Overview
- JR East will run a commemorative train on November 1 that departs Ikebukuro and makes one full inner-loop as an official centennial event.
- Retro-liveried E235-series sets evoking the 103 and 205 series began service in October and, initially slated to end November 3, will continue into early 2026 due to strong interest.
- The loop spans 34.5 kilometers, takes roughly 59 minutes to circle, and operates at peak intervals of about two to three minutes across a network now totaling 30 stations after Takanawa Gateway opened in 2020.
- Most inspections and overhauls are performed at JR East’s Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center in Shinagawa, a facility roughly the size of five Tokyo Domes.
- JR East is pursuing automated operation by 2035, though daily running, cleaning, and maintenance remain handled by on-site staff.