Jōetsu Shinkansen
| Jōetsu Shinkansen | |||
|---|---|---|---|
An E7 series train on a Joetsu Shinkansen service | |||
| Overview | |||
| Native name | 上越新幹線 | ||
| Owner | JR East | ||
| Locale | Tokyo; Saitama, Gunma, and Niigata prefectures | ||
| Termini | |||
| Stations | 10 | ||
| Service | |||
| Type | High-speed rail (Shinkansen) | ||
| System | Shinkansen | ||
| Services | |||
| Operator(s) | JR East | ||
| Depot(s) | Niigata | ||
| Rolling stock | E7 | ||
| History | |||
| Opened | 15 November 1982 | ||
| Technical | |||
| Line length | 269.5 km (167.5 mi) | ||
| Number of tracks | 2 | ||
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge | ||
| Electrification | Overhead line, 25 kV 50 Hz AC | ||
| Operating speed | 275 km/h (171 mph) | ||
| Signalling | Cab signalling | ||
| Train protection system | DS-ATC | ||
| |||
The Jōetsu Shinkansen (Japanese: 上越新幹線) is a Japanese high-speed rail line and part of the nationwide Shinkansen network. Operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), it links Niigata in the north to Ōmiya in the south, with through service to Tokyo via the Tōhoku Shinkansen.
Despite its name, the line does not pass through the city of Jōetsu or the historical Jōetsu region, which instead are served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which branches off the Jōetsu Shinkansen at Takasaki. The line's name originates from the parallel Jōetsu Line, which in turn is named after the two provinces that it connects: Jōshū (an alternate name for Kōzuke Province, which comprises today's Gunma Prefecture), and Echigo Province (modern day Niigata Prefecture).
Two services currently operate on the route: the limited-stop Toki, which runs the length of the corridor, and the all-stops Tanigawa, which runs between Tokyo and Echigo-Yuzawa Station. During the winter, Tanigawa trains continue via the Gala-Yuzawa Line, a 1.8-kilometre (1.1 mi) branch line to serve Gala-Yuzawa Station and its adjoining ski resort, which is also owned by JR East. The branch line was originally built to store trains terminating at and departing from Echigo-Yuzawa.
As of 2023, the maximum line speed is 275 kilometres per hour (171 mph). The fastest services cover the 269.5 kilometres (167.5 mi) between Tokyo and Niigata in 90 minutes.