Tokiwalimited express services operate between in Tokyo and in Fukushima Prefecture, supplementing the limited-stop Hitachi limited express services formerly named Super Hitachi. Tokiwa limited express services operate between Shinagawa in Tokyo and Iwaki in Fukushima Prefecture, supplementing the limited-stop Hitachi limited express services formerly named Super Hitachi. Tokiwa services are numbered from No. 51 to No. 92. Northbound Tokiwa trains depart Ueno at mainly hourly intervals, from 7:30am to 22:30pm, and also 6:15pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 10pm and 11pm. 21 northbound trains and 22 southbound trains operate every weekday. For northbound services, 2 trains terminate at Tsuchiura, 15 at Katsuta, 3 at Takahagi and 1 at Iwaki. For southbound services, 16 trains terminate at Shinagawa, with 6 at Ueno. 25 northbound trains and 20 southbound trains operate every Saturday, Sunday or holiday. For northbound services, 2 trains terminate at Tsuchiura, 18 at Katsuta, 4 at Takahagi and 1 at Iwaki. For southbound services, 17 trains terminate at Shinagawa, with 3 at Ueno.
Ticketing
A supplementary ticket has to be purchased to board the train, along with the basic fare ticket. There are two types of such supplementary tickets, namely the Reserved Seat Ticket, and the Unreserved Seat Ticket. The Reserved Seat Ticket enables a specified seat to be reserved for the holder. The reserved status for the seat is signified by a green overhead lamp on top of the corresponding seat. The Unreserved Seat Ticket enables the holder to be seated on any unreserved seat. A red overhead lamp signifies that the seat is unreserved; while a yellow overhead lamp signifies that the seat is reserved for the later part of the journey, implying that one has to give away their seat to the passenger who has reserved the seat, when they board the train later.
Tokiwa trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end. All cars are no-smoking.
Car No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Accommodation
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Green
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
History
The name Tokiwa is the alternative pronunciation of Jōban, which refers to the combined region of the former Hitachi Province and the Iwaki Province , where the Tokiwa serves. The original Tokiwa semi-express service was introduced on 1 June 1958, operating between in Tokyo and Taira Station in Fukushima Prefecture via the Joban Line using KiHa 55 series diesel multiple unit trains. Three return services operated daily. Following electrification of the Joban Line, 451 series electric multiple unit trains were introduced on some Tokiwa services from October 1962. Primarily used on Miyagino express services, these formations included buffet cars, although a buffet service was not provided on Tokiwa services. A typical 11-car 451 series formation as used following the October 1978 timetable revision is shown below.
From 5 March 1966, Tokiwa services were upgraded from "semi express" to "express" status. From the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 1985, Tokiwa services were absorbed into Hitachi limited express services, and the name was discontinued.
