The 15th Anniversary of Tokyo Railway Labyrinth

Front view of Unit 2011, Toyo Rapid Railway 2000 series EMU

Thanks for stopping by Tokyo Railway Labyrinth! The blog is about to turn 15.

I actually started this blog while I was stationed in Jakarta, Indonesia. Back then, Japan was going through a very difficult time, including the tsunami and nuclear disaster following the massive earthquake. Writing about Japanese railways was my small way of supporting my home country. Hard to believe it’s already been 15 years.

For this anniversary, I first thought about featuring trains with “15” in their names. But then I remembered—I’ve already covered the EF15 before. So… what else could I do?

Well, I came up with a slightly different idea: trains with “2011” in their numbers. As you probably know, 2011 is the year this blog started. A bit of a stretch? Maybe.

Anyway, let’s get to it. Take a look at the top photo—can you spot what this “2011” car is?

Pretty easy, right? It’s Unit 2011 from Toyo Rapid Railway’s 2000 series EMU. Toyo Rapid Railway runs a 16.2 km commuter line in western Chiba, called the Toyo Rapid Line. Most trains continue directly onto the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. The 2000 series is currently the only type belonging to Toyo Rapid Railway, and it’s similar in specifications to the Tokyo Metro 05N series.

Now, let’s move on to the next photo. Please take a look at the photo below. What about this “2011” vehicle?

This one might be a bit trickier. It’s Unit 2011 from Tokyo Monorail’s 2000 series EMU. Tokyo Monorail operates the 17.8 km Haneda Airport Line in central Tokyo. This series was the company’s first to use a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) system. Inside, you’ll find a mix of transverse and longitudinal seating, and the trains run at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

So… was this post a bit boring? I hope not.

Either way, I hope you enjoyed seeing these two “Unit 2011” vehicles in Tokyo, even just a little.

Front view of Unit 2011, Tokyo Monorail 2000 series EMU

Keisei Dream Train: The Heartwarming Vehicle

Set 3006 of Keisei's 3000 series EMU, "Keisei Dream Train" 

This may sound a little sudden, but what was your childhood dream? What did you want to become when you were a kid?

On February 28, Keisei Electric Railway Company began operating the “Keisei Dream Train,” using two sets of its trains.

The Keisei Dream Train really lives up to its name. Both the outside and inside of the train are decorated with drawings of children’s dreams for the future. These drawings were made by children and chosen by lottery.

Please take a look at the top photo—that is one of the Keisei Dream Trains, Set 3006 of the 3000 series EMU. You can see a special sticker on the front of the train. It was drawn by a 10-year-old boy whose dream is to become "a train driver of the Keisei 3400 series". What a specific dream! I can completely understand his feelings—please check my previous post about the EMU 3400 series if you have time.

Next, please look at the photo below. This is Car 6, where drawings by boys and girls aged around 10 to 12 are displayed. For example, on the right, there is a drawing of a train and a conductor. It was drawn by another 10-year-old boy, and its title is “A Train Conductor Who Watches Over Safety.” What a responsible child! As proof that he is paying attention, he even drew the yellow warning blocks on the platform—these are tactile paving blocks that guide people with visual impairments. He has very good observation skills.

Finally, there is one more drawing—on the left side of the photo below, you can see a drawing of fashionable women. It was drawn by a 10-year-old girl whose dream is to become both a baker and a YouTuber. How modern! In her drawing, white bread, melon-shaped buns, and coronets are on sale. She imagines that she will introduce her bakery on her YouTube channel. I really hope her dreams come true someday.

The Keisei Dream Train is truly a heartwarming vehicle for all passengers.

Interior of Keisei Dream Train

Related link:

• Official information from Keisei Electric Railway (in Japanese)

2026 Cherry Blossom Season: Keio-Inokashira Line

Set 1762 of Keio’s 1000 series EMU passing by cherry blossoms in full bloom

On March 19th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that cherry blossoms had begun blooming in Tokyo. They later reported that the trees reached full bloom on March 28th.

You might wonder, “Japan has so many kinds of flowers—why does a government agency make a special announcement about just one species?”

It’s a fair question. Cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring, and Japanese people have a deep emotional connection to them. Their beauty lasts only about a week after full bloom, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life. Perhaps that transience is what makes the season so meaningful. Hanami—cherry blossom viewing—is a cherished part of Japanese culture.

With that long introduction out of the way, I visited Inokashira Park along the Keio–Inokashira Line this year to enjoy the blossoms. As a train enthusiast, I’d like to share some scenes where trains and cherry blossoms come together.

In the top photo, Set 1762 of the 1000 series EMU is passing by cherry trees in full bloom. It had been cloudy since morning, but the sky cleared up just for this moment. What perfect timing.

As I’ve mentioned before, each 1000 series set has a different color on its front mask and side stripes. Set 1762 features a lilac front—I really like its soft, calming tone.

In the photo below, Set 1738 of the same series is approaching Inokashira-koen Station, framed by cherry blossoms and Red Robin shrubs. It’s a beautiful scene.

This set also has a lilac-colored front, but it looks a bit different from the previous one. Why is that?

The answer is its ATO (Automatic Train Operation) modification. As I wrote earlier, Keio Electric Railway is aiming for GoA2-level ATO and is conducting trials. Six sets of the 1000 series, including Set 1738, have already been modified. The darker lilac stripe on the front indicates an ATO-equipped train.

I had a wonderful time enjoying both the cherry blossoms and the trains on the Keio–Inokashira Line.

Set 1783 of Keio’s 1000 series EMU arriving at Inokashira-koen Station

Sayonara to the Shibatetsu 3500 Series

Shibatetsu’s 3540F of the 3500 series EMU arriving at Makuhari-hongo Station

The emotions of rail fans like me are quite complicated. When a new model of rolling stock enters service, I get excited and hurry to the tracks to see it. But when a railway company announces that an old train will be retired soon, I feel sad and think, “It can still work!” I sometimes wonder which one I actually prefer, new trains or old trains.

Probably both. If you are also a rail fan, I hope you understand this mixed feeling.

On February 25, the Shibayama Railway Company (Shibatetsu) announced that its 3500 series EMU will be retired at the end of March. Of course, I felt very sad.

Let me briefly review what Shibatetsu and the 3500 series EMU are like.

Shibatetsu is known as the shortest railway in Japan. The line is only 2.2 kilometers long and opened in 2002 to serve people living on the eastern side of Narita Airport. All trains run through onto the Keisei lines.

The 3500 series EMU is the only model owned by Shibatetsu, and they have only one trainset, Set 3540 (3540F). As I wrote before, Keisei Electric Railway has been leasing 3540F to Shibatetsu since 2013. I really love this four-car train with its red and green stripes.

To say “Goodbye” to 3540F, I chose Makuhari-hongo Station on the Keisei Chiba Line. The Shibayama Railway Line is mostly underground, but Makuhari-hongo is above ground and has good front lighting around noon. One day, I checked the schedule of 3540F, and I decided it was time to go.

Please look at the top photo. This was my last moment with 3540F. It was shining beautifully under the spring sunlight. I also found a special farewell sticker on the front of the train (see the photo below).

Sayonara (Goodbye) and thank you, 3540F! I will never forget you.

By the way, some of my blog readers may be wondering, “Who will be the successor to 3540F?”

Please wait a little longer. I will introduce it soon.

Farewell sticker displayed on the front of 3540F

Related link:

Official website: Shibayama Railway (in Japanese)

Yamitetsu Part 4: Telecom Center

Yurikamome's 7500 series EMU approaching Telecom Center Station on the Yurikamome Line

Do you remember the Japanese slang word “yamitetsu”? This term is used mainly among railfans in Japan. Today, I’d like to share a small update on my recent yamitetsu activities.

To review briefly, yamitetsu refers to railfans who enjoy taking photos of trains in the dark. The word combines “yami” (darkness) and “tetsu” (iron). In Japanese, tetsudō means “railway” — literally “iron road.” I’m still a beginner yamitetsu, but I’m slowly learning.

Recently, I visited Telecom Center to enjoy the night scenery. The building has offices, restaurants, and telecommunication facilities, and there’s an observation deck on the 21st floor with a great view of Tokyo’s waterfront area.

I originally went there just to enjoy the night view. However, about a minute after arriving, a train suddenly caught my eye — the 7500 series EMU on the Yurikamome Line! (See the photo above.)

As you may know, the Yurikamome Line is an automated guideway transit (AGT) system in the Tokyo Bay area. It opened in 1995 and connects Shimbashi and Toyosu, covering 14.7 km. The trains run on rubber tires instead of steel wheels. All trains are fully driverless and conductorless (Level GoA4), so the doors and operation are completely automated.

The 7500 series EMU entered service in 2018 to replace the older 7200 series. Eight sets (48 cars) were introduced. It looks beautiful at night, but if you’d like to see its daytime appearance, please check my post from 2019.

In the end, I couldn’t resist taking pictures of the train — even though my original purpose was to enjoy the night view. Finally, I’m sharing a photo of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower at night. That was what I meant to focus on!

Have a good night.

Night view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower