The Fujikyu 8500 series (富士急行8500系, Fuji Kyūkō 8000-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train operated by the private railway operator Fuji Kyuko (Fujikyu) on Fujisan View Express (富士山ビュー特急, Fujisan Byū Tokkyū) limited-stop services on the Fujikyuko Line in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, since 23 April 2016.[1]
The three-car train was converted from the former 371 series seven-car EMU operated by JR Central from 1991 until November 2014.[1][2] The design of the rebuilt train was overseen by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka.[1]
The 8500 series train operates on Fujisan View Express limited-stop services on the 26.6 km (16.5 mi) Fujikyuko Line in Yamanashi Prefecture, which runs between Ōtsuki and Kawaguchiko.
The sole three-car set is formed as shown below, with two motored cars and one non-powered trailer car, and car 1 at the Fujisan end.[1]
Car 1 has an observation lounge area with 2+1 abreast seating bays and some loose seating.[1] Cars 2 and 3 have rotating unidirectional reclining seating arranged 2+2 abreast with a seat pitch of 1,000 mm (39 in).[1] Car 2 has a wheelchair-accessible seating area and a universal access toilet.[1]
Fuji Kyuko announced in December 2014 that it planned to purchase the 371 series trainset from JR Central, and reform it as a three-car set for use during fiscal 2015.[2] The withdrawn 371 series train was moved from Shizuoka to JR East's Nagano Works for rebuilding work in March 2015.[3]
The train entered service on Fujisan View Express limited-stop services from 23 April 2016.[4]