Yamitetsu Part 2: Shinkiba Railyard

Night view of Shinkiba Railyard, with Set 6102 on the right

Do you remember my post about “yamitetsu” last month? Today, I’d like to share an update on my activities.

Let’s start with a quick overview. Yamitetsu refers to a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. The word is a blend of “yami” (meaning “darkness”) and “tetsu” (meaning “iron”). In Japanese, we call a railway "tetsudō", which literally means “iron road". Without realizing it, I’ve long enjoyed taking photos at underground stations, at night on the surface, and in other low-light settings. Still, I think of myself as just a beginner yamitetsu.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. I recently stopped by Tokyo Metro’s Shinkiba Railyard on the Yurakucho Line for a yamitetsu outing. I chose this spot because there’s a pedestrian bridge crossing the yard. On the bridge, a pleasant evening breeze made the air feel refreshing. Below, I saw many trains being readied for service. Under the yard lights, they gleamed beautifully—the Tokyo Metro 10000 and 17000 series EMUs, as well as the Seibu 40000 series, which directly operates onto the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line.

And one more… Set 6102 of the Tokyo Metro 6000 series! As you know, all 6000 series EMUs have already disappeared from Japanese tracks, but Set 6102 is still preserved here at the yard. Its interior lights were off, but its aluminum alloy body shone faintly under the floodlights. Set 6102, it’s been a while! How have you been?

View from a different angle, with Set 6102 in the right corner

Fringed Water-lily Field in Saitama City

EMU Saitama Railway 2000 series emerging from a tunnel

My outings to Saitama Prefecture won’t stop for a while. This time, my destination was Minuma-Hikawa Park in Saitama City, about 30 kilometers north of Tokyo. It isn’t a very well-known park, but I happened to learn about it on social media. Please take a look at the photo below. You can see yellow flowers with fringed petals—the fringed water-lily. It is an aquatic plant, like the water hyacinth I introduced before. Covering the surface of the pond like a carpet, it looks beautiful! But why were there no visitors other than me? Probably because the locals have seen this yellow carpet many times, so it becomes part of the everyday scenery.

Of course, I can’t finish without mentioning the railway side of things… since this is a railway blog! To reach Minuma-Hikawa Park, the nearest station is Urawa-Misono, the terminal of the Saitama Stadium Line operated by Saitama Railway (SR). SR is a joint public-private company established in 1992. The Saitama Stadium Line (formerly called the Saitama Railway Line) is the only route operated by SR. Connecting Akabane-Iwabuchi in Tokyo and Urawa-Misono in Saitama Prefecture, its total length is 14.6 kilometers. All the trains run directly onto the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, and some continue onto the Tokyu and Sotetsu lines. Most of the route is underground; however, Urawa-Misono is the only above-ground station on the line. Rail fans can enjoy watching trains emerge from the tunnel at the end of the platform. Please look at the top photo—I was able to photograph SR’s EMU 2000 series climbing the slope and coming toward me. It was spectacular!

Fringed water-lily flowers at Minuma-Hikawa Park, Saitama City

Official information about fringed water-lily flowers at Minuma-Hikawa Park by Saitama City (in Japanese):

https://t.co/i3LQv9wv7s」 / X

The 70th Anniversary of the Keibajo Line

EMU Keio 7000 series train with the Keibajo Line 70th-anniversary plate

Do you remember my post about the urban local route, the Keio-Keibajo Line (the Keio-Racecourse Line), last year? Today, I’d like to give you an update on this topic.

Let’s start with a quick look at the Keio-Keibajo Line. It’s a short branch of the Keio Main Line, connecting Higashi-Fuchu and Fuchu-keiba-seimonmae (the main gate of Fuchu Racecourse). The entire route is just 0.9 kilometers long. On weekdays, a 2-car train without conductors runs every 20 minutes. But on race days, it’s a completely different scene—many extra trains operate, including 10-car limited expresses straight from Shinjuku.

Now for the main topic. On April 29, Keio Electric Railway celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Keibajo Line. To mark the occasion, the company held several special events. One highlight was a commemorative plate mounted on the front of Set 7421 of the EMU 7000 series. Take a look at the top photo—you can see the number “70” along with a horseshoe design. That’s the Keibajo Line’s signature style!

Since I’m a total beginner when it comes to horse racing, let me instead share a little local scenery from along the route. Please check out the photo below. It shows a train passing by Kokubu Hachimangu Shrine. In front of the shrine, you can see a peaceful forest. A stone pillar and a torii gate stand quietly among the trees, welcoming visitors. The atmosphere is so calming. This place truly feels relaxing.

Happy 70th anniversary to the Keio-Keibajo Line!

EMU Keio 7000 series train passing by Kokubu Hachimangu Shrine

Graffiti? A Surprising Truth

“Graffiti?” on the doors of the Tokyu 6020-6050 series EMU

(Note: Photographed in the rain)

On September 8, rail fans were shocked on social media. Graffiti was spotted on a Tokyu train. And not just one or two marks—there were several all along the sides of the 6020-6050 series (6020 series, type 6050) EMU operating on the Ōimachi Line. What happened? Was it some kind of nasty prank?

Thankfully, ITmedia interviewed Tokyu Railways, and a surprising truth came to light. These weren’t graffiti at all, but part of a formal installation by Tokyu. Why? To improve the sensitivity of the automatic platform gate sensors! As I wrote before, the 6020-6050 series only debuted this May. Their bodies were still sparkling new… but apparently the shiny finish reduced the sensors’ accuracy. Of course, safe train operation is essential for any railway company, but it was still shocking to learn that spray left visible marks on the train’s exterior. According to Tokyu, they will work to make the residues less noticeable.

That’s reassuring. But I still have a question. The 6020-6050 series is the “little brother” of the 6020 series. As far as I know, no such issue has occurred with the older 6020 series. The only difference is the train formation: the 6020-6050 series is a five-car set, while the 6020 series is a seven-car set. That’s it. For an ordinary rail fan like me, it’s a difficult mystery to understand. To the engineers of Tokyu Railways… please restore the 6020–6050 series to its beautiful original state. I’m rooting for you!

An automatic platform gate at Ōimachi Station, the Tokyu-Ōimachi Line

Preserved Tobu Steam Locomotive in Miyashiro Town

Tobu B4 Class Unit 40 preserved in front of Miyashiro Town Office

I recently visited Miyashiro Town in Saitama Prefecture, about 50 kilometers north of Tokyo. Miyashiro isn’t very well-known, even among Japanese people. However, if you mention it as “the town of Tobu Zoological Park,” most people will recognize it—or rail enthusiasts may know it better as the home of the Nippon Institute of Technology, which has an industrial museum preserving valuable rolling stock.

This time, though, my destination in Miyashiro was neither the zoo nor the museum. Instead, I headed to the town office. Why? Because a historic steam locomotive is preserved right in front of the town hall. Take a look at the top photo: this is Unit 40 of the Tobu B4 Class. This locomotive was originally built in 1898 by Sharp, Stewart and Company in England for Japan’s first private railway company, Nippon Railway. It was later taken over by the Government Railways in 1906 and then transferred to Tobu Railway in 1922, where it became Unit 40 of the B4 Class.

The B4 Class is a 4-4-0 type (Whyte notation) steam locomotive with a tender. After years of hauling freight trains, it was retired in 1966 and moved to its current location at the Miyashiro Town Office in 1994. I’m not an expert on steam locomotives, but I was especially impressed by its elegant leading wheels and connecting rods (see the photo below).

If you’re interested, please also check out my previous posts on preserved Tobu steam locomotives: Class B1, Class B3, and Unit 1.

Side view of Unit 40

A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design

Sounyan-themed hanging strap, Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series

Sorry for the trivial topic today, but let me start with a question: Are there any hanging straps on commuter trains in your country? In Japan, yes, there are. Commuter trains in major cities are always crowded, so hanging straps are essential to keep passengers safe and prevent accidents. Here’s another question: Have you ever seen a hanging strap with a unique design in your country? In Japan, we have!

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so please take a look at the top photo. I found this strap inside Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series. It has two ear-like protrusions on top of the ring. Doesn’t it look like someone? ...It’s Sounyan! As I mentioned before, Sounyan is Sagami Railway’s (Sotetsu’s) mascot character. He helps create a friendly image for the railway and adds value to the Sotetsu Line. Sounyan is a cat and an official “employee” of Sotetsu, working in public relations. On this train, a Sounyan-themed strap is installed in part of one car. Isn’t that cute?

Incidentally, the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series was introduced in 1990. A total of 13 sets (130 cars) were built by Hitachi. Currently, six sets (60 cars) are still in service after undergoing refurbishments. For example, the headlights of Set 8713 have been relocated to the top of the cab, as seen in the photo below. I hope Set 8713, with its Sounyan-themed hanging strap, continues to operate for years to come.

Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series on the Izumino Line

New Sanrio Wrapping Train on the Keio Line

The third-generation Sanrio Wrapping Train on the Keio Line

I'm sorry this is a bit late, but Keio Electric Railway debuted the third-generation Sanrio Wrapping Train (also introduced as the Sanrio Poster Train in this blog) on March 10 this year. Let me introduce it today.

Let's start with a quick look at the Sanrio Wrapping Train. Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located near Keio Tama-Center Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line. To promote tourism to Sanrio Puroland, Keio Electric Railway, Sanrio Entertainment, and Tama City have been working together. For example, in 2016 Keio Tama-Center Station was renovated and themed as “the welcome station” for Sanrio Puroland. That same year, they launched the first-generation Sanrio Wrapping Train, followed by the second-generation train in 2018.

Please take a look at the top photo. This is the third-generation Sanrio Wrapping Train. Its blue-colored front with gold accents is striking. You can also see adorable Sanrio characters such as Kerokerokeroppi (pictured below) along the sides of the train. Train set 9731 of the EMU 9000 series has been decorated as the third-generation Sanrio Wrapping Train.

Now, here are two more details for enthusiastic trainspotters. First, train set 9731 has been refurbished, with upgrades to its interior, such as seats and floors, as well as updates to onboard equipment, including the auxiliary power unit and variable-frequency drive control system. Second, a special heart-shaped pink plate was displayed on the front of the train until April 21, as seen in the top photo.

I hope this introduction was enjoyable!

Kerokerokeroppi, a Sanrio character

Water Hyacinth Field in Kazo City

Unit 24436 of the EMU Tobu 20400 series

I can’t seem to stay away from Saitama Prefecture. After visiting Gyoda, my next destination was Kazo City, located about 60 kilometers north of Tokyo. So, what’s there to see?

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at the photo below: this is a vast water hyacinth field. Kazo City sits along the Tone River, the second-longest river in Japan, and is home to many aquatic plants. The water hyacinth is a striking example. Though it’s an invasive species that can block waterways in Japan, it’s often cultivated for its beautiful flowers. This particular field is carefully maintained by local residents, and I was deeply impressed by the countless light purple blossoms. It was a truly rewarding sight.

After enjoying the colorful scenery, I stopped by a bank of the Tone River to photograph Tobu trains. Take a look at the top photo. It’s a close-up shot of the lead car (Unit 24436) of the EMU Tobu 20400 series. Notice anything unusual? If so, you’re a true trainspotter. There are two faint outlines of former passenger doors on the car’s side. As I’ve written before, part of the 20400 series once operated in central Tokyo as the EMU 20000 series, with ten doors per car (five doors on per side). After refurbishment, the number of doors was reduced to six per car (three per side). As a train enthusiast, I like in choosing unique details like this as my subjects.

A large water hyacinth field in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture

Official information, Water Hyacinth Flowering Garden, Kazo City:

https://www-city-kazo-lg-jp.translate.goog/soshiki/ootone_nousei/sisetu/24363.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja

Yamitetsu: Photographing in the Dark

EMU Tokyo Metro 2000 series arrives at Yotsuya station

Are there any slang words that only railfans understand in your country? In Japan, there definitely are. For example, I’ve previously introduced the term “hansha-tetsu”, which refers to a railfan who loves taking photos of trains reflected in water, glass, or other surfaces. Today, I’d like to introduce another fun piece of railfan slang "yamitetsu".

Yamitetsu describes a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. In fact, I’m just a beginner yamitetsu myself.

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so please take a look at the top photo. This is one of the typical yamitetsu-style images. You can see a striking, red-colored train—the Tokyo Metro 2000 series—standing out against the darkness. Although this photo looks “simple”, it was actually taken by thinking outside the box. The EMU Tokyo Metro 2000 series is a subway train, and as I’ve mentioned before, subway trains are often frustrating subjects for photographers because they run underground in dimly lit tunnels. That’s why Yotsuya Station is so special. It’s one of the rare subway stations built above ground, making it bright and easy to shoot trains during the day. But I deliberately went out in the evening to shoot it in the dark—and unexpectedly captured this mystical, atmospheric image.

The second photo below is another example. This one was taken underground at Shinyokohama Station yard, one of my recommended spots for yami-tetsu fans. The tunnel there is illuminated by colorful lights, which created a stunning backdrop for this Tokyo Metro 9000 series train operating on the Tokyu Line.

EMU Tokyo Metro 9000 series leaves Shinyokohama station on the Tokyu line

Train Restaurant in Gyoda City

KuHa 703 of the EMU Tobu 5700 series, Mustard Seed Restaurant

I visited Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture again. What did I do this time? I stopped by a train restaurant!

Take a look at the top photo... this is “Mustard Seed,” a unique restaurant in Gyoda City built inside a retired Tobu Railway EMU 5700 series train. The 5700 series entered service in 1951 and ran as limited express, express, and special trains for about 40 years. A total of six sets (12 cars) were built by Nippon Sharyo, Kisha Seizo, and Naniwa Koki between 1951 and 1953.

There were two versions of the 5700 series... Early type (2 sets): Two large front windows and Late type (4 sets): Three front windows with a gangway.

The train-turned-restaurant is one of the late-type cars, specifically KuHa 703 and MoHa 5703 (the latter is out of the frame in this photo). I was especially glad to see the rare TT-3 bogie made by Toshiba (see the photo below). Originally, it featured a right-angle Cardan drive mechanism—quite a piece of railway history! If you’re curious about the early type, please check out my previous post as well.

Unfortunately, Mustard Seed was temporarily closed when I visited, which was a pity. Still, I was kindly allowed to photograph this beautiful train and had a wonderful chat with the Chairperson of the KuHa 703 Preservation Society, who was tending the garden. Thanks to him, I learned a lot about the train and the restaurant’s history. Thank you so much, Chairperson! I’ll be back again.

TT-3 bogie

Official Website, Mustard Seed Restaurant (in Japanese):

https://www.sanai-u.com/mustardseed/