KiHa 189 series
The KiHa 189 series is a diesel multiple unit train type operated by West Japan Railway Company on Hamakaze limited express services between and since November 2010 and Biwako Express services between Osaka and since March 2014.
Operations
Hamakaze- ''Biwako Express''
Formation
Trains are formed as 3-car sets, as shown below.| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Designation | Mc2 | M1 | Mc1 |
| Numbering | KiHa 189-1000 | KiHa 188 | KiHa 189 |
| Seating capacity | 60 | 56 | 40 |
| Weight | 48.0 | 47.5 | 49.5 |
Interior
The trains are all standard-class, with a total seating capacity of 156 passengers per 3-car set. Seating is in standard 2+2 abreast configuration with a seat pitch of 970 mm, an increase of 60 mm compared with the earlier KiHa 181 series trains.History
The first three-car set was delivered from Niigata Transys to Fukui Depot on 19 March 2010, with test running commencing on 23 March.The trains entered revenue service from 7 November 2010.
Hana Akari
In October 2022, JR-West announced plans to remodel a KiHa 189 series set into a sightseeing train. The renovated train, designed by Yasuyuki Kawanishi, is scheduled to commence operation in late 2024. In June 2024, set H5 was converted to become the KiHa 189-7000 series sightseeing train branded "Hana Akari".The Hana Akari trainset is scheduled to enter revenue service on 5 October 2024.