On the way to Kawazu Bagatelle Park in Shizuoka Prefecture last month, I came across a strange train at Atami station on the Tokaido main line. That was a stainless-steel train with orange-colored stripes. Orange is the corporate color of JR Central, so, it must belong to JR Central, but different from my familiar EMU 313-0 series. Please look at the top photo. Do you know what it is?
The answer is the EMU 313-8000 series. This train was once operated on the Chuo main line in the Nagoya area. But in March 2022, it was transferred to the Tokaido main line in the Shizuoka area. Why? The gimmick is as follows: JR Central launched a new commuter train, the EMU 315 series, on the Chuo main line in March 2022. The introduction of the new model caused JR Central to make a train relocation. A total of 6 sets of the 313-8000 series were transferred from the Chuo main line to the Tokaido main line. What's the merit of this relocation? The answer is a toilet. Although the trains on the Tokaido main line are operated over long distances, one of the existing models, the EMU 211 series, doesn't have a toilet. So, the 211 series is coupled with the 313-8000 series with a toilet, and operated as one train set. That's a good idea.
For your information, the 313-8000 series has cozy cross seats. Passengers can use this luxury train without any extra charge. It's specifically attractive for long distance travelers.
