# 273 series

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Japanese train type

273 series Set Y2 in April 2024 In service 2024–present Manufacturer Kinki Sharyo Replaced 381 series Constructed 2023–2024 Entered service 6 April 2024 Number built 44 vehicles (11 sets) Formation 4 cars per trainset Fleet numbers Y1–Y11 Operator JR West Lines served Sanyo Main Line Hakubi Line Sanin Main Line Specifications Traction system Variable frequency Electric systems 1,500 V DC (overhead catenary) Current collection Pantograph Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Notes/references This train won the 68th Blue Ribbon Award in 2025.

The **273 series** (273系) is a Japanese train type operated by [West Japan Railway Company](/source/West_Japan_Railway_Company) (JR West) on *[Yakumo](/source/Yakumo_(train))* limited express services on the [Sanyo Main Line](/source/San'y%C5%8D_Main_Line), [Hakubi Line](/source/Hakubi_Line) and [Sanin Main Line](/source/San'in_Main_Line). Announced on 16 February 2022, it has replaced the JNR-era [381 series](/source/381_series).

## Design

Cars are painted in a bronze livery. The trains also feature a pendular[1] tilting system which will be an improvement over the current 381 series trainsets. The tilting system is jointly developed by [JR West](/source/West_Japan_Railway_Company), the [Railway Technical Research Institute](/source/Railway_Technical_Research_Institute), and [Kawasaki](/source/Kawasaki_Railcar_Manufacturing).[2]

Each train set consists of four cars.[3] 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.[3] In addition to the regular seating arrangement, there is a section reserved for tables.[4]

The 273 series was listed in the [Good Design Award](/source/Good_Design_Award_(Japan))'s "Best 100" listing for 2024.[5] The type is also a recipient of the 2025 [Blue Ribbon Award](/source/Blue_Ribbon_Award_(railway)).[6]

		- Standard class

		- Compartment seating

		- Green car

		- Free space

## History

A JR Shikoku 8600 series train on test on the Hakubi Line, 2017

Plans existed as early as 2017 to introduce new rolling stock on [*Yakumo*](/source/Yakumo_(train)) services to better compete with rival highway bus services.[7]: 6 In July and September 2017, JR West leased two [8600 series](/source/8600_series) EMUs from [JR Shikoku](/source/JR_Shikoku) to test the feasibility of pneumatic tilting on the [Hakubi Line](/source/Hakubi_Line).[8][9] However, the pneumatic tilting system proved unsuitable for the line, and it was decided that the new rolling stock would use a pendular tilting system instead.[7]

On 30 October 2020, as part of its 2022 mid-term management plan, JR West formally announced its plans to introduce new rolling stock for the *Yakumo*.[10] Details of the new trains, revealed to be classified as 273 series, were announced by JR West on 16 February 2022.[11] [Kinki Sharyo](/source/Kinki_Sharyo) announced it would be responsible for manufacturing the trainsets on 7 March 2022.[12]

Set Y2 on test in December 2023

The first set, Y1, was unveiled on 17 October 2023,[13] with test-running commencing alongside set Y2 from 25 October 2023.[14] Sets Y3 and Y4 were assigned to test-running on 17 January 2024.[15] Sets Y5 and Y6 were also spotted test-running on 28 February that same year.[16] Y7 and Y8 were spotted testing on 4 April 2024.[17]

The fleet was introduced into revenue service on 6 April 2024.[18]

Set Y9 was delivered in late-April 2024,[19] followed by sets Y10 and Y11, the final set, in May 2024.[20][21]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:1_1-0)** [JR西日本，273系“やくも”の運転を4月6日から順次開始](https://railf.jp/news/2023/12/15/185500.html) [JR West to introduce new 273 series "Yakumo" trains from 6 April]. *Japan Railfan Magazine* (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 15 December 2023. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231216185451/https://railf.jp/news/2023/12/15/185500.html) from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["特急「やくも」新型車両273系の内外装デザイン決定 フラットシートも設置"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221020073324/https://news.railway-pressnet.com/archives/45117) [Limited Express "Yakumo" New Model 273 Series Interior and Exterior Design Determined with Flat Seats]. *News Railway Pressnet* (in Japanese). 20 October 2022. Archived from [the original](https://news.railway-pressnet.com/archives/45117) on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_3-1) ["JR西日本，特急"やくも"に導入する273系のデザインを決定"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221020164815/https://railf.jp/news/2022/10/20/203000.html) [JR West decides the design of the 273 series to be introduced on the limited express "Yakumo"]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). 20 October 2022. Archived from [the original](https://railf.jp/news/2022/10/20/203000.html) on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["JR西日本、新型車両273系の車体に「やくもブロンズ」デザイン公開"](https://web.archive.org/web/20221020094459/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20221020-2485660/) [JR West unveils "Yakumo Bronze" design for new train 273 series]. *MyNavi News* (in Japanese). 20 October 2022. Archived from [the original](https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20221020-2485660/) on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [JR西日本273系「やくも」取組みがグッドデザイン賞「ベスト100」に](https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20241016-3045769/) [JR West 273 series "Yakumo" listed in Good Design Award's "Best 100"]. *Mynavi News* (in Japanese). 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [JR西日本273系、2025年の鉄道友の会ブルーリボン賞(最優秀車両)に](https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20250522-3332860/) [JR West 273 series wins 2025 Blue Ribbon Award]. *Mynavi News* (in Japanese). 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_7-1) [カーブ克服して速度アップ｢振り子式車両｣の進化](https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/716884) [The evolution of tilting trains – overcoming curves, increasing speed]. *Toyo Keizai Online* (in Japanese). 24 November 2023. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231207103649/https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/716884) from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [JR四国8600系が伯備線で試運転](https://railf.jp/news/2017/07/14/154000.html) [JR Shikoku 8600 series commissioned on the Hakubi Line]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 14 July 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240409170225/https://railf.jp/news/2017/07/14/154000.html) from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [JR四国8600系が再び伯備線で走行試験](https://railf.jp/news/2017/09/14/160000.html) [JR Shikoku 8600 series commissioned on the Hakubi Line again]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 14 September 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240409172103/https://railf.jp/news/2017/09/14/160000.html) from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [「ＪＲ西日本グループ中期経営計画2022」見直し](https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/items/201030_00_minaoshihosoku.pdf) [Review of JR West's 2022 mid-term management plan] (PDF). *West Japan Railway Company*. 30 October 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231003213237/https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/items/201030_00_minaoshihosoku.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["JR西日本，特急"やくも"に273系を導入へ"](https://railf.jp/news/2022/02/16/150000.html) [JR West to introduce 273 series to limited express "Yakumo"]. *Japan Railway Fan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). 16 February 2022. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220216144013/https://railf.jp/news/2022/02/16/150000.html) from the original on 16 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["西日本旅客鉄道株式会社殿向け「やくも」を受注いたしました。"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220309124557/https://www.kinkisharyo.co.jp/news/detail.php?seq=236) [We have received an order for "Yakumo" for West Japan Railway Company/]. *Kinki Sharyo* (in Japanese). Archived from [the original](https://www.kinkisharyo.co.jp/news/detail.php?seq=236) on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-mynavi21102023_13-0)** ["JR西日本「やくも」新型車両273系「豊かな車内の過ごし方」実現へ"](https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20231021-yakumo273/). *news.mynavi.jp* (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. 21 October 2023. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231021134929/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20231021-yakumo273/) from the original on 21 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [273系Y1編成・Y2編成が近畿車輛から出場](https://railf.jp/news/2023/10/25/133000.html) [273 series sets Y1 and Y2 undergoing testing by Kinki Sharyo]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 25 October 2023. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231026010014/https://railf.jp/news/2023/10/25/133000.html) from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["273系Y3編成・Y4編成が登場"](https://railf.jp/news/2024/01/18/061000.html) [Test Running for 273 Series sets Y3 and Y4]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). 17 January 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240117220659/https://railf.jp/news/2024/01/18/061000.html) from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Y5Y6_16-0)** ["増備進む273系 Y5・Y6編成が出場し、試運転を実施"](https://rail.hobidas.com/rmnews/494560/#goog_rewarded). *RM News* (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 1 March 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240407063558/https://rail.hobidas.com/rmnews/494560/#goog_rewarded) from the original on 7 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["273系Y7編成・Y8編成が登場"](https://railf.jp/news/2024/04/04/180000.html) [Appearance of 273 Series sets Y7 and Y8.]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240406065352/https://railf.jp/news/2024/04/04/180000.html) from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [273系「やくも」が運転を開始](https://rail.hobidas.com/rmnews/496947/) [273 series "Yakumo" enters revenue service]. *RM News*. Japan: Neko Publishing. 9 April 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240409171436/https://rail.hobidas.com/rmnews/496947/) from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-273Y9_19-0)** ["273系Y9編成が登場"](https://railf.jp/news/2024/04/23/103000.html) [273 series set Y9 delivered]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). Japan. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-273_Y10_20-0)** ["273系Y10編成が登場"](https://railf.jp/news/2024/05/17/150500.html) [273 series set Y10 delivered]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-273_Y11_21-0)** ["273系Y11編成が登場"](https://railf.jp/news/2024/05/24/155800.html) [273 series set Y11 delivered]. *Japan Railfan Magazine Online* (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [JR West 273](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:JR_West_273).

- [Press release (in Japanese)](https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/items/221020_03_press_yakumo.pdf)

v t e Multiple units of West Japan Railway Company Current / active Shinkansen AC EMUs 500 700 N700 N700S W7 Conventional lines (Narrow- gauge) DC EMUs 103 105 113 115 117 123 125 201 205 207 213 221 223 225 227 321 323 271 273 281 283 285 287 289 AC/DC EMUs 521 681 683 DMUs KiHa 40 KiHa 120 KiHa 121/126 [ja] KiHa 122/127 87 KiHa 187 KiHa 189 Non-revenue EMU 923-3000 145 [ja] Diesel KiYa 141 [ja] KiYa 143 Diesel-electric DEC700 DEC741 Retired / withdrawn Shinkansen AC EMUs 0 100 300 Conventional lines DC EMUs KuMoHa 42 [ja] KuMoNi 83 [ja] KuMoHa 84 [ja] 101 211 165 167 183 381 AC/DC EMUs 413 415 419 457 471 475 485 489 583 DMUs KiHa 20 KiHa 30/35 KiHa 33 [ja] KiHa 37 [ja] KiHa 38 KiHa 23/53 [ja] KiHa 52 KiHa 58/28 [ja] KiHa 65 [ja] KiHa 181 Non-revenue EMU 922-20 WIN350 KuMoYa 90 [ja] KuMoYa 91 [ja] KuMoYa 441 [ja] 443 [ja] U@tech (223/213) DMU KiYa 191 [ja]

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [273 series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/273_series) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/273_series?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.