Wednesday 3 July 2019

The Inokashira Flower Line in Spring

1724F of the EMU Keio 1000 series travels on the Inokashira line

It is the rainy season in Tokyo. On June 7th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that this year's rainy season had begun in Tokyo. From early June to mid-July, the Tokyo metropolitan area has a hot and humid rainy season called Tsuyu. Before starting the summer railway travel season, I am going to show you my unreleased spring railway photos today.

The Keio-Inokashira line is famous for its beautiful flowers blooming on the sides of the track. For instance, hydrangeas are reputable in early summer near Meidaimae station. Cherry blossoms are also beautiful in spring near Takaido Station. There is more. Canola flowers are brilliant in early spring near Shin-Daita station. Passengers can enjoy that numerous yellow flowers are blooming beautifully in the sunshine on the embankments of the railway tracks. It also functions to prevent slope failure.

Incidentally, The Inokashira Line is Keio's short commuter route connecting Shibuya and Kichijoji. Its line length is 12.7 kilometers. The track is 1,067 mm-size double. The electric system is 1,500 V DC overhead. Although the Inokashira Line is a short route, the express train is frequently operated for flying passengers. It connects with a local train at Eifukucho station, which is located on the middle point of the line. The EMU 1000 series is the sole model on the line. The commercial operation of this EMU started in 1996, as the first 20-meters long body train on the line. One set consists of 5 cars with a VVVF (variable frequency drive) control system.

1715F of the EMU Keio 1000 series travels on the Inokashira line