Somehow, I recently often take monorail lines. Following the Tama Monorail line and the Disney Resort line, I'm going to show you what's been happening on the Haneda Airport line this time.
Let me quickly review the Haneda Airport line to start. It's the second oldest monorail line in Tokyo. The route was inaugurated in 1964 as an airport access line from downtown Tokyo to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). Connecting Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport Terminal 2, its operating length is 17.8 kilometers. The entire route is a double track. The electric system is 750V DC with rigid conductor lines. The fastest "Haneda Express" train connects Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport International Terminal (Terminal 3) without stopping in 13 minutes.
Taking the Haneda Airport line, I visited Ohi Racecourse. Am I a gambler? No, I visited there not for betting on horses but for seeing the illuminations (Christmas lights) with my family. This year's illumination season has just started in Japan. Urban streets are nicely decorated with millions of LED lights. Recently, illuminations are more than just street events. Many shopping malls and amusement parks also hold illumination events to attract holiday makers. Racecourses are no exception. My best scene was a simulated rice field. It was an artistic and beautifully lit up scene backed by the real moon.
Finally, I'm showing the recent picture of the EMU 2000 series on the Haneda Airport line. Please look at the top photo. In commemoration of the 25 years' operation, the 2000 series has a special sticker on the front of the train.
