Utsunomiya’s Hidden Treasure: The Preserved EF57

Electric locomotive Unit 7 of Class EF57 preserved in Utsunomiya City

Utsunomiya is the main city of Tochigi Prefecture, located about 110 kilometers north of Tokyo. It sits in the northern part of the Kanto Plain, and is widely known for its machinery and food industries. Speaking of railways, you may remember that Japan’s newest tramline opened in Utsunomiya last August. The cumulative number of passengers reached six million on November 19th this year—four months earlier than expected. It has been a great success.

Utsunomiya is certainly an advanced railway city, but it also has its own nostalgic charm. If you walk around the city, you may come across a precious old locomotive. Please take a look at the photos. This is Electric Locomotive (EL) Unit 7 of Class EF57, preserved in Utsunomiya-higashi Park. The Class EF57 is a 1,500V direct-current electric locomotive with a 2C+C2 (AAR) wheel arrangement. It was developed by the Ministry of Railways in 1940 for hauling express trains on main trunk lines. Its maximum speed was 95 kilometers per hour. A total of fifteen units were built by Hitachi and Kawasaki Sharyo.

Unit 7 was manufactured by Hitachi in 1942 and retired from the Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1978. It is the only surviving member of the Class EF57 and has been preserved in this park since 1980.

Please look at the top photo again. The pantograph sticking out from the body is really cool! The special deck in front of the cab is also unique. I was truly fascinated by this precious EL.

Front view of Unit 7, JNR Class EF57

Deja Vu Colors Return to the Shin-Keisei Line

Set N838 of the Shin-Keisei N800 series, revival-color livery

You may remember my post from last year, where I mentioned that Keisei will absorb the Shin-Keisei Electric Railway in April 2025. How is the merger project progressing now? I recently visited the Shin-Keisei Line for the first time in two years, and saw the changes with my own eyes.

Let me briefly review Keisei Electric Railway and Shin-Keisei Electric Railway. Keisei is one of the major private railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Its network stretches 152.3 kilometers across eastern Tokyo and northern Chiba Prefecture. Shin-Keisei, on the other hand, is a Keisei affiliate based in Chiba Prefecture, operating a 26.5-kilometer route. Last year, Keisei made Shin-Keisei a wholly owned subsidiary through a share exchange. As the second step, Keisei will fully absorb Shin-Keisei next year to accelerate decision-making and improve business efficiency. After the merger, the Shin-Keisei Line will be renamed the Keisei Matsudo Line.

Now, onto the main topic. I found that two Shin-Keisei trainsets have recently been repainted in their original colors. They are Set N838 of the N800 series EMU and Set 8808 of the 8800 series EMU. In my memory, both sets were repainted into the newer pink-and-white livery only about two years ago. So why return them to their former colors now? It seems to be a way for Shin-Keisei to look back on its history as it approaches the end of its independent era. I fully enjoyed seeing these “déjà vu” trains running again on the Shin-Keisei Line.

Set 8808 of the Shin-Keisei 8800 series, revival-color livery

Related links:

・Official information about the N800 series revival-color train (in Japanese)

・Official information about the 8800 series revival-color train (in Japanese)

"Magical Journey Shinkansen" Train

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

On June 6th this year, Tokyo Disney Resort held the grand opening of Fantasy Springs. To promote tourism to this brand-new theme park, the resort’s owner, Oriental Land, has begun operating a special poster-wrapped train called the “Magical Journey Shinkansen” on the Tohoku Shinkansen in cooperation with JR East.

Let me start with a quick look at Fantasy Springs. This new area consists of three themed lands—Frozen Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Never Land, and Rapunzel’s Forest. For instance, visitors to Frozen Kingdom are welcomed into the kingdom of Arendelle from the film Frozen. Needless to say, Frozen was a major hit in 2013. The film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, and went on to win two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, among many other accolades.

Characters from Fantasy Springs appear on the side bodies of the Magical Journey Shinkansen. They include Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Peter Pan, and others.

You may remember when I previously introduced the “Magical Dream Shinkansen" which was Set J69 of JR East’s E2-J series EMU. In contrast, the new “Magical Journey Shinkansen” is Set U6 of the JR East E5 series. The E5 series is currently the fastest train in Japan, operating at a maximum speed of 320 km/h (198.8 mph). Thanks to its advanced body-tilting technology, it can maintain high speeds even on tight curves. JR Hokkaido's H5 series is a sister train to the E5.

Side view of the "Magical Journey Shinkansen"

Related link:

“Magical Journey Shinkansen” by JR East (in Japanese)

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)

I know I’ve been jumping from one topic to another lately, but allow me to stay in Jakarta just a little longer. After writing about the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series on November 14th, I couldn’t help introducing another “endangered species” that continues to fascinate railfans. As always, my heartfelt thanks go to Faris Fadhli for sharing his wonderful photos.

Take a look at the top picture. This is set 05-110 (hereafter 05-110F) of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series, now running quietly in Indonesia. The 05 series made its debut on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line back in 1988. A total of 240 cars were produced by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, and several other manufacturers. Over the years, 130 of them retired from the Tozai Line, 12 cars found a new role on the Kita-Ayase branch line after modification, and 80 cars crossed the sea to Indonesia to begin their second life. According to Faris, only two sets—05-108F and 05-110F—are still bravely holding on.

I still remember the excitement as if it were yesterday. When the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series arrived in Indonesia in 2010, I visited the Port of Tanjung Priok with several passionate Indonesian railfans. Together we watched the freshly arrived 05 series being unloaded, feeling as though we were welcoming an old friend to its new home (see the photo below).

Just like the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, the 05 series is now approaching the final chapter of its long journey. Even so, two sets continue to run firmly on Indonesian soil. I’m deeply grateful to the local railway engineers who have supported these trains for so many years, and I sincerely hope the 05 series will keep running for as long as possible.

05-107F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series just after arriving at Tanjung. Priok Port

(August 14th, 2010)

2024 Late Autumn Visit to Hakone

Gondola No. 2 “Komagatake”, Hakone Komagatake Ropeway

Autumn is making steady progress in Japan, and the trees around Tokyo are beginning to show their first touches of color—reds, yellows, and soft browns. Wanting to enjoy the season at its early peak, I took a family trip to Hakone, a place well-known not only for its scenery but also for its many interesting transport systems. Our main destination was Mt. Komagatake, a 1,356-meter peak that stands quietly within the central Hakone Caldera.

To reach Mt. Komagatake, the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway is the most convenient option. The ropeway was originally opened by the Izu-Hakone Railway in 1963 and is currently operated by Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide. It is a four-cable, cross-type aerial tramway connecting Hakone-en, located on the shore of Lake Ashinoko, and Komagatake-Chōjō Station at the summit. The route length is 1,783 meters, with a height difference of 590.8 meters between the two stations. The maximum gradient is an impressive 30.3 degrees. Gondolas depart every 20 minutes, and a one-way trip takes about seven minutes. The current gondolas—Ashinoko (No. 1) and Komagatake (No. 2)—were built by CWA in 1986 as the second-generation cars. Each gondola can carry up to 101 passengers.

After arriving at Komagatake-Sanchō Station, we enjoyed beautiful autumn colors around Mt. Komagatake, along with the serene view of nearby Lake Ashinoko. To our delight, we also had a clear view of Mt. Fuji (3,776 meters above sea level) in the northwest. However, due to lighter snowfall than usual this year, the summit was not snow-capped. I couldn’t help wondering if this was another sign of global warming.

Mt. Fuji (3,776 m) seen 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 photo from an Indonesian railfan. It shows the last active set, 8618F, of the ex-Tokyu 8500-series EMU still operating in Jakarta. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me this beautiful picture.

Let me briefly review the Tokyu 8500 series EMU the Tokyu 8500-series EMU. These direct-current commuter trains ran on the Tokyu lines in Japan from 1975 to 2023, and a total of 400 cars were built by Tokyu Sharyo. After their retirement from Tokyu Electric Railway, 29 cars were transferred to Nagano Electric Railway, Chichibu Railway, and Izukyu, while 64 cars were exported to Indonesia as second-hand trains. Those exported sets have been operated by the local railway company, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Please take a look at the top photo. There you see 8618F—the very last active 8500-series set in Indonesia. It still looks to be in good condition, doesn’t it? When I lived in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011, I often used commuter trains. I still remember clearly when 8618F first arrived in Indonesia in 2008. I visited Bukit Duri Railyard on August 24th with several enthusiastic Indonesian railfans and welcomed 8618F together with them (see the photo below). Sixteen years have passed since then. Time really flies.

The 8500 series’ second life is now approaching its final chapter… but 8618F still remains on the rails, faithfully carrying countless commuters every day. I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated railway engineers in Indonesia, and I sincerely hope that this set will continue to run for as long as possible.

8618F shortly after arriving at Bukit Duri Railyard, Jakarta, Indonesia

(August 24th, 2008)

The 90th Anniversary of Hachiko Line: Part 2

JR East KiHa 112-204 displaying the Hachiko Line 90th anniversary plate

You may remember that I posted about the 90th anniversary of Hachiko line last month. Today, I’d like to follow up on that topic a little more.

After observing the E231-3000 series EMU, which was displaying special memorial plates on both ends of the train, I moved on to the northern half of the Hachiko Line. As I mentioned before, the JR East-operated Hachiko Line consists of two distinct sections.

The southern section, between Hachioji and Komagawa (31 kilometers), is an electrified commuter route in an urban area, operating on 1,500 V DC.

In contrast, the northern section, between Komagawa and Kuragano (61 kilometers), is a non-electrified local route in a more suburban setting, where the KiHa 110 series DMUs are in service.

I was delighted to find that a train on the northern section was also displaying the 90th anniversary plates. It was a 2-car formation—KiHa 111-204 and KiHa 112-204 of the KiHa 110 series. Incidentally, the KiHa 110 series is composed of three types: KiHa 110, KiHa 111, and KiHa 112. What are the differences among them?

The KiHa 110 type has two driving cabs, allowing it to operate as a single-car train. On the other hand, KiHa 111 and KiHa 112 each have only one cab, so they must be operated as part of a 2-car (or longer) train. KiHa 110 and KiHa 111 are equipped with toilets, while KiHa 112 is not. Learning these subtle distinctions between the models is one of the small pleasures for trainspotters like me.

Close-up of the 90th anniversary plate

Tama Riverside Walking: Part 12 – Minami-Tama

Set N24 of JR East’s E233-8000 series, crossing the Tama River

It was already November. The air had turned crisp, making it an ideal season for a quiet walk. I resumed my regular strolls along the Tama River, and this time I chose Inagi City in western Tokyo as my destination. After getting off at Minami-Tama Station on JR East’s Nambu Line, I headed straight toward the riverbank.

Before continuing, let me briefly introduce Inagi City. Located along the middle reaches of the Tama River, it is a residential area that was largely developed in the 1970s. When I was a child, I occasionally visited this area with my schoolteacher and classmates for autumn pear picking. I remember being told that Inagi’s well-drained soil makes it suitable for pear cultivation. Much of the city spreads across the river terrace formed by the Tama River.

As soon as I stepped onto the embankment, a six-car EMU crossed the river on the Nambu Line bridge. It was a northbound service operated by Set N24 of the EMU JR East's E233-8000 series. This series is the mainstay of the Nambu Line today, featuring stainless-steel car bodies with the familiar yellow, orange, and black stripes. I see these trains almost every day, yet watching one glide across the wide Tama River offers a slightly different and refreshing impression.

I continued walking upstream at a relaxed pace. About three minutes later, a freight train appeared on the adjacent bridge reserved for freight traffic. Leading the train was a blue electric locomotive, Unit 337 of JR Freight's Class EF210-300, widely known by its nickname, “Momotaro.” I attempted to capture the entire consist in a single frame, but the container train was longer than the bridge itself. In the end, I focused on a close-up of the locomotive, highlighting its powerful yet clean-lined design.

JR Freight Class EF210-300 electric locomotive, Unit 337, leading a container train

New-colored Trains on the Daiyuzan Line

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

I can’t take my eyes off the Daiyuzan Line these days. Several new-colored trains have been commissioned one after another. Today, I’d like to introduce these beautiful newcomers.

Let me begin with a brief review of the Daiyuzan Line. The line is operated by Izu-Hakone Railway, one of the companies in the Seibu Group. It was opened in 1925 between Odawara and Daiyuzan stations to carry worshippers to the famous Saijo-ji Buddhist temple.

Today, its passengers include not only worshippers but also local commuters and students traveling to Odawara, Yokohama, and other cities. The line is 9.6 kilometers long, with 1,067 mm narrow-gauge track. It is single-track and electrified at 1,500 V DC via overhead lines. Trains run at an average interval of about 12 minutes.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic.

First, the “Gentian Train” debuted on April 5, using Set 5507 of the EMU 5000 series. Gentian is the official flower of Minami-Ashigara City, located along the Daiyuzan Line. This train was introduced to promote tourism in the city. Its light purple body color has a soft and gentle appearance.

Next came the “Orange Train,” which entered service on August 29, using Set 5503 of the same EMU 5000 series. Oranges are a local specialty of Odawara City, also along the line. This train, too, was designed to promote local tourism, and its bright orange body color is truly eye-catching.

Incidentally, the EMU 5000 series forms the mainstay of the Daiyuzan Line fleet. The series was introduced in 1984, and a total of seven three-car sets, comprising 21 cars, are currently in operation.

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

Related links:

・Official information about the Gentian Train by Izu-Hakone Railway (in Japanese)

・Official information about the Orange Train by Izu-Hakone Railway (in Japanese)

The 60th Anniversary of the 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 its Haneda Airport Line. To commemorate this milestone, the company held several special events.

Let me briefly review the Haneda Airport Line. It is an airpThe ”ort-access monorail connecting downtown Tokyo with Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). The line opened in 1964, making it the second oldest monorail line in Tokyo. The entire route consists of 11 stations over a total length of 17.8 kilometers, and it is double-tracked throughout. The power supply system uses 750 V DC.

What I like most about the Tokyo Monorail is its high speed. The maximum operating speed is 80 km/h. The "Haneda Express" connects Hamamatsucho in central Tokyo and Haneda Airport International Terminal non-stop in just 13 minutes. It overtakes local trains at Showajima Station.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary, Tokyo Monorail has been operating a special color scheme train since September 14th, using Set 10041 of the EMU 10000 series. Its body color has been restored to the original livery adopted when the line first opened. The train features an ivory body with light blue and dark blue stripes. A 60th anniversary sticker is also displayed on the front of the train.

Incidentally, I still remember the 50th anniversary train on the Haneda Airport Line in 2014. It was an EMU 1000 series train in a special livery featuring red stripes, inspired by the retired EMU 500 series. Ten years have already passed since then. Time really flies.

The 60th anniversary sticker of the Haneda Airport Line, Tokyo Monoraill

Related link:

・Official information about the 60th anniversary of the Haneda Airport Line, Tokyo Monorail (in Japanese)