Sunday 21 April 2019

2019 Sakura Season in Saitama

Set MU34 of the EMU JR East E231 series arrives at Higashi-Urawa station

Subsequent to Tokyo Metropolis, I am going to continue to show you this year's sakura (cherry blossoms) in Saitama City.

On March 25th, the Meteorological Agency of Japan declared that sakura (cherry) blossoms had started blooming in Saitama City. It was four days later than Tokyo Metropolis, and three days earlier than last year. I visited Cherry Promenade in the Minuma area of Saitama City with my family. Cherry Promenade is a 20 kilometer-long foot path with numerous cherry trees. When we visited there, it was fine weather and all the cherry trees were in full bloom. It was this year's best day to admire the cherry blossoms in Saitama City. My favorite spot was a "cherry tunnel", where cherry branches were arcuate and looked like a tunnel. It was very unique and beautiful. 

On the way back home, I enjoyed taking train photos at Higashi-Urawa station on the Musashino line. My target was the EMU 231 series, which was transferred from the Sobu line last year in accordance with JR East's relocation plan of their rolling stock. It was an 8-car train consisting of 4 motorcars and 4 trailers (4M4T). The bodies are stainless-steel made with orange, brown and white-colored stripes. The E231 series was once a very rare train on the Musashino line, but it has become a major fleet. A total of 8 sets, 64 cars, are currently operated on the line.

The Musashino line is significantly changing.

"Cherry tunnel" is seen near Higashi-Urawa station on the JR East Musashino line