385 series

385 series
385 series on the Chūō Main Line in May 2026
Manufacturers
Replaced383 series
Constructed2026–
Entered servicePlanned for fiscal 2029
Number built8 vehicles
Formation8 cars (pre-production set)
Fleet numbersE1
OperatorThe logo of the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central). JR Central

The 385 series (385系, 385-kei) is a tilting electric multiple unit (EMU) train type on order by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central).

Overview

Details of the 385 series were first announced by JR Central on 20 July 2023. The 385 series is intended to replace the ageing 383 series fleet on Shinano limited express services. They will feature an improved pendular tilt system, which will allow for faster speeds on curves.

On 22 December 2025, JR Central announced that Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing and Nippon Sharyo would be involved in manufacturing the pre-production set. The first two pre-production cars, KuHa 384‑1 and MoHa 385‑301, were delivered from the Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing plant in Hyōgo in 2026. The completed set, numbered E1, was delivered from Nippon Sharyo and underwent test runs in April of that year. A full-production fleet is scheduled to enter revenue service in fiscal year 2029.

Interior

Green (first class) cars feature transverse seating in a 1+2 configuration. Ordinary class cars also feature transverse seating except in a 2+2 configuration. The interior design reflects the different facets and geological features in which the line passes through.

References

  1. ↑ JR東海「385系」新型特急車両の量産先行車、次世代振子制御技術も [JR Central to introduce "385 series" pre-production sets featuring next-generation tilting technology]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 20 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  2. ↑ 特急しなの新型車両「385系」量産先行車新製へ [Limited express Shinano's new "385 series" pre-production sets to be constructed]. Tetsudo Shimbun (in Japanese). 20 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  3. ↑ JR東海車両に川崎復帰 振り子式の技術力評価 [JR Central returns to Kawasaki for pendular rolling stock, technical evaluation]. Kyodo News (in Japanese). 22 December 2025. Retrieved 22 December 2025 – via NEWSjp.
  4. ↑ 385系量産先行車2両が甲種輸送される [Two 385 series pre-production cars delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 30 January 2026. Retrieved 30 January 2026.
  5. ↑ 385系E1編成が登場 [385 series set E1 introduced]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 20 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  6. ↑ "新型特急車両「385系」量産先行車のデザイン等について" [Design of the new "385 Series" limited express train, the first mass-produced model] (PDF) (in Japanese). JR Central. 23 December 2025. Retrieved 23 December 2025.