Chiba Urban Monorail: 2026 Update

Set 21 of the Chiba Urban Monorail 0-series EMU

I recently visited the Chiba Urban Monorail for the first time in two years. I was curious to see what had changed on this unique suspended monorail line, so today I would like to share a short report about my visit.

First, let me briefly introduce Chiba City and the monorail.

Chiba City is the capital of Chiba Prefecture, located about 40 kilometers east of Tokyo. The city is known for its heavy industries, large port facilities, and agricultural areas. Its population is close to one million.

The monorail is an important means of transportation in the city. It opened in 1988 and is operated by the Chiba Urban Monorail Company, a joint public–private organization. The system is famous for being the world’s longest suspended monorail, with a total length of 15.2 kilometers. It consists of two double-tracked lines, Line 1 and Line 2, and is electrified at 1,500 V DC.

Now, let me move on to what I found during my visit.

First, I noticed that the number of the newer 0-series EMUs has increased to 11 trainsets, while the older 1000-series fleet has decreased to 8 sets.

Second, there are now 14 trains with colorful advertising wraps. These wrapped trains belong to both the 0-series and the 1000-series.

Among all of them, one train caught my attention—a “standard-colored train,” which is now relatively rare. This was Set 21 of the 0-series EMU (see the photo above). On the front of the train, there is a special round sticker promoting the Chiba Zoological Park on Line 2.

The animal shown on the sticker (see the photo below) is a male western gorilla named Monta. He was born in Spain in 1984 and came to Chiba City in 1990. He is a silverback, the leader of a gorilla group, but according to several websites, he is very gentle and kind. He even plucks the hair on his cheeks by himself, which gives him a neat and handsome look. Monta really seems like the perfect character to promote the zoo!

I would definitely like to visit the zoo next time.

Promotional sticker for Chiba Zoological Park on Set 21

Related Link:

・Official information from Chiba Urban Monorail

The 13000 Series EMU: Sotetsu's New Train Model

Sotetsu 13000 series EMU at Atsugi Railyard

I recently joined an event hosted by the Japan Railfan Club—a test ride and photo session featuring Sotetsu’s newest commuter train, the 13000 series EMU. Today, I’d like to share my experience with you.

To begin, let me briefly introduce Sotetsu and the new train models the company has rolled out over the past few years.

Sotetsu is a major private railway company based in Yokohama City, operating a 44.4-kilometer network in Kanagawa Prefecture. Until about seven years ago, its biggest business challenge was that its network did not connect directly to central Tokyo. To overcome this, Sotetsu constructed two new connecting lines—one linking to the JR East network and another to the Tokyu network. Since 2019, Sotetsu trains have been running through onto JR East lines using the 12000 series new EMU, and since 2023, onto Tokyu lines as well using the 20000 and 21000 series new EMUs.

Even after completing these major projects, Sotetsu did not slow down its capital investment. On March 30th this year, it introduced a brand-new train: the 13000 series EMU.

The 13000 series will replace the older 8000 and 9000 series EMUs, operating exclusively on Sotetsu’s own lines without interoperation with other networks. Each trainset consists of eight cars—two fewer than the existing 8000 and 9000 series trainsets. This reduction reflects the company’s projection of a declining population along the Sotetsu lines, in line with Japan’s broader demographic trend.

As a train enthusiast, I was impressed by Sotetsu’s meticulous attention to design details. Look at the photo above—you can see the 13000 series’ distinctive “face,” inspired by strong marine creatures and created collaboratively by an art director, a designer, and a generative AI system. I also noticed a brown-colored accent inside the front lights from very close range (see the photo below). According to Sotetsu, this represents the hue of rusty rails. Sotetsu’s attention to detail is remarkable!

I’m running out of space here, so I’ll save the technical specifications of the 13000 series for a future post. Please look forward to it!

Close-up of the brown accent inside the headlight assembly

Related link:

・Official video from Sotetsu

A Surprise Return: The 8500 Series EMU

8637F (8637 side) of Tokyu’s 8500 series EMU at Nagatsuta Station

This may sound sudden, but can you guess where the top photo was taken?

If you’re familiar with Japanese trains, you might say, “Somewhere on the Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line.” A reasonable guess—but remember that the train in the photo, the 8500 series EMU, was supposed to have been retired from that line in 2022, as I mentioned before.

If you’re an international railfan, you might guess, “Somewhere in Jakarta, since the 8500 series EMUs were transferred to Indonesia.” Also a good guess—but please note that all 8500 series sets there were retired by early 2026.

Or perhaps you’d answer, “Somewhere on a local railway in Japan, since some 8500 series sets were transferred after their retirement from Tokyu.”

Thank you for joining my little quiz.

The answer is: Nagatsuta Station on the Kodomonokuni (Children’s Land) Line. Here’s the story.

All 8500 series EMUs were indeed retired from Tokyu lines by January 2023. However, one set—8637F—has been kept operational so Tokyu can preserve and pass down expertise related to DC motor technology. Its formation has been reduced from 10 cars to 4.

8637F had been “sleeping” for quite a long time, but it finally “awoke,” appearing on the Kodomonokuni Line as an extra train during this year’s spring sightseeing season. As I wrote earlier, the Kodomonokuni Line serves as an access route to the Children’s Land theme park. The line is owned by Yokohama Minatomirai Railway and operated by Tokyu.

When I heard the surprising news about the 8500 series making a comeback, I rushed to the Kodomonokuni Line and confirmed with my own eyes that 8637F was indeed running again.

8637F—long time no see! It’s great to see you back in action.

8637F (8537 side) at Nagatsuta Station on the Kodomonokuni Line

Yamitetsu Part 5: OIMACHI TRACKS

Night view of JR East's railyard from OIMACHI TRACKS

Do you like giant shopping malls?

To be honest, I’m usually not a big fan. Many large malls in the Tokyo metropolitan area are far from major stations and can only be reached by car. Instead, I prefer ekinaka malls—shopping areas located inside stations—because they’re incredibly convenient. I often stop by them when I change trains.

That said, I do have one exception: my favorite large mall, OIMACHI TRACKS.

This new shopping complex sits right next to the JR East Oimachi Station and a railyard (JR East Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center). It opened on March 28 this year, and what makes it truly unique is that visitors can enjoy direct views of the railyard while shopping. It’s absolutely perfect for train enthusiasts.

Today, I’d like to share the nighttime scenery of the railyard from the mall—yes, it’s time for “Yamitetsu,” photographing trains in the dark! Ready to come along?

Please take a look at the photo above. I took it from the observation deck at OIMACHI TRACKS. You can see many trains lined up against the backdrop of the city at night. It’s a beautiful sight.

Most of the trains parked on the sidings are E235 series EMUs operated by JR East. As I mentioned in earlier posts, the E235 series runs on the famous Yamanote Line, one of Tokyo’s busiest commuter routes. Each train has 11 cars, and they run every five minutes even during off-peak hours.

I’ve never been particularly fond of the E235’s design, but I must admit—they look surprisingly beautiful at night. Maybe it’s because their “microwave-oven-like” fronts don’t stand out as much in the dark. Sorry, E235 series… I mean no offense. Thank you for your hard work every day.

Now, please take a look at the photo below.

I took this one from the mall’s pedestrian deck. From here, the trains look even closer. There’s a transparent panel in front of the deck, but I managed to find an angle that still captures the train fronts clearly. I was especially careful to frame the E235 series from the best perspective.

I had a great time enjoying Yamitetsu at OIMACHI TRACKS tonight, and I feel like I’ve grown somewhat fond of the E235 series—more than I expected. Have a good night, everyone.

Night view of the E235 series EMUs

Related link:

• Official information from JR East

The 13th Generation Sounyan Train

Set 11004 of the Sotetsu 11000 series EMU, the 13th generation Sounyan Train

I am happy to share this annual topic with you again this year. On March 16, the 13th generation “Sounyan Train” debuted on the Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) lines.

First, let me briefly introduce Sotetsu and the Sounyan Train.

Sotetsu is a major private railway company based in Yokohama, operating a 44.4-kilometer network in Kanagawa Prefecture. Its lines are double-tracked, electrified at 1,500 V DC, and use a track gauge of 1,067 mm. Since 2019, Sotetsu trains have run through onto JR East lines, and since 2023, onto Tokyu lines as well.

The Sounyan Train is a special train set decorated with Sotetsu’s mascot character, Sounyan. It first appeared in 2014, and its design, both exterior and interior, has been updated every year.

According to the company’s website, Sounyan is a new species of cat who works in public relations as an official employee of Sotetsu. His mission is to help more people learn about the company. To do this, he often appears at events and interacts with visitors. He also writes his own blog and even works as part of a train crew. In the photo above, you can see Sounyan sitting in the driver’s cab, doing his job.

Joking aside, the 13th generation Sounyan Train is assigned to Set 11004 of the 11000 series EMU. The 11000 series entered service in 2009 to replace the aging 5000 and 7000 series. A total of five sets (50 cars) were built by Tokyu Sharyo and JR East’s Niitsu factory. To reduce manufacturing costs, the series shares common technical specifications with JR East’s E233 series.

Finally, let’s take a look at the interior of the 13th generation Sounyan Train (see the photo below). In this design, Sounyan is shown enjoying mamemaki (a bean-throwing ceremony) with his friends, a rabbit and a squirrel. Mamemaki is a traditional event in which people throw roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune, shouting, “Demons out, fortune in!”

Sounyan, keep up the good work!

Interior of the 13th generation Sounyan Train

Related Link:

・Official information from Sotetsu (Japanese only)

・Sounyan's official blog (Japanese only)