Above: OM-N02, one of two 253-1000 series train sets, parked on standby at Shin-Tochigi Station on the Tobu Nikko Line in 2024.

The JR East 253 series of express trains were constructed in 1991, and are best known for their service as the Narita Express between 1991 and 2010. From 2009, all 253s were gradually replaced with E259s. Two of the retired 253s were refurbished as the 253-1000 series, repainted, and moved to the Tobu Nikko and Kinugawa lines to serve as Limited Express liners from 2011 to the present day.

OM-N02 speeding towards Tokyo, just outside of Shin-Tochigi Station.

The two trains are a rare sight to see in motion. They run from Shinjuku Station to Tobu-Nikko Station and Kinugawa-Onsen Station, respectively. They were refurbished to have more passenger seating and more windows per car. The Green Cars, which served as business class seating on the Narita Express, were converted to regular seating. While the trains used to have a bright red and white livery, they now have a moodier color scheme with darker reds and other colors that represent the shrines and flora along those two lines. The trains still retain the unique air horn siren that is ubiquitous on the Narita Express (sound on):

A 253-1000 passing through Kassemba Station on its way to Tochigi Station.

The 253-1000s replaced the older 189 series & 485 series trains that had been running the Limited Express service on those lines (more about those bad boys another time). The Tobu 100 series “Spacia” trains are now the only other model on those lines. Although the 253-1000s began service in June 2011, they were suppose to start running earlier in the year. Their inaugural runs were postponed due to power outages caused by the Tohoku Earthquake. The 485s continued to operate on a reduced schedule until full power could be restored to the lines.