The Kusatsu/Shima (草津・四万) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), which runs between Ueno in Tokyo and Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi. The train requires a reservation to board. The train used to run until Manza-Kazawaguchi.

Rolling stock

Since the start of the revised timetable on 18 March 2023, Kusatsu/Shima services are operated by E257-5500 series EMUs, replacing the earlier 651-1000 series EMUs, which in turn replaced the previous 185 series trains.

History

The Kusatsu service began on 1 June 1960 as a semi-express between Ueno and Naganohara (now Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi). This was upgraded to become a limited express service from 14 March 1985. From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, the 185 series EMUs used on these services were replaced by 651 series EMUs displaced from Super Hitachi services on the Joban Line, and modified to become the 651-1000 series.

Kusatsu 50th anniversary

In September 2010, 185-200 series 7-car EMU set OM03 was repainted into the Shōnan colour scheme of orange and green (never previously carried by this type) to recreate the appearance of the early 80 series EMUs, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Kusatsu limited express service scheduled for October of that year.