of trains depart from Ueno station at every :00 and :30. Please refer JR East official site to get the detailed timetable and stop stations. You will find “Limited Express trains on Joban line” on this website.

Accommodation

Limited Express Hitachi is currently operated by E657 series.

E657 series was introduced in March, 2012. In Green class car, E657 series has 2+2 seat configuration. E657 series is still one of the newest fleets in Japan. But actually accommodation is getting worse than older train because some of older fleets gives us 2+1 seat configuration in Green car. Seat pitch is 1160 mm. In Ordinary class, seat configuration is 2+2 as well and seat pitch is 960 mm. So only seat pitch is the big difference. You cannot find other difference between Green and Ordinaryu. All seats in both Green and Ordinary have power outlet. This fleet equip WIFI connection, but the account of major provider in Japan is required to connect.

*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.

Train formation

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RRRRGRRRRR

G=Green seat R=Reserved ordinary seat
*Non reserved car is not available on this train. Reservation is required to take this train.
*All cars are non smoking.

Images

Green class seat
Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat Green Class seat

Ordinary class seat
Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat Ordinary Class seat

Sanitary space
Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space Sanitary space

Deck
Passeger's deck Passeger's deck Passeger's deck Passeger's deck Passeger's deck Passeger's deck Passeger's deck Passeger's deck

Comments

  1. Andy says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    Thanks… i consider just Go to Kawaguchiko – Saiko – Shibazakura.

    I only find about round trip bus to Shibazakura from kawaguchiko at cost 1.800 Yen.

    It cover Saiko Too?

    Do you any suggest if i want to take bus kawaguchiko – saiko – shibazakura?

  2. Alis says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Thank you very much for maintaining this website, it is very useful.

    I am using Hyperdia to plan my trip to Japan. One itinerary will be from Kokura (14:25) -> Shin-Kobe ->Tokyo -> Katsuta (22:16.) with LTD EXP HITACHI 29.
    If I search separately, I get Kokura (14:25) -> Shin-Kobe-> Shinagawa (20:33), then Shinagawa (20:44)->Katsuta (22:16), with the same HITACHI 29.
    If I enter Shinagawa as “pass1”, the same trains are selected until Shinagawa, but then it indicates JR Yamamote line to Nippori, followed by JR Joban line to Mito, with final arrival in Katsuta at 23:47. This takes 31 minutes longer and 2 extra stops.

    Is this something that the algorithm that Hyperdia uses can’t handle, or maybe one can’t transfer in 10 minutes from the arrival to the departure place in Shinagawa. I can’t figure out the track number for the LTD Express in Shinagawa, but the station doesn’t seem big enough to not allow a 10 min transfer.

    Thank you very much for your help!
    Alis

  3. Andy says:

    Hi, Takeshi.

    I’m planning go to japan at may 2016. my plan is stay at tokyo for 4-5 days an using willer express to go to Kyoto and osaka around 5 days. At the last, i will back to Indonesia from Kansai Airport.

    Can you give me suggest for what type of JR pass i must buy? My friend told me buy JR pass 7 days around 29.000 Yen. i think it’s expensive since i use willer express to travel to Kyoto.

    I think about buying local JR pass for Tokyo visit hitachi seaside, Fuji, Route Alpine (if Cover), etc
    and JR Local Kyoto Osaka Nara. If there’s chance, i want visit Okunoshima.

    Please your advice.

    Thanks

  4. Segab Asher says:

    Morning Takeshi,

    What the difference of yamanote line Outer loop and Inner loop?

    Thanks before

    • Hi Segab,

      Yamanote line is a circle line. Outer loop goes clockwise and Inner loop goes counterclockwise.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Segab Asher says:

        Good morning Mr. Takeshi,
        Thank you so much for the answer before, i have a question about JR Kanto Pass.

        If I buy JR kanto area Pass, May I activate it 2 days after I paid?

        Thank you for your answer

        • Hi Segab,

          Yes, you can. When you purchase it, you will be asked when you want to start to use it. You can pick any dates when you want to start to use.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

  5. suad bages says:

    Hallo again Takeshi San…

    I use JR Kanto Area Pass,

    1. If i take Ltd.Exp hitachi from Ueno to Katsuta, which train i should take. I saw there are 2 kind of this Ltd.Exp Hitachi, Super Ltd.Exp and Fresh Ltd.Exp

    2. Should have to reserve seat before? should i pay surcharge?

    thanks a lot for your advise Takeshi

    • Hi Suad,

      1. You can take whichever you want.
      2. Kanto Area Pass covers reserved seat surcharge. You can book without extra. You also can book it in advance after you get pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • suad bages says:

        Morning takeshi san,

        this is my ilustrate: i booked Nagano Shinkansen “ASAMA”, what will happen when i was reserved seat but i’m coming late to the track

        Thanks before Takeshi

        • Hi Suad san,

          You will use Kanto Area Pass, right? Nothing happen. You need to book a seat for later train. Otherwise take non reserved seat.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • suad bages says:

            Takeshi San,

            I’m so sorry, i ask a lot of question 🙂

            When I arrived at Haneda Airport, how can I go to Shinjuku station by using JR Kanto Pass? My hostel in Empire Shinjuku near shin okubo station.

            Thanks again

  6. Gordon says:

    Hi, I am planing a trip to Mito end of March 2015. I will be travelling from Ueno station to Mito station. I have 2 questions

    1) Can I use my Suica card instead of buying a ticket?
    2) If I can use my Suica card, then that means I can only sit in the Non-Reserved car no 8 -10 right?

    • HI Gordon,

      You can use Suica. But you have to purchase non reserved limited express ticket beside Suica.
      By the way most of this train will run from Shinagawa after March 14. You may catch this train at Ueno, Shinagawa and Tokyo as well.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Gordon says:

        Thanks for the fast reply. Actually I was referring to using my Suica to tap in at the gantry and go to the platform and board the Hitachi train. Is this possible?

        Or are you saying I still have to purchase a ticket, regardless I pay by cash or with the Suica card?

        And yes I just read that after March 14 the train will run from Shinagawa. I will see which of the 3 stations is closer to me. 🙂

        • HI Gordon,

          I meant Suica cannot be used for limited express surcharge. You can tap when you enter the station. But it covers base fare only. You still need to purchase surcharge ticket beside Suica,

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • Gordon says:

            Noted thanks! I get it now. 🙂

            Last question. I need this surcharge ticket to get onto the platform? For eg there’s another gantry that require me to insert this surcharge ticket to get in.

            Or are therel be train conductor making their rounds to check?

            • Hi Gordon,

              You can purchase on board. Why don’t you purchase it before you enter the station? You can purchase it at any stations in Tokyo. You don’t need to purchase it at departure station and also you can purchase it in advance.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

          • Gordon says:

            Ok got it. Great tips. I’ll definitely get it in advance to prevent any hiccups on the actual day of travel.

            Last last question. The ticket can be bought at the ticking machine right?

          • Gordon says:

            Roger that. Thanks again Takeshi. You have been a great help.

            Now I am fully prepared for my trip 😀

  7. nurul rahmawati says:

    Hai next oct i will travel to tokyo for 5 days and 4 nights, through narita airport. Day 1&4 sightseeing inside/nearby tokyo. Day 2 hitachi seasidepark (daytrip) day 3. Hakone and kawaguchiko daytrip day 5.back To airport .
    1. Is the jr.kanto area pass the most economic way to travel those trips (i really want to enjoy the shinkansen train).
    2. Is it possible to do that ittenerary whille i will be going with 3 kids 5,6 and 11 years old and my husband.
    3. Transfer to and from narita-tokyo/shinjuku…what is the easiest and cheapest for family of 5 like us.
    Very appreciate your answer…tx a lot.

    • Hi Nurul,

      1. Yes, it is. But in your itinerary, you don’t have any chances to take Shinkansen. This pass covers Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo-Nasushiobara), Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo-Jomokogen) and Nagano (Hokuriku) Shinknsen (Tokyo-Sakudaira). You will not take these Shinkansen in your itinerary. You cannot take Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Odawara) when you go to Hakone.

      2. I don’t think you can visit both Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi in one day. It’s too much. Lake Kawaguchi can be covered by Kanto Area Pass. But if you go to Hakone, you can use this pass to get Odawara. But as I mentioned, you cannot take Shinkansen. Onlu local train or ltd exp Odoriko is your choice. Please find more info at the link below:
      https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html

      3. N’ex Tokyo round trip ticket is the best choice.
      http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pdf/ntrt_150116_e.pdf

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • nurul rahmawati says:

        Hai takeshi
        Tx a lot for your answer.
        I have read that several (train type and schedule) changing after 14 march..while i will travel on october.
        1. Is hitachi train (going to hitachi seasidepark)still covered by jr kanto area pass?)

        2. Are 22th and 23rd oct considered as peak season to katsuka (hitachi and tokiwa train) ? Because there are many departure only go when peak season. I plan to go to katsuka around 1pm from tokyo, because at 10 am we will be just landed at narita

        3. Going to hakone use the kanto pass, i plan to buy the hakone free pass at odawara station because it’s cheaper (4000¥). Is it most economic plan ?

        4. We really want to try shinkansen with our kanto area pass. Which route you might recomend us to take (for half day trip and fun for kids). How about taking spacia kinugawa?

        Sory for that massive question. Very appreciate your answer…

        • Hi Nurul,

          1) Yes. These trains actually will depart from Shinagawa after March 14. So you can catch it at Shinagawa, Tokyo and Ueno.
          2) No. These trains are very easy to book.
          3) Yes. But you cannot take Shinakansen to get Odawara from Tokyo. Your choice is rapid train or limited express Odoriko.
          4) There are three Shinkansen that you can take by Kanto Area Pass. But it’s not much different actually. So you can choose by destination. If you want to take Spacia from Shinjuku, visit Nikko and come back to Tokyo by Nikko line and Tohoku Shinkansen.
          https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • nurul rahmawati says:

            Hi Takeshi San

            Tq for your reply. But i still confuse about going to katsuka (hitachi seaside park). On 22th oct we will be landed at narita around 10 am and directly heading hitachi seaside park by hitachi train(joban line), after purchase a kanto area pass at narita terminal.
            Are there any chances for us to catch up those trains in the afternoon and have a (half) day trip back to tokyo ?? since there are only morning and late afternoon (tokiwa 65 depart at 14.23 from tokyo) departure that go everyday. The other schedules (that fit with our schedule) go only peak season….

            Thank you Takeshi san

            • Hi Nurul,

              I think you saw this timetable below
              http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_joban_d/04.html

              In this timetable, some trains are shown as seasonal operation, like Tokiwa 63, Hitachi 15. But actually these trains run everyday. For example, there are two Tokiwa 65 in this timetable. First one runs on weekend in March and other one runs all other dates. The reason why there are two separated timetable is different schedule. As you see, the timetables are a bit different. That’s why those trains have to be shown as two different timetable.

              Annyway both Tokiwa and Hitachi are covered by pass and these trains run every 30 minutes to 1 hour.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

  8. Guy Beauregard says:

    Hi,

    I’m looking for a cost-effective way to get from Tokyo to Iwaki for a day trip (coming back to Tokyo on the same day). Do you think the Kanto Pass would be helpful to save money?

    Guy

    • Hi Guy,

      Yes. It’s much cheaper than single fare.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Guy Beauregard says:

        Thank you so much, Takeshi-san! I am not sure though if the Kanto Pass will allow me to travel as far as Iwaki. I studied the map on the JR East website and still can’t figure this out. Will there be any extra charge to use this pass from Ueno to Iwaki?

        Guy

        • Hi Guy,

          Kanto Area Pass does not cover all part of your trip. The border station is Otsuko. It’s six stations away from Iwaki. If you take a limited express train, the extra fare is 580 yen (base fare) and 1270 yen (reserve seat fee) for one way. If you want to minimize extra charge, get off limited express at Takahaghi where is the nearest station to border that limited express stops and transfer to local train. You can save 1270 yen.

          Cheers,

          Takehsi / JP Rail

          • Guy Beauregard says:

            Thank you so much Takeshi-san for this extra information! I really appreciate your help.

            Sincerely,
            Guy

  9. suad bages says:

    Hi,…
    i have plan to travel arround Japan for 3 days, this is my itinerary
    Day1 : Tokyo – Hitachi Seaside Park (return)
    Day2 : Tokyo – Tateyama Kurobe alpine route (return)
    Day3 : Tokyo – Kawaguchiko (return)
    is it covered by JR Kanto Pass?
    i need your suggest
    Thank u

  10. minie says:

    Hi,
    I’m planning to travel from tokyo to hitachi seaside park this coming May, can i use the JR Kanto area pass for Limited Express Hitachi? Thanks.

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