Boso is a large peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. It is situated between the Pacific Ocean and Tokyo Bay. Along with Izu, Boso Peninsula is famous for being a resort area to enjoy marine activities.
To get to this peninsula resort, Tokyoites have two major public transportation modes. One of them is a highway bus operated via Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway. Passing through a submarine tunnel (9.6km) and a bridge (4.4km), it takes one hour from Tokyo to Kisarazu, a gateway city to the peninsula. The other mode is a JR East train. It also takes one hour from Tokyo to Kisarazu going around the coast of the bay. The bus and the train are fated rivals of each other.
Along with the E257-500 series, the EMU 255 series is the representative train operated between Tokyo and Boso Peninsula. It was launched in 1993 to replace the old trains, EMU 183 and 189 series. One set is composed of 9 cars. A total of 5 sets, 45 units have been manufactured so far by Tokyu and Kinki Sharyo. Its nickname is the Boso View Express.
Rotating seats are equipped on this train, meaning that group passengers can sit face to face and enjoy chatting. Furthermore, the tables are consoled within the armrests; therefore, a group of passengers can use these tables even when sitting in opposite seats. Today, these types of seats and tables are common on limited express trains; but at first, when the 255 series debuted in 1993, they were rare for passengers.
To get to this peninsula resort, Tokyoites have two major public transportation modes. One of them is a highway bus operated via Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway. Passing through a submarine tunnel (9.6km) and a bridge (4.4km), it takes one hour from Tokyo to Kisarazu, a gateway city to the peninsula. The other mode is a JR East train. It also takes one hour from Tokyo to Kisarazu going around the coast of the bay. The bus and the train are fated rivals of each other.
Along with the E257-500 series, the EMU 255 series is the representative train operated between Tokyo and Boso Peninsula. It was launched in 1993 to replace the old trains, EMU 183 and 189 series. One set is composed of 9 cars. A total of 5 sets, 45 units have been manufactured so far by Tokyu and Kinki Sharyo. Its nickname is the Boso View Express.
Rotating seats are equipped on this train, meaning that group passengers can sit face to face and enjoy chatting. Furthermore, the tables are consoled within the armrests; therefore, a group of passengers can use these tables even when sitting in opposite seats. Today, these types of seats and tables are common on limited express trains; but at first, when the 255 series debuted in 1993, they were rare for passengers.
More information about the limited express to Boso Peninsula:
More information about the EMU 255 seies (in Japanese):