Merry Christmas, the Inokashira Line

"Merry Cristmas, Inokashira" plate on the front of the EMU Keio 1000 series

Following the “Merry Christmas” tramcar on the Toei-Arakawa line, I’m going to show you the other “Merry Christmas” train in Tokyo today.

I found Keio Electric Railway displaying a special plate on their train during the Christmas season. Please look at the photos. It’s Set 1729 of the EMU 1000 series. Set 1729 is a rare train on the Inokashira line. This unique set has a white colored front mask with a rainbow-colored stripe on the side body of the train. It was built by Tokyu Sharyo in 2009. The original front color was bluish green, but, was changed to white in 2012 to make it be a flagship train on the Inokashira line. Designed posters of several scenic spots on the line, such as Inokashira Park and Kanda River, are displayed on the body of this train. After looking a special rounded plate on the front of the train the other day, I was excited about enjoying this year’s Christmas. I then tried to shoot it at my favorite railway crossing near Higashi-Matsubara station, where we can get a forward lighting condition in the afternoon.

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. The EMU 1000 series is the sole model on the line. The commercial operation of the 1000 series started in 1996, as the first 20-meters long body train on the line.

Displaying "Merry Christmas" plate, Set 1729 travels on the Inokashira line

Merry Christmas, the Arakawa Line

Tramcar, Unit 9002 of the Toei 9000 series, displays "Merry Christmas" plate

Merry Christmas! How are you spending the Christmas holidays this year? Christmas is a religious event in many countries around the world, but Japanese people treat Christmas as a kind of entertainment. For instance, people enjoy Christmas lights, also known as winter illuminations, here and there in Tokyo.

Now, let's head to the main topic. I found that a tramcar on the Toei-Arakawa line is displaying special decorations during the Christmas season same as previous years. Please look at the photos. That’s so cute! This tramcar is Unit 9002 of the Toei 9000 series. The 9000 series is the retro-inspired model, which was commissioned in 2007. A total of 2 units were built by Aluna Sharyo. Each unit has a different body color, namely brownish-red (Unit 9001) and indigo-blue (Unit 9002). The electric control system is an IGBT-VVVF (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor-variable frequency drive) with two 60KW induction motors. Although the technical specification of the 9000 series is modernized, the exterior design and interior atmosphere of this model remains nostalgic. That's what's fun about it.

Incidentally, the Toei-Arakawa line is a precious survivor of the tram route in Tokyo. It’s operated by Bureau of Transportation, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei). This tramline was once operated as two routes, named Routes 27 and 32; however, they were merged into one route, namely the Arakawa line, in 1974. Connecting Waseda and Minowabashi, its operating length is 12.2 kilometers. The track is 1,372 millimeters dual-gauge. The electric system is 600V DC.

Side view of tramcar Unit 9002 with Christmas decorations

Official information about the Christmas decoration of Unit 9002 by Bureau of Transportation, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (in Japanese):

https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/pickup_information/news/toden/2024/tdn_i_2024112911794_h.html

Preserved Keikyu Train in Zushi City

DeHa601 of the EMU Keikyu 600 series is preserved in Zushi Daiichi Sports Park

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but I am going to follow up my recent visit to the Yokosuka line a little bit more today.

After enjoying the suburban sceneries on the JR-East Yokosuka line, I visited Zushi Daiichi Sports Park near Higashi-Zushi station. My target was an old train, DeHa601 of the EMU Keikyu 600 series, preserved in the park. When you hear "the Keikyu 600 series" you may think of a currently active train, but today’s topic is the 600 series one generation ago. Please look at the photos. DeHa601 was built in 1956 by Tokyu Sharyo. The original name was DeHa701 of the EMU 700 series, but was changed the name to DeHa601 of the EMU 600 series in 1966. The 600 series was mainly operated as Kaitoku (limited express) trains. They were all motorcars. They were Keikyu’s first all-steel trains with a cardan jointed drive system. The interior was also unique. It has many box-seats and some long-seats. After operating for 28 years, DeHa601 was retired from the track in 1984, and moved to Zushi Daiichi Sports Park. I was fascinated with the frontal design of DeHa601. Its face looks like the JNR 80 series, Tobu 5700 series, Entetsu 30 series, Ooigawa 21000 series and so on. That’s truly the embodiment of the 1950s and 1960s decades. 

Incidentally, DeHa601 has been maintained by a local volunteers' group named "DeHa601 Preservation Society". I would like to thank everyone involved in preserving this train.

Interior of DeHa601

Dr. Multi: Seibu Inspection Car

Seibu's inspection car, "Dr. Multi", stands at HIgashi-Nagasaki station

I visited Higashi-Nagasaki on the Seibu-Ikebukuro line last week, as something came up. After finishing my meeting, I came across a rare train, “Dr. Multi”, at Higashi-Nagasaki station on my way home.

Let's take a quick look at Dr. Multi. It's an inspection car of Seibu Railway. Targets of the inspection are overhead wires and railway tracks. It was built in 2006 by Plasser & Theurer in Austria. The serial number is 164 of the EM120. It is 17.25 meters long, and weighs 54,000 kilograms. Inspection cars may remind you of JR Central’s Dr. Yellow, JR East’s East i, East i-E, Tokyu’s TOQi, Keio’s DAX, Odakyu’s Techno-inspector and so on. They are all operated as EMUs (Electric Multiple-Units). On the other hand, Dr. Multi is a single diesel rail-car. A pantograph is equipped, but it’s for inspection of the overhead wires, not for picking up electricity of the train. It’s like JR East’s East i-D, isn't it?

When I saw Dr. Multi at the station, it was roaring the diesel engine, and going back and forth on a sidetrack of the station yard. Several railway engineers were discussing seriously and checking equipment. Seibu doesn't release timetables of work trains, but I suppose that the inspection will be conducted in the middle of the night after the last train. Dr. Multi, get a good rest! Starting in the midnight, you'll be busy for inspection. I’m counting on you to do a great job. Good luck with your midnight work.

Side view of Dr. Multi

Marginal Section on the Yokosuka Line

EMU JR East E235-1000 series, 4-cars train, travels on the Yokosuka line

The JR East Yokosuka line is one of the longest commuting routes in the metropolitan area. The total length is about 70 kilometers. Furthermore, many trains are directly operated onto the Sobu Rapid line via Tokyo station, and head to Chiba, Kimitsyu, Narita Airport and so on.

I got on a southbound Yokosuka line train at Tokyo station the other day. The train passed through an underground track beneath overcrowded ground areas. My train was composed of 15 cars including two Green Cars (the first-class cars). The train, then, got out of the tunnel, and ran through urban business and residential areas in Tokyo Metropolis and Kanagawa Prefecture. The train still kept consisting of 15 cars. After leaving Zushi, however, the train entered a countryside on the marginal section. My train was composed of only 4 cars. I saw farms and forests beside the track. I got off the train at Higashi-zushi station, and enjoyed beautiful autumn leaves along the track (see the top photo). I could get relaxed on the marginal section of the Yokosuka line.

Incidentally, I came across a rare scene at Zushi station on my way home. Odakyu’s new train, Set 5064 of the EMU 5000 series, was standing at the station yard. Set 5064 had been just completed, and was on the way from J-TREC Yokohama Factory to a railyard on the Odakyu line via JR East line. I was very lucky, so, I shot it together with the EMU JR East E235-1000 series (see the photo below).

Set 5064 of the EMU Odakyu 5000 series (right) stands at JR East Zushi station

Randen-colored Train on the Enoden Line

Set 1002 of the EMU Enoden 1000 series, "Randen-colored train"

On October 14th, Enoden and Randen celebrated the 15th anniversary of their partnership. In commemoration, Enoden started operating "Randen-colored train" as a token of friendship on September 4th.

Let me review Enoden and Randen to start. Enoden is a local railway line in Kamakura and Fujisawa cities, which are located about 40 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It is operated by Enoshima Electric Railway Company. The route length is 10 kilometers. On the other hand, Randen is a tram route in Kyoto City, which is located about 500 kilometers west of Tokyo. It is operated by Keifuku Electric Railway Company. The route length is 11 kilometers. Both Enoden and Randen are convenient modes of transportation to get around these historical sightseeing cities. The two companies established a partnership in 2009, and have been working together to promote tourism and attract passengers to each other.

Now, let's head to the main topic. "Randen-colored train" on the Enoden line is Set 1002 of the EMU Enoden 1000 series. This train has special-colored bodies named Kyo-murasaki (Kyoto-purple) color. As you may know, Kyo-murasaki is the body color of Randen trains. This light-purple color appeared in 2010 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Randen. It is subdued and beautiful! The train and the historical city naturally blend together. "Randen-colored train" displays a partnership plate on the front of the train (see the photo below).

On the other hand, Randen operates "Enoden-colored train" in Kyoto City in parallel. I would like to report it someday.

Commemorative plate of partnership between Enoden and Randen

Official website, Enoden-Randen partnership (in Japanese):

https://www.enoden.co.jp/enoden-randen/

Happy Rainbow Train on the Ina Line

Happy Rainbow Train comes down from Maruyama Depot

On November 30th, a new train debuted on the Ina line of the New Shuttle. It is the 6th set (Set 26) of the EMU 2020 series, named “Happy Rainbow Train”.

Let me review the New Shuttle to start. It's a rubber-tyred automated guideway transit (AGT) system in Saitama Prefecture, about 30 kilometers north of Tokyo. The formal name is the Ina line of Saitama New Urban Transit Company. Connecting Omiya and Uchijuku, its operating length is 12.7 kilometers. The whole line was opened in 1983 beside the JR East's Shinkansen track. The route is mostly double, but partly single. The power supply is 600V three-phase alternate current. Instead of an overhead catenary, three rigid wires are installed along the track. You can see three rigid wires for power supply and a guide rail in the top photo.

Now, let's head to the main topic. As its name suggests, Happy Rainbow Train (Set 26) has rainbow-colored bodies. It is different from the preexisting 2020 series trains, such as Set 22, 23 and 25. Regarding the interior, wheelchair spaces and priority seats were expanded. The heating and ventilation systems were also reinforced. When I visited the Ina line, Happy Rainbow Train was being “slept”, and kept in Maruyama Depot. That's a pity… but, 5 minutes later, the situation drastically changed. The front lights turned on and it came down from the depot. Happy Rainbow Train "squirmed" its body (see the top photo), and headed to the main track (see the photo below). Lucky me!

Happy Rainbow Train heads to the main track of the Ina line

Official website for commentary of the New Shuttle (in Japanese):

https://www.new-shuttle.jp/newshuttle_atraction/

Model Railway Museum in Yokohama City

Diorama of Hara Model Railway Museum in Yokohama City

Do you like model trains? My answer is yes. I like them, and have some N-scale model trains, but… my problem is to secure a place for a diorama. As you may know, Tokyo is a super high-density city. The average houses in Tokyo are called “rabbit hutches”. My house is no exception. It's literally just a dream to make my own diorama.

Instead of making my diorama, I recently visited Hara Model Railway Museum in Yokohama City, and enjoyed an eye candy. This museum was opened by Hara Nobutaro (1919-2014) in 2012. He was world-renowned model railway maker and collector. The huge railway model and railway-related collections are open to the public. At this museum, many model trains of the first gauge (scale about 1/32) run on a large diorama.

Please look at the top photo. A two toned of red and gray locomotive is pulling coaches. That is the Class V200, a diesel-hydraulic express locomotive of the German Deutsche Bundesbahn. I have never seen the real one, but was fascinated this classic locomotive. Cool! Next, please look at the photo below. You can see a locomotive, which has two-toned of beige and red body is travelling on the elevated track. That is the electric locomotive Class Deutsche Bahn E03. Cool! What is more interesting is that Japanese trains, such as the electric car Tokyu DeHa 200, are running in front of the German locomotive. It is so fun watching this happen. I enjoyed the diorama-specific scenery.

A German train and Japanese trains run on the same diorama

Official website, Hara Model Railway Museum (in Japanese):

https://www.hara-mrm.com/

Aloha Train on the Izukyu Line

EMU Izukyu 3000 series, Aloha Train, arrives at JR East Atami station

I recently visited Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture as a family travel. I was basically refraining from trainspotting, but I couldn’t hold it any longer when we arrived at Atami station. The reason why is because I came across Izukyu’s “Aloha Train”.

Let me review Izukyu to start. Izukyu is a private railway based on the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture. Connecting Ito and Izukyu-Shimoda, the operating length is 45.7 kilometers. It was opened in 1961 as a sightseeing line to promote tourism to the Izu Peninsula. The track is single and electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC. Many trains on the Izukyu line are directly operated onto the JR lines, and operated to Atami, Tokyo and others.

Now, let's head to the main topic. Aloha Train, namely EMU Izukyu 3000 series, is the newest model on the line. It was moved from JR East lines in 2022. The former name was the EMU JR East 209-2100 series. It was operated in the Chiba area such as the Uchibo and Sotobo lines. One set was originally composed of 6-cars (4M2T), but decreased to 4 cars (2M2T) before moving to Izukyu. It has stainless-steel bodies. The ocean-side is designed in blue color; while the mountain-side is in red color. There are many sea-turtles printed on the bodies of the train. The electric control system is an IGBT-VVVF (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor-variable frequency drive) with 95kW induction motors. I hope that the 3000 series will be cherished by the hometown folks. Aloha!

EMU Izukyu 3000 series, Aloha Train, stands at JR East Atami station

Official information about the Izukyu trains (in Japanese):

https://www.izukyu.co.jp/train/train.php

Precious EL Preserved in Utsunomiya City

Electric locomotive Unit 7 of the Class EF57 is preserved in Utsunomiya City

Utsunomiya is the main city of Tochigi Prefecture, some 110 kilometers north of Tokyo. It is located in the northern part of Kanto Plain, and known as the machine and food industries city. With regard to railways, you may remember when I introduced you that Japan’s newest tramline was opened in Utsunomiya City last August. The number of cumulative passengers became 6 million on November 19th this year, which was four months earlier than expected. It is a great success.

Utsunomiya is an advanced railway city, but it's not all new. If you walk about the city, you will find a precious old locomotive. Please look at the photos. It is an electric locomotive (EL) Unit 7 of the Class EF57 preserved in Utsunomiya-higashi Park. The Class EF57 is a 1,500V direct current EL with an axis arrangement 2C+C2 (AAR wheel arangement). It was developed for pulling express trains on trunk lines by the Ministry of Railways in 1940. Its maximum speed was 95 kilometers per hour. A total of 15 units were built by Hitachi and Kawasaki Sharyo. Unit 7 was built by Hitachi in 1942, and retired from the Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1978. It is the only survivor of the Class EF57, and has been preserved in this park since 1980.

Please look at the top photo again. The pantograph sticks out of the body. That’s really cool! A special deck in front of the cab is also unique. I was fascinated by this precious EL.

Front view of Unit 7, Class JNR EF57

Deja Vu on the Shin-Keisei Line

Set N838 of the EMU Shin-Keisei N800 series, Revival-colored train

You may remember my last year’s post, in which Keisei will absorb Shin-Keisei Electric Railway Company in April, 2025. How is the merger project going? I recently visited the Shin-Keisei line for the first time in two years, and saw it with my own eyes.

Let me review Keisei Electric Railway and Shin-Keisei Electric Railway. Keisei is one of the major private railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It owns a total of 152.3-kilometer-long railway network in the eastern part of Tokyo and northern Chiba Prefecture. On the other hand, Shin-Keisei is an affiliate firm of Keisei Electric Railway Company in Chiba of Prefecture. It owns a 26.5-kilometer-long railway route. Keisei has made Shin-Keisei a wholly-owned subsidiary last year through a share exchange. As the second step, Keisei will absorb Shin-Keisei next year to maximize synergies by making faster decisions and improving business efficiency. The new name of the Shin-Keisei line will be Keisei-Matsudo line after the merger.

Now, let's head to the main topic. I found that the body colors of two Shin-Keisei trainsets have been changed to their original colors. They are Set N838 of the EMU N800 series and Set 8808 of the EMU 8800 series. In my memory, they were changed from their original colors to new colors, which were two-toned of pink and white, only two years ago. Why Shin-Keisei put them back to the original colors now? This is to look back on Shin-Keisei’s past before reaching the end. I fully enjoyed the Deja Vu trains on the Shin-Keisei line.

Set 8808 of the EMU Shin-Keisei 8800 series, Revival-colored train

Official information about the N800 series revival colored train (in Japanese):

https://www.shinkeisei.co.jp/topics/2024/34002/

Official information about the 8800 series revival colored train (in Japanese):

https://www.shinkeisei.co.jp/topics/2024/34532/

"Magical Journey Shinkansen" Train

Set U6 of the EMU JR East E5 series, "Magical Journey Shinkansen"

On June 6th this year, Tokyo Disney Resort held its grand opening of Fantasy Springs. To promote tourism to this new theme park, the owner company of Tokyo Disney Resort, namely Oriental Land, started to operate a new poster train, named Magical Journey Shinkansen, on the Tohoku Shinkansen jointly with JR East.

Let's take a quick look at Fantasy Springs to start. This theme park is composed of Frozen Kingdom, Peter Pan's Never Land and Rapunzel's Forest. For example, visitors of Frozen Kingdom are invited to the kingdom of Arendelle from the film Frozen. Needless to say, a movie, Frozen, was a major hit in 2013. The film met with widespread acclaim from critics and audiences, winning two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, among numerous other accolades.

You can see characters of Fantasy Springs on the side bodies of Magical Journey Shinkansen. They are Elsa and Anna of Frozen, Peter Pan and so on. You may remember when I introduced you to Magical “Dream” Shinkansen before. It was Set J69 of the EMU JR East E2-J series. On the other hand, Magical “Journey” Shinkansen is Set U6 of the JR East E5 series. The EMU E5 series is the fastest train in Japan. Its current maximum speed is 320 kilometers per hour (198.8 miles per hour). By tilting the train's body using advanced technology, the E5 series can keep a high speed on tight curves as well. JR Hokkaido's H5 series is a sister train of the E5 series.

Side view of "Magical Journey Shinkansen"

Official website, "Magical Journey Shinkansen" by JR East (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/mjshinkansen/

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 Series in Indonesia

05-110F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series in Jakarta, Inodonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but I am going to follow up the trains in Jakarta a little bit more. Following the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series, which I posted on November 14th, I am going to show you the other “endangered species” today. My thanks again go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the beautiful picture.

Please look at the top photo. It is 05-110F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series operated in Indonesia. The 05 series originally debuted on the Tokyo Metro Tozai line in 1988. 240 units in total were built by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo and others. 130 units out of 240 units had already retired from the Tozai line. 12 units were then transferred to the Kita-Ayase branch line after modification; meanwhile, 80 units were exported to Indonesia as secondhand trains. According to Faris Fadhli, two sets (05-108F and 05-110F) are still operated by the local railway company.

I still clearly remember the time when the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series arrived at Indonesia in 2010. I visited Port of Tanjung Priok near Jakarta with several enthusiastic Indonesian railfans, and welcomed the 05 series trains (see the photo below). Just like the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series’ second life is coming to an end... but two sets still remain on the track. I would like to thank again the local railway engineers in Indonesia, and hope that the 05 series will be operated as long as possible.

05-107F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series has just arrived at Tanjung Priok port

(August 14th, 2010)

2024 Late Autumn Visit to Hakone

Gondola Number 2,"Komagatake", Hakone-Komagatake Ropeway

Autumn begins to deepen in Japan. The leaves have begun to turn red, brown and yellow in the Tokyo metropolitan area. One of the most famous places for enjoying autumn leaves is Hakone in a western suburb of Tokyo. I recently visited this resort area with my family. Our destination was Mt. Komagatake, which is one of the peaks of the central cone of Hakone Caldera. Its peak is 1,356 meters above sea level.

To visit Mt. Komagatake, Hakone Komagatake Ropeway is convenient. The route was originally opened by Izu-Hakone Railway in 1963, and currently operated by Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Company. It's a four-cables cross type aerial tramway. Connecting Hakone-en on the shore of Lake Ashinoko and Komagatake-chojo station at the summit of Mt. Komagatake stations, its route length is 1,783 meters. The height difference between the two stations is 590.8 meters. Its maximum inclination is 30.3 degrees. The gondola is operated every 20 minutes. It takes about 7 minutes to go one way. The present gondolas, namely Ashinoko (Number 1) and Komagatake (Number 2), were built by CWA in 1986 as the 2nd generation ones. Each gondola can accommodate up to 101 passengers.

After arriving at the Komagatake-sancho station, we enjoyed beautiful autumn leaves of Mt. Komagatake and adjacent Lake Ashinoko. In addition to that, we could clearly see Mt. Fuji (3,776 meters above sea level) in the northwest. There was less snowfall than average this year, so, we couldn’t see a snow-capped peak. Was it an effect of global warming?

A view of Mt. Fuji (3,776 meters above sea level) from Mt. Komagatake 

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyu 8500 Series in Indonesia

8618F of the EMU KAI Commuter (ex-Tokyu) 8500 series in Jakarta, Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I've received the latest picture from an Indonesian railfan. It's the last active set named 8618F of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series being operated in Jakarta. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the beautiful picture.

Let me quickly review the EMU Tokyu 8500 series. They were direct current commuter trains operated on the Tokyu lines in Japan from 1975 to 2023. 400 units in total were built by Tokyu Sharyo. After retirement from Tokyu Electric Railway, 29 units were transferred to Nagano Electric Railway, Chichibu Railway and Izukyu; meanwhile, 64 units were exported to Indonesia as secondhand trains. These exported trains have been used by a local railway company, PT. Kereta Commuter Indonesia.

Now, let's head to the main topic. Please look at the top photo. It’s 8618F… the last active set of the 8500 series in Indonesia. It’s kept in a good condition, isn’t it? When I lived in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011, I often used trains. I still clearly remember the time when 8618F arrived at Indonesia in 2008. I visited Bukit Duri Railyard on August 24th with several enthusiastic Indonesian railfans, and welcomed 8618F (see the photo below). 16 years have passed since then. Time really flies. The 8500 series' second life is coming to an end... but 8618F still remains on the track and carries lots of commuters every day. I would like to thank the local railway engineers in Indonesia, and hope it'll be operated as long as possible.

8618F has just arrived at Bukit Duri Railyard, Jakarta, Indonesia

(August 24th, 2008)

The 90th Anniversary of Hachiko Line: Part 2

JR East KiHa112-204 displays the 90th anniversary plate of the Hachiko line

You may remember that I posted about the 90th anniversary of Hachiko line last month. I am going to follow up this topic a little bit more today.

After observing the EMU E231-3000 series, which was displaying special memorial plates on the front and back of the train, I moved to the northern half section of the Hachiko line. As I posted before, the JR East Hachiko line is composed of two different sections. The southern section, between Hachioji and Komagawa (31 kilometers), is a commuter route in an urban area. It is electrified at 1,500 V DC. On the other hand, the northern section, between Komagawa and Kuragano (61 kilometers), is a local route in a suburban area. It is non-electrified. The DMU KiHa110 series is commissioned.

I found a train displaying the 90th anniversary plates on the northern half section of the Hachiko line as well. That was a 2-car train, KiHa111-204 and KiHa112-204 of the DMU KiHa110 series. Incidentally, KiHa110 series is composed of three types namely Type KiHa110, KiHa111 and KiHa112. What's the difference between three types? Type KiHa110 has two cabs, so, it is possible to be operated as a train with only one car. On the other hand, Type KiHa111 and KiHa112 have one cab only, so, they have to be operated as 2-car train or more. Type KiHa110 and KiHa111 have toilets; meanwhile, Type KiHa112 doesn’t have a toilet. Learning such subtle differences between trains is the pleasure for trainspotters like me.

Close up of the 90th anniversary plate

Tama Riverside Walking: Part 12, Minami-Tama

Set N24 of the EMU JR East E233-8000 series crosses Tama River

It’s November already. The weather has become cooler, so, it’s the best season for a stroll. I resumed walking along Tama River. My destination this time was Inagi City of Tokyo Metropolis. After getting off Minami-Tama station on the JR East Nambu line, I headed to Tama River.

Let me quickly review Inagi City to start. It’s located in the midstream of Tama River, and a new residential area developed in the 1970s. When I was a child, I sometimes came here with my school teacher and classmates for picking pears in autumn. My teacher told us that Inagi City is suitable for pear cultivation, because the land is well-drained. The main part of the city is situated on the Tama riverbed.

As soon as I started walking on the embankment, a 6-car train crossed the railway bridge. It was a northbound train, Set N24 of the EMU JR East E233-8000 series, on the Nambu line. All the trains on the Nambu line have stain-less steel bodies with yellow, orange and black-colored stripes. This train is familiar to me, but the figure of crossing Tama River is refreshing. I continued walking upstream. Three minutes later, a container train pulled by a blue-colored electric locomotive (EL) passed through another bridge for freight trains. It was Unit 337 of the Class EF210-300, "Momotaro", operated by JR Freight. I tried to shoot the whole train, but I was too optimistic. The train was longer than the railway bridge, so I couldn’t. Instead, I shot a close-up of the EL.

A container train pulled by a EL, Unit 137 of the Class JR Freight E210

New-colored Trains on the Daiyuzan Line

Set 5507 of the EMU Izu-Hakone 5000 series, Gentian Train

I can't take my eyes off the Daiyuzan line. New-colored trains were recently commissioned one after another. I am going to show you these beautiful trains today.

Let me quickly review the Dauyuzan line to start. The Daiyuzan line is operated by Izu-Hakone Railway, which is one of the Seibu Group companies. The route was opened in 1925 between Odawara and Daiyuzan stations to transport worshippers to the famous Saijo-ji Buddhist temple. Currently, the passengers are not only worshipers, but also local commuters and students going to Odawara, Yokohama, and other cities. The route length is 9.6 kilometers. The track is 1,067 mm-size single and electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC with an overhead line. Trains are operated every 12 minutes on average. 

Now, let's head to the main topic. Firstly, "Gentian Train" debuted on April 5th using Set 5507 of the EMU 5000 series. Gentian is the flower of Minami-Ashigara city on the Daiyuzan line. The purpose of Gentian Train is to promote tourism to this beautiful city. Its light-purple-colored body is gentle. "Orange Train" was then commissioned on August 29th using Set 5503 of the EMU 5000 series. Oranges are the specialty of Odawara City on the Daiyuzan line. The purpose of Orange Train is to promote tourism to this fruit city. Its body color is brilliant.

Incidentally, the EMU 5000 series is the main fleet of the Daiyuzan line. It was launched in 1984. A total of 7 sets, 21 units, are operated on the line.

Set 5503 of the EMU Izu-Hakone 5000 series, Orange Train

Official information about Gentian Train by Izu-Hakone Railway (in Japanesea):

https://www.izuhakone.co.jp/sunzudaiyu/sunzudaiyu-news/p010225_d/fil/railway_news_20240329.pdf

Official information about Orange Train by Izu-Hakone Railway (in Japanesea):

https://www.izuhakone.co.jp/izu-group/izu-news/railway_news_20240821_d/fil/railway_news_20240821.pdf

The 60th Anniversary of Tokyo Monorail

60th anniversary train, Set 10041 of the EMU Tokyo Monorail 10000 series

On September 17th, 2024, Tokyo Monorail Company celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Haneda Airport line. In commemoration, the company held several events.

Let me review the Haneda Airport line to start. It is an airport access monorail line from downtown Tokyo to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). This route was opened in 1964 as the second oldest monorail line in Tokyo. There are 11 stations over a total operating length of 17.8 kilometers. The entire route is a double track. The electric system is 750V DC. The best thing about Tokyo Monorail is its high speed. The maximum train speed is 80 kilometers per hour. “Haneda Express” train connects Hamamatsu-cho in the downtown area and Haneda Airport International Terminal without stopping in only 13 minutes. This express train overtakes the local train at Showajima station.

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary, Tokyo Monorail has been operating a special-colored train since September 14th, using Set 10041 of the EMU 10000 series. The body color has been returned to the original state, which was adopted when the Haneda Airport line was opened. It is ivory-colored with light-blue and dark-blue-colored stripes. We can see the 60th anniversary sticker as well on the front of this train.

Incidentally, I still remember the 50th anniversary train on the Haneda Airport line in 2014. It was a special-colored EMU 1000 series train with red-colored stripes. That color design was taken from the EMU 500 series, which had already been retired from the track. Ten years have passed since then. Time really flies.

The 60th anniversary sticker of the Haneda Airport line, Tokyo Monorail

Official information about the 60th anniversary, Haneda Airport line, Tokyo Monorail (in Japanese):

https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/news/campaign/60th_anniversary/

The 273 Series: New Trans-Mountain Limited Express

EMU JR West 273 series, Limited Express "Yakumo", stands at Matsue station

Time flies when I am having fun. The day before going back home, I enjoyed a night view of Lake Shinji-ko in Matsue City. It was unfortunately rainy, but I could see beautiful illuminations on the opposite shore (see the photo below). In this lake, we can get many aquatic products that are known as “Delicacies of Lake Shinji-ko”. They are shrimp, eel, whitebait, smelt, shijimi and so on. They are all delicious, but shijimi is specifically my favorite. It is a type of freshwater black clam that is a common ingredient in Japanese household cooking widely available in grocery stores.

The day has come to go back home. I got on a limited express train, “Yakumo (overlapping clouds)”, at Matsue station. A new model, EMU JR West 273 series, is commissioned as Yakumo (see the top photo). The 273 series debuted on April 6th this year to replace the old model, EMU 381 series. A total of 11 sets, 44 units, were built by Kinki Sharyo. The most outstanding feature of this model is its curve passage performance. By tilting the train's body using pendular technology, the 273 series can keep a high speed on tight curves of the trans-mountain section penetrating the Chugoku Mountains. It has a very nice ride. It feels good even when the train is passing through the tight curves. The light-brown-colored bodies are also unique and vivid. Enjoying the mountain sceneries, I arrived at Okayama terminal, which is the transfer station to Sanyo Shinkansen.

Night view of Lake Shinji-ko near Matsue station

Official information about the new "Yakumo" limited expresss by JR West (in Japanese):

https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/yakumo/

Holy Beach and Train in Shimane Prefecture

EMU Ichibata 5000 series stands at Matsue-Shinjiko-onsen railyard

Continuing with what I covered last time, I am going to introduce a train of Ichibata Electric Railway to start. EMU 5000 series is Ichibata’s high-end train (see the top photo). It has mainly been used as a limited express train connecting Dentetsu-Izumoshi and Izumotaisha-mae to transport worshippers to the holy Izumotaisha Shrine. It's an 18-meters-long car with a steel body. One trainset is composed of two motorcars. Different from the other trains, it has only 4 doors per unit. As with the Ichibata 2100 series, which I showed in my past post, the Ichibata 5000 series is also the ex-Keio 5000 series. The Ichibata 2100 series still keeps its original design of the Keio 5000 series. On the other hand, Ichibata 5000 series looks different from that of the Keio 5000 series. Actually, it was modified before moving from the Keio line in 1998.

Taking the holy train, many passengers head to Izumotaisha Shrine. Taking this opportunity, I am going to introduce a holy beach, “Inasanohama”, near the shrine. According to a local legend, deities from all over Japan gather at Izumotaisha Shrine for an annual meeting in October of the lunar calendar. They are welcomed by local people here on this beach. It’s a beautiful bow-shaped sand beach with a holy rock named Benten-jima. It is said that the setting sun here is so pretty, but the morning scenery was also beautiful (see the photo below). 

I fully enjoyed the holy beach and train in Shimane Prefecture.

Inasanohama Beach near Izumotaisha-mae station, Ichibata Electric Railway

Official information about the trains of Ichibata Electric Railway (in Japanese):

https://railway.ichibata.co.jp/operate/trains/