Saturday, 1 June 2024

The Seibu-Toshima Line: An Urban Local Route

"Studio Tour Tokyo Express" travels on the Seibu-Toshima line

I'm going to show you an urban local route followed by the Keio-Keibajo line. What's an "urban local route" in the first place? There is no definition for it, but I think "an urban railway line with little passenger transportation volume". For example, the JR East-Nambu branch line is a typical urban local route. The Tobu-Daishi line is also a good example.

Enough with the preamble. Let's get down to the main topic. The Seibu-Toshima line is also an urban local route. It's a branch line of the Seibu-Ikebukuro line. Connecting Nerima and Toshimaen, its route length is only 1.0 kilometer. The track is single. Trains are operated every 12 to 15 minutes. What's at Toshimaen terminal? You will find a popular theme park, named Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, near the terminal. In other words, the main function of the Seibu-Toshima line is transportation for holidaymakers, who visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.

Taking the Seibu-Toshima line, you can enjoy a special poster train, named Studio Tour Tokyo Express, before reaching Toshimaen terminal. This train has large posters of Harry, Hermione and Ron on the bodies. It will lift your mood before visiting the theme park. Once you get off at the Toshimaen terminal, shining Patronus (Harry's Spirit Guardian) statues will welcome you. By the way, you may ask me, "Have you ever been to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo?" Unfortunately, not yet. I'm always busy. My family are also pressed for time, and... (so many excuses!).

Patronus (Harry’s Spirit Guardian) statues in front of Toshimaen terminal

Official information about Toshimaen terminal (in Japanese):