Ten 2-car sets (numbered N5001 to N5010) were delivered to Akita depot between 1996 and 1997, entering service from 22 March 1997 on the sections of the Tazawako Line between and , and on the Ōu Main Line between Ōmagari and .
The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one PS105 lozenge-type pantograph.