JR West's Hakubi Line
This electrified line runs through the central Chūgoku region of western Honshū from Kurashiki on the Sanyō Main Line, to Hōki Daisen on the San'in Main Line. It allows for a rapid connection from Matsue to the Shinkansen system at Okayama with the Yakumo Limited Express. Until April 2024, the Yakumo Limited Express service was operated by JNR 381 series EMU's, the last JNR limited express era rolling stock still in use since its 1987 break up and privatisation.
Billy Bunda has shared a selection of photos from his visit to the line in March 2024.
All photos: Billy Bunda.
A 381 Ltd Express EMU operating the 'Yakumo' service was seen arriving at Niimi on 16th March 2024. These sets have since been retired and replaced with new 273 Ltd Express EMU's.
Still operating on this line are the venerable 115 series ex JNR suburban EMU's. Their time is limited however, as they are starting to be replaced by new 227-500 series stock. The old and the new were seen side by side at Niimi on 16th March 2024,
Another 115 series seen at Kurashiki, southern junction of the Hakubi Line. 17th March 2024.
Photo of the Month Archive
