Merry Christmas from the Inokashira Line

“Merry Christmas, Inokashira” plate on the front of a Keio 1000 series EMU

Following the “Merry Christmas” tramcar on the Toei Arakawa Line, I’d like to introduce another festive train running in Tokyo today.

Keio Electric Railway put a special Christmas plate on one of their trains during the holiday season. Please take a look at the photos. This is Set 1729 of the EMU 1000 series. Set 1729 is a rather rare train on the Inokashira Line. It features a distinctive white front mask and a rainbow-colored stripe along its sides. The set was built by Tokyu Sharyo in 2009. Its original front color was bluish green, but it was changed to white in 2012 to serve as a flagship train on the line. The train also displays beautifully designed posters featuring scenic spots along the route, such as Inokashira Park and the Kanda River.

When I saw the rounded Christmas plate on the front the other day, I felt excited about enjoying this year’s festive atmosphere. I then tried to photograph the train at my favorite railway crossing near Higashi-Matsubara station, where we can enjoy good forward lighting in the afternoon.

Incidentally, the Inokashira Line is Keio’s short commuter route connecting Shibuya and Kichijoji. The 12.7-kilometer line has 1,067-millimeter gauge double tracks and is electrified at 1,500 V DC. The EMU 1000 series is the only model operated on the line. Commercial service for this series began in 1996 as the first 20-meter-long car type on the route.

Set 1729 running along the Inokashira Line with its special “Merry Christmas” plate

Merry Christmas from the Arakawa Line

Tramcar Unit 9002 of the Toei 9000 series displaying a “Merry Christmas” plate

Merry Christmas! How are you spending the holidays this year? Christmas is a religious event in many countries around the world, but in Japan it’s more like a seasonal celebration. For example, people enjoy Christmas lights—also known as winter illuminations—glittering here and there across Tokyo.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. I found that a tramcar on the Toei Arakawa Line is decorated for Christmas again this year, just like in previous years. Please take a look at the photos. Isn’t it charming? The tramcar is Unit 9002 of the Toei 9000 series. The 9000 series is a retro-inspired model introduced in 2007. Only two units were built by Alna Sharyo, each in a different body color: brownish-red (Unit 9001) and indigo blue (Unit 9002). Its electric control system is an IGBT-VVVF inverter driving two 60 kW induction motors. Although its technical specifications are modern, the exterior design and interior ambiance remain nostalgic—and that’s exactly what makes it fun.

Incidentally, the Toei Arakawa Line is a precious survivor among Tokyo’s tram routes. Operated by the Bureau of Transportation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei), the line was originally two separate routes, Nos. 27 and 32. They were combined into the present Arakawa Line in 1974. Running between Waseda and Minowabashi, the line stretches 12.2 kilometers. The track gauge is 1,372 millimeters, and the line is electrified at 600 V DC.

Side view of Unit 9002 with Christmas decorations

Official information about Unit 9002’s Christmas decorations is available from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Bureau of Transportation (in Japanese).

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

Preserved Keikyu Train in Zushi City

DeHa 601 of the Keikyu 600 series preserved in Zushi Daiichi Sports Park

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but I’d like to continue my story about my recent visit to the Yokosuka Line a little more today.

After enjoying the suburban sceneries along the JR-East Yokosuka line, I headed to Zushi Daiichi Sports Park near Higashi-Zushi Station. My destination was an old train preserved in the park—DeHa 601 of the Keikyu 600 series. When you hear “the Keikyu 600 series,” you may think of the currently active train, but today’s topic is its predecessor, the original 600 series. Please take a look at the photos.

DeHa 601 was built in 1956 by Tokyu Sharyo. Its original classification was DeHa 701 of the 700 series, but it was reclassified as DeHa 601 of the 600 series in 1966. The 600 series mainly operated as Kaitoku (limited express) trains, and all the cars in this series were motorcars. They were Keikyu’s first all-steel trains equipped with a cardan-jointed drive system. The interior was also distinctive, featuring many box seats along with some long bench seats.

After 28 years of service, DeHa 601 was retired from active duty in 1984 and moved to Zushi Daiichi Sports Park. I was particularly fascinated by its front-end design. Its face resembles other classic trains of the era—the JNR 80 series, Tobu 5700 series, Entetsu 30 series, Ooigawa 21000 series, and so on. It truly embodies the style of the 1950s and 1960s.

Incidentally, DeHa 601 has been lovingly maintained by a local volunteer group called the DeHa 601 Preservation Society. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in keeping this historic train in good condition.

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 for a personal errand. After finishing my meeting, I happened to come across a rare train—Dr. Multi—at Higashi-Nagasaki Station on my way home.

Let’s take a quick look at Dr. Multi. It is Seibu Railway’s inspection car, designed to examine overhead wires and track conditions. Built in 2006 by Plasser & Theurer in Austria, its model number is EM120, serial number 164. The car measures 17.25 meters in length and weighs 54,000 kilograms.

Inspection cars may remind you of JR Central’s Dr. Yellow, JR East’s East i and East i-E, Tokyu’s TOQi, Keio’s DAX, Odakyu’s Techno-inspector, and so on. All of these are operated as EMUs (electric multiple units). Dr. Multi, on the other hand, is a single diesel railcar. Although it is equipped with a pantograph, it is used only for inspecting overhead wires—not for drawing power. In this sense, it is similar to JR East’s East i-D, isn’t it?

When I spotted Dr. Multi at the station, its diesel engine was roaring as it shuttled back and forth on a siding in the station yard. Several railway engineers were having serious discussions while checking the equipment. Seibu does not publish timetables for work trains, but I suppose that the actual inspection runs will be conducted in the middle of the night after the last passenger train.

“Dr. Multi, have a good rest! Starting at midnight, you’ll be busy with inspections. 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-car train, running on the Yokosuka Line

The JR East Yokosuka Line is one of the longest commuter routes in the Tokyo metropolitan area, stretching about 70 kilometers. Many trains continue directly onto the Sōbu Rapid Line via Tokyo Station and head toward destinations such as Chiba, Kimitsu, and Narita Airport.

The other day, I boarded a southbound Yokosuka Line train at Tokyo Station. It first traveled along the underground section beneath the densely built-up central area. My train consisted of 15 cars, including two Green Cars (first-class cars). After emerging from the tunnel, it ran through the urban business and residential districts in Tokyo Metropolis and Kanagawa Prefecture—still with its 15-car formation.

However, after leaving Zushi, the train entered the countryside along the line’s marginal section. My train was now made up of only 4 cars. Farmland and forest spread out along the tracks. I got off at Higashi-Zushi Station and enjoyed the beautiful autumn leaves along the line (see the top photo). The marginal section of the Yokosuka Line offered a very relaxing atmosphere.

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

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

Randen-colored Train on the Enoden Line

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

On October 14th, Enoden and Randen celebrated the 15th anniversary of their partnership. To commemorate the occasion, Enoden began operating a “Randen-colored train” as a symbol of friendship on September 4th.

Let me briefly review Enoden and Randen first. Enoden is a local railway serving Kamakura and Fujisawa, about 40 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It is operated by the Enoshima Electric Railway Company, and its route length is 10 kilometers.

Randen, on the other hand, is a tramway in Kyoto City, about 500 kilometers west of Tokyo. It is operated by the Keifuku Electric Railway Company, and its route length is 11 kilometers. Both lines are convenient ways to explore their respective historic sightseeing cities. The two companies formed a partnership in 2009 and have been working together to promote tourism and attract passengers to each other.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. The “Randen-colored train” running on the Enoden line is Set 1002 of he EMU Enoden 1000 series. This train features a special body color called Kyo-murasaki (Kyoto Purple), which is the signature color of Randen trains. The light-purple livery first appeared in 2010 to celebrate Randen’s 100th anniversary. It is subdued yet beautiful, and the train blends naturally into the historical scenery of Kamakura.

The “Randen-colored train” also carries a partnership plate on the front of the train (see the photo below).

Meanwhile, in Kyoto, Randen is operating an “Enoden-colored train” in return. I hope to introduce it someday.

Commemorative partnership plate of Enoden and Randen

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

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

Happy Rainbow Train on the Ina Line

Happy Rainbow Train coming down from Maruyama Depot

On November 30th, a new train debuted on the Ina Line of the New Shuttle. It is the sixth set (Set 26) of the 2020 series EMU, and has been given the cheerful nickname “Happy Rainbow Train.”

Let me start with a brief review of the New Shuttle. It’s a rubber-tyred automated guideway transit (AGT) system in Saitama Prefecture, about 30 kilometers north of Tokyo. Its formal name is the Ina Line of the Saitama New Urban Transit Company. Connecting Omiya and Uchijuku, the line is 12.7 kilometers long. The entire route opened in 1983 alongside JR East’s Shinkansen tracks. The route is mostly double-tracked, but has some single-track sections. The trains are powered by 600-volt three-phase alternating current. Instead of overhead wires, three rigid conductors are installed along the track. You can see these rigid power-supply wires and the guide rail in the top photo.

Now, let’s head to the main topic. As its name suggests, the Happy Rainbow Train (Set 26) features a colorful rainbow livery. It stands out from the existing 2020 series sets—such as Set 22, 23, and 25. Inside the train, wheelchair spaces and priority seats have been enlarged. The heating and ventilation systems were also upgraded.

When I visited the Ina Line, the Happy Rainbow Train was “sleeping” in Maruyama Depot. That was a pity… but just five minutes later, the situation changed dramatically. The front lights turned on and the train slowly rolled out of the depot. It “squirmed” its body (see the top photo) and made its way toward the main track (see the photo below). What a stroke of luck!

Happy Rainbow Train heading toward the main track on the Ina Line

Related links:

・New Shuttle – Official website (Japanese only)

・Official website for New Shuttle commentary (Japanese only)

Discovering a Dream Diorama in Yokohama

Diorama of the Hara Model Railway Museum in Yokohama

Do you like model trains? My answer is a big yes. I love them and even own a few N-scale models. But… my biggest challenge is finding space for a diorama. As you may know, Tokyo is an extremely high-density city. Typical houses here are often called “rabbit hutches,” and mine is no exception. Building my own diorama is, quite literally, just a dream.

So instead of making one myself, I recently visited the Hara Model Railway Museum in Yokohama and treated my eyes to a wonderful feast. This museum was opened in 2012 by Nobutaro Hara (1919–2014), a world-renowned model-railway maker and collector. His extensive railway models and related collections are now on display for the public. On the large diorama, many first-gauge trains (about 1/32 scale) run dynamically through the scenery.

Please take a look at the top photo. The red-and-gray two-tone locomotive pulling the coaches is the Class V200, a diesel-hydraulic express locomotive of the former Deutsche Bundesbahn. I’ve never seen the real one, but this classic locomotive instantly fascinated me. Cool!

Next, please look at the photo below. You’ll find another two-tone locomotive—beige and red this time—running on the elevated track. That is the Class E03 electric locomotive of Deutsche Bahn. Cool again! What makes the scene even more interesting is that Japanese trains, such as the Tokyu DeHa 20 electric car the Tokyu DeHa 200 electric car, run right in front of the German locomotive. Watching these scenes together is truly enjoyable. I loved the unique, diorama-style world.

German and Japanese trains running on the same diorama

Related Link:

Official website, Hara Model Railway Museum (in Japanese)

Aloha Colors Along the Izu Coast

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

I recently visited Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture on a family trip. I was basically refraining from trainspotting, but I couldn’t hold myself back once we arrived at Atami Station. The reason is simple—I happened to come across Izukyu’s cheerful “Aloha Train.”

Let me briefly review Izukyu first. Izukyu is a private railway on the scenic Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Connecting Ito and Izukyu-Shimoda, the total operating length is 45.7 kilometers. The line opened in 1961 as a sightseeing route designed to promote tourism to the peninsula. The track is single and electrified with a 1,500 V DC system. Many Izukyu trains directly run onto JR lines, reaching Atami, Tokyo, and other destinations.

Now, back to the main topic. The Aloha Train, officially the Izukyu 3000 series EMU, is the newest model on the line. It was transferred from JR East in 2022. Its former identity was the EMU JR East 209-2100 series, which once operated in the Chiba area on the Uchibo and Sotobo lines. Each set originally had six cars (4M2T), but it was shortened to four cars (2M2T) before joining Izukyu. The body is made of stainless steel. The seaside is painted in blue, while the mountainside is in red—giving it a warm, tropical look. You can also find many sea-turtle illustrations along the train body, adding to its friendly personality.

The train uses an IGBT-VVVF (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor-variable frequency drive) control system paired with 95 kW induction motors. I sincerely hope the 3000 series will continue to be loved by local residents and travelers alike. Aloha!

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

Related Link:

・Official information about the Izukyu trains (in Japanese)