Keikyu is a private railway company in the southern part of the Tokyo metropolitan area. To compete with next-door giant (JR East), Keikyu is putting in a lot of effort. Firstly, the maximum speed of the Keikyu train (120km per hour) is faster than that of JR East. Secondly, Keikyu operates a luxury train, the EMU 2100 series, "Kaitoku", without additional fares on the main line.
Turning to Keikyu's local line, circumstances alter cases. For instance, let's visit the Daishi Line. You will see a local train running leisurely. The maximum speed is only 60 km per hour. Connecting Keikyu-Kawasaki on the Keikyu Main Line and Kojima-shinden, the operating length of the Daishi Line is only 4.5 km. The track is double and the gauge size is 1,435 mm. The electric system is 1,500 V DC overhead.
A 4-car train, the EMU 1500 series, is operated on the line. The 1500 series was launched in 1985 to replace the old 1000 series. I like this angular and red colored steel body with its white stripe. The specification is a little old, as DC motors with a field chopper control system are still used on the train.
The major sightseeing spot on the Daishi Line is Kawasaki Daishi (Heigenji), a large Buddhist temple located near Kawasaki-Daishi station. This old temple was established in 1182 by Hirama Kanenori. The precinct is always crowded with local people and tourists. Please don't forget to taste "Kuzumochi", a cake made of arrowroot starch sold in front of the temple's gate.
Turning to Keikyu's local line, circumstances alter cases. For instance, let's visit the Daishi Line. You will see a local train running leisurely. The maximum speed is only 60 km per hour. Connecting Keikyu-Kawasaki on the Keikyu Main Line and Kojima-shinden, the operating length of the Daishi Line is only 4.5 km. The track is double and the gauge size is 1,435 mm. The electric system is 1,500 V DC overhead.
A 4-car train, the EMU 1500 series, is operated on the line. The 1500 series was launched in 1985 to replace the old 1000 series. I like this angular and red colored steel body with its white stripe. The specification is a little old, as DC motors with a field chopper control system are still used on the train.
The major sightseeing spot on the Daishi Line is Kawasaki Daishi (Heigenji), a large Buddhist temple located near Kawasaki-Daishi station. This old temple was established in 1182 by Hirama Kanenori. The precinct is always crowded with local people and tourists. Please don't forget to taste "Kuzumochi", a cake made of arrowroot starch sold in front of the temple's gate.
More information about the EMUs on the Keikyu Line (in Japanese):
http://www.keikyu.co.jp/train-info/train/index.html
More information about the Keikyu Line (in English):
http://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/transport/trainlinemap.html
More information about the Keikyu Line (in English):
http://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/transport/trainlinemap.html