The name Odoriko (Dancing Girl) comes from a story of romance in Izu, written by the Nobel laureate novelist, Yasunari Kawabata. The Series 251 Superview Odoriko made its debut in 1990 as an express train for speedy travel between Tokyo and resorts in scenic Izu Peninsula Province. To realize superb view, the train was made to consist of double-decker and single high-decker cars only.

In 2002, 12 years after its debut, a renewal was made on the train with new modern painting of ivory and turquoise colors separated with a blue line. The facilities inside the train were also then improved, including addition of accommodations for the handicapped.