Source: https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/yakumo/
Introduction
As the 381 Series running on JR West's Limited Express Yakumo service between Okayama and Izumoshi stations in Shimane Prefecture have been operating since 1982 and is retiring this June, it is going to be replaced by the 273 Series from 6th April this year onwards.
According to JR West's Odekake website special page, it shows that the 381 series had been running since the JNR era and is going to be replaced due to aging equipment. Also, the fact that its operation spans three Japanese eras of Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa and the last surviving JNR Era limited express rolling stock is what invokes nostalgia among train otakus.
One reason why JR West decided to introduce a new rolling stock for the Yakumo limited express service is that the newer 273 series will offer a smoother ride around the route's many curves, as the 381 series is infamous for plaguing passengers with motion sickness due to their considerable tilt on curved sections along the route.
The 381 series is designed to travel on curved sections without needing to slowing down by tilting inward to suppress centrifugal force, causing a wide, slow shaking side to side, causing the passengers to get trainsick because of the constant tilting and swinging.
Future operation plans of the renewal rolling stocks of the Yakumo limited express:
About the new 273 Series Yakumo limited express
*Motion sickness evaluation index improved by up to 23%
Due to its appearance, the new rolling stock is officially nicknamed "Yakumo Bronze (やくもブロンズ)" due to the fact that is respect the nature, scenery, culture, and history of the area along the towns where the train is run. The livery of the train is a represention of different icons of the San'in region, which is the deep golden color of the sunset over Lake Shinji, the golden color of the tatara ironworks, the bronze color of the torches of the Daisen Summer Opening Festival, and the shakudo of the red tiled townscape. Also, the designer of this train is Yasuyuki Kawanishi, who also designed West Express Ginga and Setsugekka sightseeing trains.
Interior layout of 273 series
The following diagrams are the interior layout for the new 273 series
Car 1
Car 2
Car 3
Car 4
Facilities
Seating on board 273 series Yakumo
Ordinary Reserved Seating 普通車指定席: Seating formation in the ordinary carriages will be in rows of four in a 2 + 2 configuration, and the seats will be colored green as a reflection of the green mountains dotted along the train’s route.
Green Car グリーン車指定席: The warm colors from the exterior continue in the first class green cars which will have yellow seating in rows of three in a 1 + 2 pattern.
Semi Compartment グループ席: Comes with tables of 4 or tables of 2, so that families/groups can face one another while enjoying the views from large windows with foldable tables and side partitions to enhance privacy.
