Limited Express "HITACHI" Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchase Information

This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR East's Limited Express "HITACHI", which connects Shinagawa and Ueno Stations to Iwaki and Sendai Stations. It includes timetables, fares for major sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, whether tickets need to be issued, and IC card support status. As it serves as an access train for the JR Joban Line area and the Pacific coast, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip. পরিষেবা

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service. পরিষেবা

The Limited Express "HITACHI" is a JR East train that connects Shinagawa and Ueno Stations with Iwaki and Sendai Stations via the JR Joban Line. Among the limited express trains on the JR Joban Line, it operates as the fastest type with limited stops. Some trains run directly to Sendai Station, connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with southern Tohoku via the JR Joban Line. The train uses E657 series trains, and all seats are equipped with power outlets for a comfortable ride. All seats are reserved, but there is a system in place that allows passengers to use any available seat by purchasing an "unreserved seat ticket". Passengers can enjoy the scenery of the Pacific coastline and rural landscapes from the train windows. Since there are trains and destinations with similar names, it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is the Limited Express "HITACHI"?

The Limited Express "HITACHI" is a JR East train named after the old provincial name "Hitachi no Kuni", which refers to the area of present-day Ibaraki Prefecture. The JR Joban Line runs from Ueno Station through the Pacific coast of Ibaraki and Fukushima Prefectures to Iwanuma Station in Miyagi Prefecture. In March 2020, the JR Joban Line resumed full service, and the Limited Express "HITACHI" service, which runs directly between Shinagawa and Sendai, was revived. The E657 series train used is a limited express train that debuted in 2012 and combines comfort and energy efficiency. In contrast to the Limited Express "TOKIWA", which makes many stops, the Limited Express "HITACHI" is positioned as a rapid service.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the Limited Express "HITACHI" lies in its rapid travel from the Tokyo metropolitan area to Ibaraki and Fukushima Prefectures. All seats are equipped with power outlets, allowing passengers to use their smartphones and laptops even on long journeys. Free Wi-Fi service is available on board. An "unreserved seat ticket" system allows passengers to board without reserving a seat. The color of the lamp above each seat indicates seat availability, making it easy to find an empty seat. Kairakuen Garden in Mito is one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and its plum blossoms bloom profusely in spring. The nemophila flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park are world-renowned for their breathtaking beauty, covering the hillsides in blue in spring. Aquamarine Fukushima in Iwaki is one of Tohoku's leading aquariums.

Limited Express "HITACHI" Timetable

*The Limited Express "HITACHI" operates more than ten round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Iwaki Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Shinagawa Station) Timetable

The Limited Express "HITACHI" operates more than ten round trips a day. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening hours, while the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The Limited Express "HITACHI" operates daily throughout the year. However, there are only a few round trips per day that go directly to Sendai Station. Reserved seats may be crowded during the nemophila and plum blossom festival seasons.

Operating Sections of the Limited Express "HITACHI"

Main Sections

• Shinagawa Station to Ueno Station (JR Tokaido Main Line, JR Yamanote Line, etc.)
• Ueno Station to Mito Station (JR Joban Line)
• Mito Station to Iwaki Station / Sendai Station (JR Joban Line)

Mito Station is the gateway to Kairakuen Garden and the city of Mito. Kairakuen Garden is one of Japan's three most famous gardens and has approximately 3,000 plum trees. Hitachi Seaside Park can be accessed by bus from Katsuta Station and is famous for its nemophila in spring and kochia in autumn. Hitachi Station is known for its glass-walled station building overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and its cafes with ocean views are popular. From Iwaki Station, you can access Spa Resort Hawaiians and the Onahama area. Aquamarine Fukushima is a large aquarium themed around the convergence of ocean currents. From Sendai Station, you can connect to sightseeing in Matsushima and the city of Sendai. Since travel to surrounding tourist destinations is mainly by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. Tourist information centers are sometimes located around the stations where you can obtain maps and brochures.

Stations Served by the Limited Express "HITACHI"

Main Stations Served

• Shinagawa Station
• Tokyo Station
• Ueno Station
• Kashiwa Station
• Mito Station
• Hitachi Station
• Iwaki Station
• Sendai Station

*The stations served may vary depending on the train.

Fares for the Limited Express "HITACHI"

Fares for Major Sections

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the Limited Express "HITACHI" is the sum of the basic fare (transportation fare) to your destination and the limited express fare. Limited express trains on the JR Joban Line have a system where fares differ depending on whether you purchase your reserved seat in advance or on board. It is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance as it is cheaper. When purchasing your ticket, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the limited express ticket. JR's limited express fares are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a normal season, high season, or off-season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare (transportation fare)" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express fare" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride a limited express train with just a basic fare ticket; you must purchase both.

Regarding Unreserved Seat Tickets

While all seats on the Limited Express "HITACHI" are reserved, you can board without a seat reservation by purchasing an "unreserved seat ticket." The price of an unreserved seat ticket is the same as a reserved seat limited express ticket. The system allows you to sit in any available seat, but you must yield it to a passenger with a reserved seat if they arrive. You can check whether a seat is available by the color of the lamp above the seat.

How to Buy Tickets for the Limited Express "HITACHI"

Eki-net (Online Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Eki-net," allows you to purchase ticketless limited express tickets using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. Using Eki-net's ticketless limited express tickets allows you to board without receiving a paper ticket. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, section, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to conditions and fees.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Ticket Offices

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at reserved seat ticket machines and ticket offices at stations. You can also purchase limited express tickets on board, but the price will be higher than purchasing in advance. Ticket machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Ticket offices can get crowded during high season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation and train travel in the Ibaraki and Fukushima areas.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The Limited Express "HITACHI" is operated by JR East, so it can be used with the JR Pass or JR East Area Pass. Even when using a pass, you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket if you wish to use a reserved seat. The entire route is on JR lines, so it is within the pass's applicable section. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

If you use the ticketless limited express ticket service "Eki-net," you do not need to pick up a paper ticket. If you purchase your ticket at a designated seat ticket machine or at a Midori-no-madoguchi, you will need to pick up a paper limited express ticket before boarding. If you pick up a paper ticket, it is best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?

Most of the route is within the Suica area, and you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion. By combining a ticketless limited express ticket from "Eki-net" with Suica, you can ride without a paper ticket. However, some sections north of Iwaki may be outside the Suica area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the applicable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your route is within the area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating Information for the Limited Express "HITACHI"

Seat Types

Both ordinary and Green Car seats on the Limited Express "HITACHI" are reserved. There are no unreserved seats in ordinary cars. There are also "unreserved seat tickets" that can be purchased without deciding which train to take, but once on board you must use any available seat and move if a passenger with a reserved seat arrives.

Distinctive Seating

The E657 series is a limited express train equipped with power outlets at every seat and free Wi-Fi. Lamps above the seats indicate seat availability with different colors. The seats are swivel-type reclining seats, allowing you to adjust your seating direction to match the direction of travel. Green Car seats offer ample seat pitch and footrests, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's recommended to check your seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

A large luggage storage area is provided within the train set.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting a JR East ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

 

 

Ekiben and In-Train Dining on the Limited Express "HITACHI"

On the Limited Express "HITACHI", there is no in-car sales service. If you wish to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to purchase food at a station shop or ekiben vendor before boarding. Mito is nationally known as a production area for natto (fermented soybeans). In Iwaki, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood known as Joban-mono. In Sendai, beef tongue and sasakamaboko (fish cake) are popular local specialties. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Important Notes When Riding the Limited Express "HITACHI"

While all seats on the Limited Express "HITACHI" are reserved, you can board without a seat reservation by purchasing an unreserved seat ticket. Purchasing a limited express ticket on board will be more expensive than purchasing it in advance. Direct trains to Sendai Station are limited, so be careful when choosing a train if you are heading towards Sendai. During the nemophila and plum blossom seasons, it gets crowded, so early reservations are recommended. To get to Hitachi Seaside Park, you will need to take a bus from Katsuta Station. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number printed on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments to avoid blocking the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Since there is no in-car sales service, if you plan to eat, be sure to prepare before boarding. Checking the train schedule on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The Limited Express "HITACHI" is a JR East train connecting Shinagawa and Ueno Stations with Iwaki and Sendai Stations via the JR Joban Line. It's a rapid service train with limited stops, and all seats are equipped with power outlets, making for a comfortable ride on the E657 series. It's a convenient way to visit attractions in Ibaraki and Fukushima Prefectures, such as Kairakuen Garden and Hitachi Seaside Park.

Enjoy a journey along the JR Joban Line aboard the Limited Express "HITACHI", heading north along the Pacific coast.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.