Class C10: A Super-Rare Working Steam Locomotive

Unit 8 of the Class C10 steam locomotive standing at Shin-Kanaya Station

I recently had a chance to visit the Tokai region with my family for the first time in six years. The Tokai area is relatively warm, allowing visitors to enjoy autumn colors for a long period. Since it was a family trip, I had been refraining from trainspotting. However, when I saw an extremely rare working steam locomotive at Shin-Kanaya Station on the Ōigawa (Ooigawa) Railway, I couldn’t help immersing myself in photographing it.

Please take a look at the top photo. Here it is — Unit 8 of the Class C10 steam locomotive (hereafter C10 8). It is neither preserved nor on display; it is still very much active on the tracks. How beautifully maintained it is!

The Class C10 debuted in 1930 to replace the Japanese Government Railways’ aging locomotives. It is a 2-6-4 tank locomotive (Whyte notation), and a total of 23 units were built. C10 8 was manufactured by Kawasaki Sharyō. The Class C10 looks similar to its younger colleague, the Class C11, but for example, the bottom of the driver’s cab door on the C10 is higher than that of the C11 (see the photo below). More importantly, the C10 has a larger axle load than the C11, so the Class C10 locomotives were mainly operated on trunk lines.

After 31 years of service, C10 8 was retired from the Japanese National Railways (formerly the Japanese Government Railways) in 1961 and was transferred to the Ōigawa Railway in 1997. Today, C10 8 is the only surviving Class C10 steam locomotive. None have been preserved or exhibited in museums or parks.

C10 8 filling up with water at Ieyama Station

Related link:

・Official information by Ōigawa (Ooigawa) Railway (in Japanese)

Mt. Takao: A Mountain Where Tengu Live

Funicular Aoba climbing the Takao Tozan Railway Line

Mt. Takao is a popular sightseeing spot near downtown Tokyo. It takes less than two hours to reach the 599-meter summit from Shinjuku, one of the sub-centers of the city. In this season, visitors can admire beautiful autumn foliage—maples, beeches, ginkgo trees, and more.

But there is more to the highlights of Mt. Takao. This mountain is also known as a sacred place for Shugendō, a form of Japanese mountain asceticism. Practitioners of Shugendō belong to Yakuoin Temple, which was established in 704, and they undergo rigorous training in the mountains. It is said that Tengu, legendary long-nosed creatures, protect these practitioners on Mt. Takao.

If you would like to know what Tengu look like, please take a look at the photo below. Here they are—statues of winged, long-nosed figures standing within the Yakuoin Temple grounds. Don’t you find them a bit mysterious, perhaps even slightly creepy?

To visit Yakuoin Temple, the Takao Tozan Railway is very convenient. As I wrote before, this funicular line was constructed in 1927. Connecting Kiyotaki Station and Takaozan Station, its route length is 1,020 meters with a height difference of 271 meters. The track gauge is 1,067 millimeters, and trains operate every 15 minutes. The ride from Kiyotaki to Takaozan takes about six minutes.

Although the line is short, it is famous as the steepest railway in Japan, with a maximum gradient of 31 degrees 18 minutes. In the photo below, you can see the funicular Aoba climbing the track, backed by the early autumn colors.

I truly enjoyed both the beautiful autumn scenery and the mysterious Tengu legends on Mt. Takao.

Statues of Tengu in the Yakuoin Temple grounds

Official information by Takao Tozan Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.takaotozan.co.jp/

Arigato, the 7000 Series EMU in Indonesia

Set 7123 of the 7000 Series EMU exhibited at Jakarta Kota Station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

This post is a continuation of my previous one. Once again, my thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly shared his recent photos with me.

Please take a look at the photo above. One of the trains exhibited at the farewell event for former Japanese rolling stock in Jakarta was Set 7123 of the 7000 series EMU. Its red, white, and dark blue stripes are visually striking. You can also see a special round headmark on the front reading “ARIGATO, TERIMA KASIH, 2010–2025”—beautiful!

Set 7123 was built in 1983 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The 7000 series is an EMU designed for 1,500 V DC and a 1,067-millimeter gauge. In Japan, it was operated as a 10-car train with six motorcars (6M4T). The electric control system was an armature chopper combined with regenerative braking. Air conditioners were not equipped at first, but were later installed in 1988.

After nearly 27 years of service on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Set 7123 was transferred to Indonesia in 2010 along with its comrades—Sets 7117, 7121, and 7122. In Indonesia, the 7000 series began service as 8-car trains with four motorcars (4M4T). As of 2011, the 7000 series including Set 7123 carried red, yellow, and white stripes (see the photo below). It was very eye-catching. I also remember that one women-only car was provided on this series. Trains in Jakarta during rush hours were just as crowded as those in Tokyo.

Set 7123 and the 7000 series EMUs… thank you, terima kasih, and arigato. I will never forget you all.

Set 7123 of the 7000 Series EMU arriving at Gambir Station in Jakarta, Indonesia

(February 12, 2011)

Arigato, My Memorable Trains in Indonesia

The 8500 series (left) and 203 series (right) EMUs exhibited at Jakarta Kota Station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I recently received some news from an Indonesian railfan. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me his recent photos.

On November 11th, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) held a farewell event for the 8500 series, 7000 series, and 203 series EMUs at Jakarta Kota Station.

I knew this day would come sooner or later, but it has finally arrived. These EMUs are unforgettable trains for me—both in Indonesia and in Japan. The 8500 series is the former Tokyu 8500 series, the 7000 series is the former Tokyo Metro 7000 series, and the 203 series is the former JR East 203 series. They were transferred from Japan to Indonesia between 2006 and 2011. After nearly 20 years of service in Indonesia, they have now reached their final chapter.

As I have written several times, I was stationed in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011 as an exploration geologist for a petroleum and natural gas company, living away from my family. Even when work was tough, nothing made me happier than spending weekends enjoying the railways with local railfans. These trains truly gave me energy. Thank you. Terima kasih. Arigato!

I also would like to express my gratitude to Indonesian railway employees and railfans. I was moved to see the EMUs beautifully decorated with farewell stickers. On top of that, I was surprised and touched that the above railfan, Faris Fadhli, and his friend Adam held an exhibition inside an 8500 series EMU. Their enthusiasm really impressed me.

From the next post, I will introduce the trains that were exhibited, along with my own memories. To be continued…

A precious historical photo taken by Faris Fadhli, exhibited inside the 8500 series

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Special Wrapped Train on the Blue Line

GREEN×EXPO 2027 wrapped train, Set 3321 of the 3000N series EMU

This is a continuation of my previous post. On my way back home from Seseragi Park, I happened to come across a special wrapped train at Nakamachidai Station on the Blue Line of the Yokohama Municipal Subway.

Please take a look at the photo above. Here it is — the GREEN×EXPO 2027 special wrapped train, Set 3321 of the 3000N series EMU. GREEN×EXPO 2027 is the International Horticultural Exposition to be held in Yokohama City in 2027. The event aims to propose solutions to global environmental challenges and to explore ways to create sustainable future societies. This wrapped train is designed to support and promote this forthcoming major event.

I was captivated by the colorful design of the train. Please also look at the photo below — the interior is just as vibrant. In the center, you can see the EXPO’s mascot character, Tunk Tunk, with its cute pink, heart-shaped face. Along with Keio’s former Sanrio Characters Wrapping Train and Tobu’s Ikebukuro–Kawagoe Art Train, this GREEN×EXPO 2027 train has become one of my favorite wrapped trains in recent years.

For your reference, the Yokohama Municipal Subway 3000N series EMU made its debut in 1999 to enhance transport capacity on the Blue Line. A total of seven sets, comprising 42 cars, were built. The train is equipped with an IGBT variable-frequency drive system. If you have a moment, please take a look at my previous post, where I introduced Set 3321 as the Hamarin Poster Train in 2016.

It was a pleasant surprise to encounter this special train by chance on my way home. Encounters like this always remind me that even an ordinary journey can bring small moments of delight.

Interior of the GREEN×EXPO 2027 wrapped train, with Tunk Tunk in the center

(photographed on another day)

News release by Transportation Bureau, City of Yokohama (in Japanese):

https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/city-info/koho-kocho/press/green/2025/1028train.files/0002_20251028.pdf

Autumn Colors on the Blue Line

Yokohama Municipal Subway 3000R series EMU arriving at Nakamachidai Station

Autumn is deepening in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The leaves on the city’s trees have just started to turn shades of red, yellow, and brown. I recently visited Seseragi Park in Yokohama City and enjoyed a peaceful stroll. The name “Seseragi” means murmuring in Japanese, and as the name suggests, small streams gently flow through the wooded area.

Please take a look at the photo below. Here it is—the former Uchino Family House. This wooden house with a copper-clad roof was built sometime between the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s not a famous tourist attraction, but it has a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by the soft colors of autumn leaves.

Of course, I can’t end this post without mentioning the railway side of things—since this is a railway blog, after all! To reach Seseragi Park, the nearest station is Nakamachidai on the Blue Line of the Yokohama Municipal Subway. The Blue Line was opened in 1972 as the city’s first subway route. Today, it stretches 40.4 kilometers between the Shonandai and Azamino terminals. The track gauge is 1,435 millimeters, and the line is electrified at 750 volts DC using a third-rail system.

The EMU 3000R series (see the photo above) is one of the main train types operating on the line. It was introduced in 2004 and is equipped with an IGBT variable-frequency drive and a pure electric braking system. You can see the Yokohama Transportation Bureau’s mascot, Hamarin, on the front of the train, along with another large round sticker reading “Green × Expo 2027”. I’d like to introduce a special wrapped train to promote this forthcoming event in my next post. To be continued…

Former Uchino Family House in Seseragi Park

Yo5000 Series: A Preserved Caboose Car

Unit Yo14740 of the Yo5000 series caboose preserved in Setagaya Park

Today, I’d like to share a quiet, low-key topic. Do caboose cars still run on railways in your country? In Japan, they are extremely rare. They remained in operation until 1984, but today they have almost completely disappeared.

Take a look at the photo above. Here it is—Unit Yo14740 of the Yo5000 series caboose. It was originally built in the 1950s as part of the Japanese National Railways’ Yo3500 series. In the 1960s, it was modified into the Yo5000 series, featuring a two-stage link-type suspension system designed for smoother, faster operation. After roughly 30 years of service, it was retired around 1984, when caboose cars were largely abolished. Today, Yo14740 is preserved in Setagaya Park, Tokyo.

When I was a child, I often saw cabooses on the Tokaido Line, coupled to the end of freight trains. The job of conductors aboard these cars might have seemed easy—they didn’t have to operate passenger doors or make announcements. In reality, they were kept busy ordering the coupling and uncoupling of each freight car at stations and writing reports while on the move. A potbelly coal stove was installed, but it must still have been cold in winter (see the photo below). It looks like it was an uncomfortable ride.

The Japanese freight system has changed significantly. Before 1984, freight trains often stopped at stations to couple and uncouple cars. Today, freight trains mostly run directly between terminals, improving efficiency.

Yo14740—thank you for your decades of service. Now you rest, preserved as a silent witness to Japan’s railway history.

Interior of Yo14740

Revival-colored Train: The Beginning of the End？

Revival-colored train, Set 7728 of the Keio 7000 series EMU

On October 28, Keio Electric Railway brought back one set of its 7000 series EMU in the original color scheme. I’d like to share this topic and look into it a bit deeper today.

Please take a look at the photo above. Here it is—the revival-colored train, Set 7728 of the Keio 7000 series. The paint has been changed from the familiar double red-and-blue stripes to a single dark red stripe. In addition, the car number plates and company logo have been restored to their original designs.

For your information, the 7000 series debuted in 1984 to increase transport capacity on the Keio Line. A total of 190 cars were built. The trains were originally equipped with a field chopper control system, which was later replaced by a variable frequency drive with induction motors as part of a modernization program.

Why did Keio decide to bring back the original colors now? According to the company, “many passengers expect the 7000 series to return to its original color scheme.” That’s probably true—but I can’t help feeling there may be a deeper meaning behind this decision.

Let’s take a look at similar cases by other railway companies. Odakyu revived the original colors of its LSE Romancecar in 2012; six years later, it was retired. Keikyu also repainted its 800 series in the classic livery in 2016; three years later, it too was withdrawn from service. These examples suggest that a revival color train might sometimes mark the beginning of the end.

I sincerely hope the 7000 series will continue to run on the Keio Line for many more years.

Side view of Set 7728

News release by Keio (in Japanese):

https://www.keio.co.jp/news/update/news_release/news_release2025/pdf/nr20250925_keio7000.pdf

The 60th Anniversary of Hakone Soba

60th anniversary special menu item of Hakone Soba Restaurant: “Mocoron Soba”

Do railway companies in your country diversify their businesses? In Japan, they certainly do. For instance, many railway companies operate their own department stores along their lines. Another example is the real estate business. The residents living in their housing developments are expected to take the company’s trains to go shopping, commute, and attend school.

This diversification also extends to smaller ventures. Take a look at the photo above — it shows a bowl of Japanese noodles from Hakone Soba, a modest restaurant located inside Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line. Operated by Odakyu Restaurant System Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Odakyu Group, Hakone Soba has grown to more than 40 locations along the line. I love this style of noodles — they’re served quickly, reasonably priced, and, of course, delicious. It’s the perfect stop when I’m in a hurry.

In August this year, Odakyu celebrated the 60th anniversary of Hakone Soba. To mark the occasion, a special menu item was introduced. Look again at the top photo — you’ll notice a semicircular fish cake sitting on the noodles. What’s that? It’s Mocoron!

Mocoron, as you may know, is Odakyu’s cheerful blue rabbit mascot. I was pleasantly surprised to find Mocoron appearing as a topping in this commemorative dish. It was as tasty as it was charming.

And there’s more. The Odakyu Romancecar is also joining the celebration. I spotted a commemorative sticker on the side of Set 30255 of the EMU 30000 series. The entire Odakyu Group seems to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of Hakone Soba together — truly, an “all hands on deck” moment for this beloved brand.

Commemorative sticker on the side of Odakyu Romancecar, EMU 30000 series

It Was Gone Before I Knew It

“The 100th Anniversary of Kiyose Station” commemorative train (December 2024)

This may sound sudden, but just imagine: there was someone you were fond of — someone who caught your attention. One day, they suddenly moved away and never came back. You feel a quiet loneliness without them. Have you ever experienced something like that?

So, what am I trying to say?

On October 2nd, Seibu Railway announced that the regular services of the 2000 series EMUs would be withdrawn from the Ikebukuro, Toshima, Sayama, and Chichibu lines by October 15th.

Let’s take a quick look back at the Seibu 2000 series. The 2000 series EMU debuted in 1977 to strengthen Seibu Railway’s transportation capacity. There were two types: the original 2000 series, which were retired in June this year, and the newer 2000N series. This time, it’s the 2000N series that have left the Ikebukuro and related lines.

As you know, the Ikebukuro Line is Seibu Railway’s main artery. The 2000N series, with their bright yellow bodies, were the quintessential Seibu trains. This combination was inseparable — and yet, it has come to an abrupt end. I can’t help but feel a bit lonely without them.

Pulling myself together — please take a look at my photos.

This is the special poster train featuring Set 2071 of the 2000N series EMU, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Kiyose Station on the Ikebukuro Line. The commemorative train ran from June 2024 to March 2025. In the end, it turned out to be my last chance to photograph the 2000N series on the Ikebukuro Line.

Thank you, the 2000N series on the Ikebukuro Line. Let’s meet again on the Shinjuku Line.

Side view of the commemorative train using the 2000N series EMU (December 2024)

Two Locomotives in Warabi City

Unit 304 of the Class C11 locomotive preserved in Ooarata Traffic Playground

Do you have a place you’ve always wanted to check out? For example, somewhere you often pass by on the train but have never actually visited. Ooarata Traffic Playground in Warabi City was one such place for me. I had sometimes passed it by on JR East’s Keihin-Tohoku Line, but I had never stopped there until recently. One day, I got off at Warabi Station and walked along the track. About ten minutes later, what caught my eye was a preserved steam locomotive surrounded by a chain-link fence. This is it!

The preserved locomotive was Unit 304 of the Class C11. This model debuted in 1932 to reinforce the transportation capacity of the Japanese Government Railways’ local lines. It’s a small 2-6-4 type tank locomotive (Whyte notation). A total of 381 units were built. Unit 304 was manufactured in 1945 by Nippon Sharyo as part of the fourth production batch of the Class C11. After mainly operating on the Sagami Line, it was retired in 1965 and has since been preserved in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture.

You can see the box-shaped steam and sand “domes” on the top center of the boiler, can’t you? They look different from those on earlier Class C11s such as Unit 227 and 245. This design change came in the last days of WWII. At that time, these box-shaped domes were adopted to simplify the manufacturing process under urgent wartime conditions. The war had even influenced locomotive design — how sad.

Incidentally, I found another C11 steam locomotive in the playground. Please take a look at the photo below — it’s for kids! How nice it is to live in peace.

Another "Class C11 steam locomotive (playground equipment)”

Keisei Skyliner AE Series: Over 60 Million Passengers

EMU Keisei AE series Skyliner displaying a gold-colored commemorative sticker

The 3rd-generation Skyliner operated by Keisei Electric Railway is still going strong. The total number of passengers has recently exceeded 60 million, and I’d like to share this happy news today.

Let’s begin with a brief overview. The Keisei Skyliner is an airport access train connecting central Tokyo with Narita International Airport. The current model, the EMU AE series, entered service in July 2010, replacing the previous AE100 series. The AE series is an EMU for 1,435-millimeter-gauge and 1,500 V DC track. A total of eight trainsets (64 cars in total) were introduced. Each set consists of six motorcars and two trailers (6M2T). The train is equipped with an IGBT–VVVF (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor-variable frequency drive) inverter control system and 175 kW induction motors. With a maximum speed of 160 km/h, it is the fastest train in Japan outside of the Shinkansen network.

The AE series reached 40 million total passengers in October 2022, then 50 million in July 2024 — meaning it took 21 months to carry another 10 million passengers. This time, it reached 60 million in July 2025, just 12 months later — quite an impressive pace!

To celebrate the milestone, Keisei held a commemorative ceremony at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station. The 60 millionth passenger was a Japanese family returning home from a trip to Vietnam. Currently, one of the AE series trainsets, AE6, is decorated with special stickers on the front and sides to mark the occasion.

Congratulations to the Skyliner on this remarkable achievement!

Side body of the “60 Million Passengers” commemorative Skyliner

Official information (Keisei Skyliner):

https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/skyliner/index.php

Serving a Double Purpose on the Odakyu Line, Part 2

EMU 1000 (left) and 2000 series (right) running side by side on the Odakyu Line

It’s mid-autumn in Tokyo, and the daytime temperature now hovers around 20 degrees Celsius. The most comfortable season of the year has arrived! I recently visited the Tama River again along the Odakyu Line.

After getting off at Izumi-Tamagawa Station, I headed to the riverbank and focused on searching for fossils—my lifelong passion. Please take a look at the photo below. This was my find of the day: a fossilized Cultellus sp., a large, rectangular marine bivalve. Welcome back to the world above ground after more than a million years of sleep!

Of course, I can’t end without mentioning the railway side of things—this is a railway blog, after all! On my way home, I switched gears to another hobby: trainspotting at Izumi-Tamagawa Station. My theme that day was the “double-double track” (a quadruple track). In 1964, the company planned to expand the double track into a double-double track in the urban area to relieve congestion. Because of the densely built-up surroundings, the project took nearly half a century to complete, finally finishing in 2018.

Today, the inner two tracks are used for limited express and express trains, while the outer two are for semi-express and local trains. Please take a look at the top photo—seeing two trains running side by side like they’re racing is always exciting for rail fans.

That day, I enjoyed both the million-year history of the Earth and the modern engineering of the double-double track in the city. I truly served a “double purpose” that day on the Odakyu Line.

Fossil Cultellus sp. found near Izumi-Tamagawa Station

The 100th Anniversary of the Circular Operation

Set 39 of the JR East EMU E235 series, designed like the EMU 103 series

Are there any loop lines in your country? In Japan, there are a few. For example, the Osaka Loop Line is a well-known circular line in the western part of the country. The Meijo Line in Nagoya is the only subway loop line with continuous circular operation, and the Disney Resort Line in Chiba Prefecture is the only monorail loop line in Japan.

Thank you for waiting. Here comes the headliner! Japan’s most famous loop line is none other than JR East’s Yamanote Line. It loops through several central areas of Tokyo. The line is double-tracked, and each train keeps running in the same direction throughout the day—either clockwise or counterclockwise.

On November 1st, 2025, JR East will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line’s circular operation. The line originally opened as part of the Nippon Railway’s Shinagawa Line and was gradually extended. In 1925, it was finally connected into a loop, and circular operation began under the Japanese Government Railways.

To commemorate this remarkable milestone, JR East is operating special trains using Sets 39 and 44 of the EMU E235 series. Set 39 features the nostalgic face of the former EMU 103 series, which ran on the line between 1963 and 1988, while Set 44 is designed in the style of the EMU 205 series, which was in service from 1985 to 2005.

Recently, I’ve often seen many railway fans gathering along the Yamanote Line to celebrate this special event. Of course, I’m one of them too.

Happy 100th anniversary of circular operation to the Yamanote Line!

Set 44 of the JR East EMU E235 series, designed like the EMU 205 series

Official video, "the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line's circular operation", by JR East:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuhCtUo74jQ

Official information, "the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line's circular operation", by JR East (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/tokyomovinground/exhibition/yamaf,es/

EMU 71-000 Series: A New Model on the Rinkai Line

The EMU TWR 71-000 series running on JR East’s Saikyo Line

I’m happy to introduce a new train that appeared in the Tokyo area this autumn — the EMU 71-000 series on the Rinkai Line. It’s been about three months since I last shared a new train here.

First of all, please take a look at the photo above. This is the Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR) 71-000 series, which made its debut on October 1st. This new DC commuter train was developed to replace the older 70-000 series. Technically, it’s almost the same as JR East’s E233-7000 series, which also runs on the Rinkai Line.

Its front design is said to express a gentle smile, and the blue stripe along the body represents the Tokyo Bay waterfront. I think it looks very nice and friendly.

At the moment, two trainsets are in service, and TWR plans to add six more by the middle of fiscal year 2027. The 70-000 series, which has been in service for many years, will be retired by the end of that same year.

By the way, TWR is a semi-public company established in 1991. The Rinkai Line has been in operation since 1996, running through the central part of the Tokyo Bay area. The 12.2-kilometer route is mostly underground, passing beneath reclaimed islands and connecting them with several undersea tunnels. Trains on the Rinkai Line also run through onto JR East’s Saikyo Line and other lines.

If you have a moment, please check the link below for the official video and information (in Japanese) about this new EMU 71-000 series.

Car 71-201 of Set z12, EMU TWR 71-000 series

Official video and information by TWR (in Japanese):

https://www.twr.co.jp/71000/tabid/382/Default.aspx

The Subway Above the JR East Line

Yotsuya Station: The “subway” Marunouchi Line (left) and the JR East Line (right)

As I mentioned before, Yotsuya, located in central Tokyo, is a complicated station shared by the JR East Chuo Line and the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. For example, JR East’s Yotsuya Station is situated in a valley, with a railway tunnel located just beside it. On the other hand, although the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a “subway,” its Yotsuya Station is on an elevated track rather than underground. It’s quite confusing—so how are these two stations positioned relative to each other?

I recently captured a photo that clearly explains the mystery. In the top image, you can see a Tokyo Metro Series 2000 EMU on the left and a JR East Series E231 EMU on the right. Notice how the 2000 series rides above the E231 series—literally placing the “subway” above the JR East Line. This curious structure has a fascinating backstory.

The history begins in 1894, when the Kobu Railway (now JR East) built Yotsuya Station in the bottom of a valley. Over half a century later, in the 1950s, Eidan (now Tokyo Metro) began planning the Marunouchi Line as part of Tokyo’s growing subway network. They faced a major challenge: the line was too deep to tunnel beneath the Chuo Line. The solution was unexpected—the Marunouchi Line would be built as an elevated track directly above the Chuo Line, creating this unusual vertical layout.

Today, Yotsuya Station remains a rare example of Tokyo’s intricate railway history—a place where “subway” really means above rather than below.

To close, here’s one more photo showing the Marunouchi Line track as it emerges from a tunnel and approaches its elevated Yotsuya Station. This is a unique feature in Tokyo—a singularity in a city of wonders.

Marunouchi Line track approaching Yotsuya Station

Original Form of the EMU 7000 Series on the Sunzu Line

Set 1 of the Izu-Hakone Railway 7000 Series at Mishima Terminal

I’ve already uploaded over 1,900 posts on this blog over the past 14 years. I think I’ve introduced almost every existing train in the Tokyo metropolitan area by now. But wait—I realized there’s still one model in its original form that I haven’t shown you yet. Sorry if I sound a bit obsessive, but as a trainspotter, I’m particular about featuring trains I haven’t posted before.

Take a look at the top photo. This is EMU Izu-Hakone Railway 7000 Series Set 1. The 7000 Series was introduced in 1991 as a rapid service train on the Sunzu Line. A total of two sets (six cars) were built by Tokyu Sharyo. Set 1 still retains its original look, with its blue-striped front. You may remember when I introduced Set 2 of the 7000 Series on this blog—it was a very unique train with a gold-colored front. However, please note that Set 2 didn’t keep its original appearance; that was its look after renovation. For reference, the body stripe color also differs between Set 1 (original) and Set 2 (renovated); Set 1’s stripe is lighter than Set 2’s.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve sometimes visited the Sunzu Line, but I never came across Set 1 until this May. I wonder why... but finally, here it is! I came across it at Mishima-hirokoji station (see the photo below). Set 1—I hope we’ll meet more often from now on. I feel relieved that I can finally introduce the original form of the Izu-Hakone Railway 7000 Series EMU.

Set 1 arriving at Mishima-Hirokoji Station

A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design: Part 2

Mocoron-themed hanging strap in the Odakyu Mocoron Train

I was very surprised when I checked the “Popular Posts of the Last Month” section on this blog. To my surprise, “A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design” was ranked number one. As I mentioned in that post, it was just a “trivial topic” for me, so I was amazed by the result. I always post about what I find interesting, without thinking much about popularity. Even so, it still feels a little strange to me.

Now, this is the second post about the “hanging strap with a unique design". Please take a look at the top photo. I found this strap inside Set 5055 of the EMU 5000 series on the Odakyu Line. It has two small, ear-like protrusions on the top of the ring. Doesn’t it look like someone? … It’s Mocoron!

What is Mocoron?

Mocoron is the mascot character of Odakyu Electric Railway. He (or she) is a blue rabbit who helps promote child-friendly services on the Odakyu Line. Mocoron likes riding trains and is always looking for something fun. Please take a look at the photo below. You can see a stuffed Mocoron sitting in the driver’s cab of Set 5055, which is called the “Mocoron Train”. So cute, isn’t it?

By the way, Odakyu has not officially announced where the Mocoron-themed hanging straps are installed. As far as I know, there is at least one strap in each car of the Mocoron Train. I also found some in a few sets of the EMU 8000 series. In addition to taking photos of trains or observing their bodies, it might be enjoyable to look for Mocoron straps when you ride Odakyu trains. Trainspotting has many small pleasures, doesn’t it?

Stuffed Mocoron sitting in the driver’s cab of the Odakyu Mocoron Train

Nippori after a Long Time

A train view from Shimogoindenbashi (the EMU JR East E7 series)

Do you have a tradition of visiting ancestral graves in your country? In Japan, yes. Many people do it twice a year in spring and autumn honoring their ancestors. From our perspective, it is not so much a religious activity as a custom. Anyway, I recently visited my maternal ancestors’ grave in Yanaka of Tokyo Metropolis. Yanaka is famous for many cemeteries.

After updating my ancestors on how things are going, I enjoyed strolling around. First, I found myself drawn to Shimogoindenbashi (Shimogoinden Bridge) in front of Nippori Station for the first time in ten years. As I posted before, Shimogoindenbashi is well known as a train viewing spot. JR East’s 12 tracks are seen from the bridge. A total of 2,500 trains run under the bridge per day, so, we can enjoy train viewing continuously there. The bridge was crowded with railfans, families and inbound tourists. Please take a look at the top photo. I shot the JR East’s E7 series shinkansen train running under the bridge. I've been taking pictures of the E7 series repeatedly, but there's something special about a long-distance train approaching its goal, Tokyo Terminal. The E7 series… thank you for your hard work.

Another spot I visited was a scenic cemetery on a hill near Nippori Station. I could see an airport access train, EMU AE series “Skyliner” traveling on the elevated track of the Keisei Line (see the photo below). I have passed through this cemetery many times, but this was the first time for viewing trains. Was it a guidance from my ancestors as a token of their appreciation?

The EMU Keisei AE series Skyliner traveling on the elevated track

Official information, ”Shimogoindenbashi Train Museum" by Arakawa Ward, Tokyo Metropolis (in Japanese):

https://www.city.arakawa.tokyo.jp/a022/shisetsuannai/kankouspot/nippori006.html

Railroad Speeder on the Keisei Line

Keisei's railroad speeder Unit M2591 at Keisei-Makuhari station yard

When I visited the Keisei-Matsudo Line in August, I spotted a rare sight—a railroad speeder, Unit M2591, parked in the Keisei-Makuhari station yard. I got off at the station and was able to observe it from the platform. Please check out the top photo.

Railroad speeder Unit M2591 is a diesel work vehicle built by Matsuyama Jyusharyo Kogyo (MJK). Coupled with rail transport wagons, M2591 carries rails for track maintenance. Its technical specifications are unclear, but it seems capable of hauling over 20 tons of freight. It mainly operates after midnight, once the last train has finished running, so to be honest, I had never seen M2591 in action before. It’s an unsung hero, isn’t it? Its bright yellow body really stood out in the sunlight—beautiful!

Incidentally, did you notice the panda illustration on the side of the speeder? Please take a look at the photo below. This is the mascot character of Keisei Electric Railway, “Keisei Panda.” According to Keisei, he was born as a prince of the House of Panda on Planet Panda. But since he was lazy, his father, King Panda, sent him to Earth for training. Today, he lives in Narita City and works at a zoo as a zookeeper. On the speeder, Keisei Panda is depicted wearing work clothes. You might feel that this version of Keisei Panda looks less cute and even a bit creepy. And that’s right—Keisei intentionally designed their mascot character to have a strong impact rather than just conventional cuteness.

Keisei’s mascot character “Keisei Panda”