Takao and Jinba: Nostalgic Plates on the Keio Trains

Set 8713 of the EMU Keio 8000 series displays "Takao" plate on the front

Keio Electric Railway currently holds a seasonal campaign named "Takao and Jinba Stamp Hike". The purpose of this campaign is to promote tourism to Mt. Takao and Mt. Jinba on the Keio lines. Stamp Hike means going to different locations on the hiking trails, and collecting stamps on a specific card. You can then win prizes according to the number of stamps you collect. As a part of this campaign, Keio is displaying special revival plates on the front of the specific trains. One is Takao, and the other one is Jinba. Those plates are drawn in a nostalgic design. Keio operated limited express trains Takao and Jinba from 1967 to 1992 displaying these plates.

Let's look at each one of those specific trains in a bit more detail. The "Takao" plate is displayed on the front of set 8713 of the EMU 8000 series. Set 8713 is Keio's poster train to promote tourism to Mt. Takao. The green-colored bodies are a revival of Keio's old train, for example, the 2010 series. On the other hand, the "Jinba" plate is displayed on the front of set 7705+7805 of the EMU 7000 series. Set 7705+7805 is just an ordinary commuter train, but they are slightly different if you look carefully. Set 7705 has stainless-steel bodies with corrugations; meanwhile, set 7805 has bead-press stainless-steel bodies. Rail fans like me enjoy the subtle differences in each train. That kind of observation doesn't matter to non-rail fans, but it makes rail fans very happy.

Set 7705+7805 of the EMU Keio 7000 series displays "Jinba" plate on the front

Little Known Mini-monorail in a Buddhist Temple

Sakura Rail, a mini-monorail line in Honryuin temple, Asakusa, Tokyo

Asakusa is a famous tourist destination in Tokyo. It's the temple town of Sensoji, and retains the atmosphere of the old townscape of Tokyo. You can also enjoy shopping and eating, while experiencing Japanese traditions. If you have already enjoyed it there, and can't eat anymore, I recommend you visit Honryuin temple, which is located in the back of Sensoji temple. It'll be a good out-of-the-way place for tourists.

Honryuin is believed to have miraculous effects, but the problem is that the main hall is located on a small hill. Access to the main hall seems a bit hard for elderly and/or physically-handicapped visitors. Please don't worry. To get to the main hall, a lovely mini-monorail, called Sakura Rail, is convenient. Connecting Car Parking and Main Hall stations, the route length is only 18 meters, but there's an intermediate station named Temple Office as well. The maximum inclination of the route is 26 degrees. Automatic platform gates to prevent passengers from falling off the platform edge are equipped at all stations. The track and the vehicle were constructed by Kaho Manufacturing Company in 2012. It's same as the mini-monorail in Asukayama Park.

The vehicle can hold up to 4 passengers. It's operated with a speed of 0.42 meters per second using an electric motor with a rack-and-pinion driving system. A driver is not on board. Once you get on the vehicle, just push the destination button. The vehicle will leave automatically. For your information, anyone can take this mini-monorail line for free. Merci.

The vehicle of Sakura Rail arrives at Temple Office station

Official informarion about Honryuin (Matsuchiyama Shoden) and Sakura Rail:

http://www.matsuchiyama.jp/english.html

The Joban Limited Express: New Colors

Set K12 of the EMU JR East E657 series has "scarlet blossom-colored" bodies

The JR East Joban line has become more colorful. Two more special-colored trains have started to operate on the line. Following train set K15, which has light-green-colored bodies, set K12 and K2 of the E 657 series have also been changed to special-colored trains. Set K12 has become dark-pink-colored (official color name: scarlet blossom); meanwhile, set 2 currently has dark-yellow-colored bodies (official color name: yellow jonquil).

According to JR East, these color changes are part of the regional tourism campaign being jointly held by JR East and Ibaraki Prefecture. The "new" colors were taken from the "old" E653 series, which was retired from the Joban line in 2013. JR East plans to launch two more special-colored trains. Their colors will be "blue ocean" and "orange persimmon". The Joban line will be filled with a profusion of colors. I'm so looking forward to seeing two more special-colored trains.

For your information, The E657 series is the AC-DC dual electric system train on the Joban line. It was commissioned in 2012 to replace the deteriorated 651 and E653 series. One set is composed of 6 motorcars and 4 trailers. A total of 19 sets were built by Hitachi, Kinki-sharyo and J-TREC Yokohama Factory from 2011 to 2019. In addition to fully active suspension on the lead car and Green Car (the first-class car), all vehicles are equipped with inter-body dampers to further improve ride comfort. The E657 series is operated as limited express trains named Hitachi and Tokiwa.

Set K2 of the EMU JR East E657 series has "yellow jonquil-colored" bodies

Official information about limited express trains, Hitachi and Tokiwa:

https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/hitachi.html

Tama Riverside Walking, Part 7: Noborito

EMU Odakyu 8000 series crosses Tama River

I still enjoy walking along Tama River and its tributaries. After visiting Asakawa in Hachioji City, I went downstream another day. It was a warm and clear day. My destination was Noborito in Kawasaki City. As soon as I reached the embankment, what jumped into my eyes there was a double-double track railway bridge on the Odakyu line.

A white-colored train with a blue-colored stripe was soon approaching the bridge. That was the EMU 8000 series, the oldest train in operation on the Odakyu line. It's also known as the last of the steel body commuter trains on the line. The 8000 series was commissioned in 1982 to reinforce the transportation capacity. A total of 160 units were built, and 120 units are still operated on the line. What I saw was a 10-car train travelling on the westbound express track on the downstream side of the bridge. Its white-colored bodies were fresh and shining under the early summer sunlight.

After passing under the railway bridge, I continued walking upstream. Five minutes later, a blue-colored train passed through the eastbound express track. That was the EMU 60000 series, "Romancecar MSE". It was a 6-car train, being operated as a limited express "Fuji-san (Mt. Fuji)". The left-hand side had a streamlined front; meanwhile, the right-hand side had a flat front with a gangway. The blue-colored metallic bodies looked really stylish.

In the end, I couldn't help observing trains, even if I was enjoying riverside walking. That's a rail-fan's instinct, isn't it?

EMU Odakyu 60000 series, Romancecar MSE, crosses Tama River

Relocation of Trains: EMU JR Central 313-8000 Series

EMU JR Central 313-8000 series stands at Atami station on the Tokaido main line

On the way to Kawazu Bagatelle Park in Shizuoka Prefecture last month, I came across a strange train at Atami station on the Tokaido main line. That was a stainless-steel train with orange-colored stripes. Orange is the corporate color of JR Central, so, it must belong to JR Central, but different from my familiar EMU 313-0 series. Please look at the top photo. Do you know what it is?

The answer is the EMU 313-8000 series. This train was once operated on the Chuo main line in the Nagoya area. But in March 2022, it was transferred to the Tokaido main line in the Shizuoka area. Why? The gimmick is as follows: JR Central launched a new commuter train, the EMU 315 series, on the Chuo main line in March 2022. The introduction of the new model caused JR Central to make a train relocation. A total of 6 sets of the 313-8000 series were transferred from the Chuo main line to the Tokaido main line. What's the merit of this relocation? The answer is a toilet. Although the trains on the Tokaido main line are operated over long distances, one of the existing models, the EMU 211 series, doesn't have a toilet. So, the 211 series is coupled with the 313-8000 series with a toilet, and operated as one train set. That's a good idea.

For your information, the 313-8000 series has cozy cross seats. Passengers can use this luxury train without any extra charge. It's specifically attractive for long distance travelers.

Coupling of the EMU 313-8000 (left) and the 211 series (right)

Early Summer Trip to Sendai City

EMU JR East E721-1000 series leaves Sakunami station on the Senzan line

On June 8th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that this year's rainy season had begun in Tokyo. Until mid-July, the metropolitan area will have a hot and humid rainy season called Tsuyu. It's a gloomy period for Tokyoites before midsummer, so, I made a short trip to the north, where the rainy season has not started yet. My destination was a whisky distillery in Sendai City, about 380 kilometers from Tokyo. That's a quiet place surrounded by a deep green forest. I joined a guided distillery tour and a cocktail seminar. The beautiful nature also made me feel relaxed.

Since I drink alcohol, I can't drive. The access to the distillery should be by public transport, namely a train. The nearest railway station is Sakunami on the JR East Senzan line. This route was opened in 1937 penetrating steep Ou Mountains. Connecting Sendai and Yamagata cities, the line length is 58 kilometers. The track is single and electrified. The electric system is 20,000 V and 50 Hz alternative current (AC) with overhead wires. The Senzan line is well-known among rail-fans as the first AC electrified line in Japan. My vehicle was the EMU E721-1000 series. One train set is composed of 2 motorcars and two trailers (2M2T). I was very happy that cozy cross seats were equipped in the interior of the train. Drink holders beside the windows were also convenient. I fully enjoyed the excellent cafe time while watching mountain scenery on the line. I had a great early summer.

Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distiller near Sakunami station

Official information about the EMU JR East E721 series (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/train/local/e721.html

The 60th Anniversary of Katsuta Railyard: Part 2

Set K423 (Akaden) of the JR East E531 series travels on the Joban line

"Akaden (red-colored train)" has started to come to Tokyo Metropolis. I found it at Tokyo station the other day.

What's Akaden? Is it all Greek to you? OK, let me explain. In 2021, JR East celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Katsuta Railyard. In commemoration, a special red-colored train named Akaden has been operated on the Joban and Mito lines since November, 2021. Its color design was taken from the original Akaden, namely EMU 401 series of the 1960s. The 401 series was the main fleet in Katsuta Railyard at that time. On the other hand, the modern Akaden is a revival-colored train, set K451 of the EMU E531 series. It's composed of 5 cars. I waited and waited since then, but there was no sign of its coming to Tokyo Metropolis, because set K451 had been operated only in Ibaraki Prefecture. So, I had no choice but stretched my legs far from home, and visited there myself to observe Akaden. That was in December last year.

That situation changed in April this year. JR East launched another Akaden, set K423 of the E531 series. Since then, set K423 often comes to Tokyo Metropolis. That's a "long Akaden" consisting of 10 cars including two Green Cars (the first-class cars). I saw many rail-fans taking photos of Akaden at Tokyo station. The gleaming body with rose red-colored stripes of the modern Akaden was beautiful with urban sceneries in the background. Akaden, welcome to Tokyo Metropolis! Please enjoy the megalopolis.

Green Cars of Akaden at Tokyo station

Preserved Steam Locomotive Owned by Private School

Preserved steam locomotive, Unit 4 of Seibu Railway (Unit 403 of the JGR)

After observing the Seibu steam locomotive (SL) preserved in a public park, I visited another preserved Seibu SL owned by a private school in Tokyo.

Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) Junior and Senior High School is a historical private school in Koto Ward of Tokyo Metropolis. It was established in 1922 to offer secondary education to the employees of the Japanese Government Railways under the name of Tokyo Railway Junior High School. After WWII, this school became an attached school of Shibaura Institute of Technology, and continues to this day. On November 12th, 2022, SIT Junior and Senior High School celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding. In commemoration, the school took over an old SL from Seibu Railway, and started to display it in front of the school.

The preserved SL is Unit 4 of Seibu Railway. It was built in 1886 by Nasmyth, Wilson & Co., Ltd. in Manchester, UK. It was firstly operated on the Japanese Government Railways under the name of Unit 403 of Class 400, then transferred to Kawagoe Railway (present Seibu Railway) in 1914. After operating for 79 years in total, it was retired from the track in 1965. Unit 4 is a 2-4-2 type (Whyte notation) small tank locomotive. It's 9.188 meters long, and weighs 31,650 kilograms. The diameter of the driving wheels is 1.321 meters. It was being preserved in very good condition.

Anyone can observe this SL for free. Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of SIT Junior and Senior High School!

The preserved steam locomotive and the Yurikamome line

Official information about the preserved steam locomotive (in Japanese):

https://www.fzk.shibaura-it.ac.jp/100thproject/

Why do they like Mt. Takao so much?

EMU Keio 9000 series stands at Takao-sanguchi terminal

I recently visited Mt. Takao for the first time in a year, and fully enjoyed myself there. At the same time, I was surprised that many visitors including young people, old people and inbound tourists were spending there even though it was a weekday. Why do they like Mt. Takao so much?

That's because it is rich in nature... Yes, but Hakone and Nikko are richer in nature than that of Mt. Takao. That's because of a good reputation... to be sure, Mt. Takao was granted the highest rank of three stars in the Michelin Voyager Pratique, but that's it? That's because of an easy access to the summit taking a funicular... Good point, but is that the major reason? That's because of a hot spring near the mountain... Possible, but is it essential?

My answer is very simple. That's because it is near downtown Tokyo. It takes less than two hours from Shinjuku subcenter to the summit of Mt. Takao at 599 meters above sea level. To get to the gateway station to the mountain namely Takao-sanguchi, I took the Keio line. My vehicle was the EMU 9000 series, a standard commuter train on the line. The 9000 series stood out against the green forest around Takao-sanguchi terminal. After getting off the terminal, I transferred to the funicular of the Takao-tozan Electric Railway, and was able to reach near the summit easily. Beautiful sceneries, a historical temple, comfortable cafes and restaurants were waiting for me there. It's nice to have this kind of day.

A view from near the summit of Mt. Takao at 599 meters above sea level

The 40th Anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort

Set 101 of the EMU 100 series, "Dream Go Round Liner"

On April 15th, 2023, Tokyo Disney Resort celebrated their 40th anniversary. In commemoration, a special poster train, "Dream Go Round Liner", has been operated on the Disney Resort line since that day.

Tokyo Disney Resort was opened on April 15th, 1983, under the name of Tokyo Disneyland. Today, it has become a giant amusement complex consisting of theme parks, official hotels and shopping malls. The public transportation running through theme parks, official hotels and JR East Maihama station was inaugurated in 2001 as the Disney Resort line. It's a straddle-beam monorail line under the Railway Business Act, not an attraction inside the resort. There are four stations over the total operating length of 5.0 kilometers. The trains that are operated run counterclockwise throughout the day. The operation intervals are 3 minutes 15 seconds to 13 minutes.

Dream Go Round Liner is decorated with Micky Mouse and his friends both on the exterior and interior of the train. They're celebrating the anniversary wearing special costumes. The vehicle is set 101 of the EMU 100 series also known as "Type-C". It was originally commissioned as the first set of the 100 series in 2020. Its original yellow-colored stripe has remained on the front of the train. For your information, four sets of the 100 series are currently operated on the line. The other three sets (set 102, 103 and 104) have pink, blue and purple-colored bodies. Dream Go Round Liner will be operated until March 31st, 2024. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort!

Dream Go Round Liner travels on the Disney Resort line

Official website, the Disney Resort line

https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdr/resortline.html