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

Hoshi-imo Train on the Minato Line

Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway KiHa100-40 “Hoshi-imo Train”

After enjoying the “Big Catch Cherry” blossoms at Nakane Station, I boarded the Minato Line once again. My next stop was Nakaminato, one of the best places for railfans to observe the diverse fleet of the Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway.

The moment I stepped off the train at Nakaminato Station, something unusual immediately caught my eye. Standing quietly in a corner of the station was a bright yellow diesel railcar that I had never seen before on this line. Take a look at the top photo. What could it be?

If you are thinking, “I’ve seen this railcar somewhere before on this blog,” you probably have a sharp eye for Japanese rolling stock. The answer is a KiHa100 series diesel railcar formerly operated by JR East.

Here is the story behind it. Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway recently acquired three second-hand diesel railcars from JR East. Two of them will replace aging vehicles currently in service. The third one, however, is destined for something more special — a new sightseeing train.

The bright yellow railcar in the photo is that very unit.

Its official designation is KiHa100-40, a member of the KiHa100 series. Interestingly, Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway decided to retain JR East’s original numbering. At the same time, the car received a new nickname:

“Wrapped Train of the Hoshi-imo Train Kingdom,” or simply the Hoshi-imo Train.

So what exactly is Hoshi-imo?

Hoshi-imo is a traditional local specialty made from steamed and dried sweet potatoes. With no artificial sweeteners, it is a simple yet naturally sweet and chewy snack that has long been popular in this region. In a fun touch, the side of the train even features the recipe for Hoshi-imo, complete with a short English explanation for visitors (see the photo below).

A train that teaches you how to make a local snack — how cool is that?

According to a station staff member, the Hoshi-imo Train will soon enter service as a sightseeing train on the Minato Line. Perhaps passengers will even be able to enjoy some freshly prepared Hoshi-imo on board. That would certainly make the ride even more memorable.

From a technical standpoint, the KiHa100 series is a compact 16.5-meter diesel hydraulic railcar that first appeared on JR East lines in 1990. A total of 64 cars were built by Niigata Tekko and Fuji Heavy Industries, each powered by a 243 kW diesel engine.

The particular unit seen here, KiHa100-40, was built in 1991 and transferred to Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway in 2024.

I’m already looking forward to riding the Hoshi-imo Train on my next visit to Nakaminato.

Hoshi-imo themed design on the side of the train

Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms on the Minato Line

Big Catch Cherry and a diesel railcar at Nakane Station on the Minato Line

It has already been ten years since my last visit to the Minato Line. A full decade has gone by in the blink of an eye, and I felt it was finally time to revisit this beloved local line. Here, I’d like to share some observations from this latest trip.

■ What is the Minato Line?

The Minato Line is a local railway operated by the Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway Company in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 120 km northeast of Tokyo. Running between Katsuta and Ajigaura, the line covers 14.3 km with 11 stations. Katsuta provides an important connection to the JR East Jōban Line.

As many railway fans know, the entire line is a non-electrified single track, giving it that distinctive rural local-line charm.

■ A Glimpse of Spring Along the Line

Before diving into rolling stock updates, let me first share a seasonal highlight. The photos show a train arriving at Nakane Station, framed by early-blooming cherry blossoms. The combination of a diesel railcar and soft pink petals is enough to lift any railway enthusiast’s spirits.

These blossoms are known locally as Tairyo-zakura (“Big Catch Cherry”). Since the line passes through Nakaminato, a well-known fishing port, the name reflects the community’s wish for a bountiful catch. Their vivid pink hue reminds me of a sea bream—a fitting symbol for the coastal region.

■ Rolling Stock Notes: KiHa 3710 Series

Naturally, a proper railway post wouldn’t be complete without a look at the trains themselves.

The railcar pictured at Nakane Station is Unit 2 of the KiHa 3710 series. This diesel railcar features an 18.5-meter-long body with longitudinal seating, powered by a 243 kW diesel engine.

The KiHa 3710 series consists of two units: Unit 1 introduced in 1995 and Unit 2 in 1998. Currently, Unit 2 sports a full-body advertisement wrap for Komatsu, known worldwide for its construction, mining and forestry-related heavy equipment.

To be continued…

Unit 2 of the KiHa 3710-series diesel railcar departing Nakane Station

Related link:

・Official website: Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway (in Japanese)