The Minakami service (written in hiragana as "みなかみ") began as a semi-express service between Ueno and Minakami from 1 October 1964. This operated until 30 September 1965, after which the train was renamed Okutone.[3]
The name was revived from 1 October 1997 (this time written in kanji as "水上") following the renaming of the former Tanigawa limited express service.[2]
From the start of the revised timetable on 4 December 2010, the Minakami will cease to be a regular service, operating only during busy seasons.[4]
Rolling stock
Services are formed of 7-car E653 series EMU formations.
Former rolling stock
651 series
(?-2023)
These trains operated with 7 coaches