B.B.Base: The Unique Train for Cyclists

Trainset J1 of the EMU JR East 209-2200 series, "B.B.Base"

I recently had an opportunity to take the JR East-Sobu line. When the train left Makuhari-hongo station in Chiba City, I found a super rare train, “B.B.Base” in the railyard. I didn't hesitate to get off the train at the next station, and turned back to Makuhari-hongo to shoot B.B.Base.

B.B.Base is a unique train for cyclists. Passengers can take their bicycles onboard, and just place them on the bicycle racks. B.B.Base is operated between Ryogoku in the central area of Tokyo and Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture on weekends. Official name of B.B.Base is trainset J1 of the EMU JR East 209-2200 series, “Boso Bicycle Base”. It’s composed of 6 cars (4 motorcars and 2 trailers). Each car, except Car number 4, can accommodate up to 19 or 20 passengers and the same number of bicycles. Car number ４is a free space where passengers can interact each other. Long benches are equipped. B.B.Base was originally built as a commuter train. After operating on the Keihin-Tohoku and Nambu lines, it was modified to B.B.Base in 2017. Its technical specifications are basically same as the other 209-2200 series.

By the way, you may have a question for me, “Have you ever ridden B.B.Base?” or “Why do you not shoot B.B.Base during the commercial operation?” That’s a tough question. Well, B.B. base leaves Ryogoku terminal early morning, but I'm not a morning person. I don’t like panting exercise like cycling. I've been busy lately especially on the weekends… Excuses, excuses.

Close up of B.B.Base

Official information about B.B.Base by JR East:

https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/joyful/bbbase.html

Trainspotting at the Underground Station

Set 4651 of the EMU 4000 series stands at Mitsuzawa-shimocho station.

The Japan Meteorological Agency made an announcement that this year's rainy season ended on July 18th in the metropolitan area. It means that 2025 mid-summer has begun. The maximum daytime temperature is often over 35 degrees Celsius. I want to evacuate from the urban "heat island" and enjoy railways on the cool plateau, but I’m a bit busy this summer. Instead, I visited an underground track for trainspotting. As you know, it’s a little cooler than the surface track because we can avoid direct sunlight underground. What’s more, many underground stations in the metropolitan area are airconditioned. I have no choice but to go.

My destination was Mitsuzawa-shimocho station on the Blue line of Yokohama Municipal Subway. Why? Trainspotters like me wish to shoot the whole train including the bogies. For that purpose, I have to find a suitable underground station. Firstly, a station having two separate platforms serving two tracks is an idealized condition, because I can shoot the whole train including bogies from the opposite platform. “Every exit is an entry to somewhere else.” Next, I have to carefully choose a station without pillars between the two tracks, because pillars block the view. In conclusion, Mitsuzawa-shimocho is an idealized spot.

Please look at the top photo. The EMU 4000 series stands at Mitsuzawa-shimocho station. What’ new with this train? I found a large, rounded sticker on the front. Yokohama City is preparing for a major event, “GREEN×EXPO 2027”. This sticker will generate enthusiasm for the EXPO (see the photo below).

GREEN x EXPO2027 sticker on the front of the EMU 4000 series 

EMU "Seibu" 8000 Series: Start of Commercial Operation

Set 8103 of the EMU Seibu 8000 series travels on the Haijima line

Do you remember when I introduced you to Seibu Railway’s new train, which was purchased from Odakyu Electric Railway as the second-hand train. Three months have passed since then, and Seibu put into commercial operation of that commuter train under the name of “Seibu” 8000 series (see the top photo).

Let me review the history of this train in the Odakyu era to start. The Seibu 8000 series originally debuted as the EMU “Odakyu” 8000 series in 1983. A total of 32 sets, 160 units, were built by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It’s the oldest train in operation on the Odakyu line, and also known as the last of the steel body commuter trains on the line. Incidentally, the 8000 series implemented a variable frequency drive electric control system after the renovation.

41 years later, it was decided that a total of 7 sets, 42 units, of the Odakyu 8000 series would be transferred to Seibu Railway. It will save the acquisition cost of new trains for Seibu Railway. Furthermore, it will save the maintenance cost for train operations, as the variable frequency drive is equipped on the 8000 series. As you know, this system saves electricity consumption.

Lastly, please don’t forget that the EMU Odakyu 8000 series is still being operated on the Odakyu line (see the photo below). It’s happy for railfans like me, as we can ride and compare the Odakyu 8000 and the Seibu 8000 models. I hope the two kinds of 8000 series will be operated as long as possible.

Set 8262 of the EMU Odakyu 8000 series travels on the Odawara line

Official information about the EMU Seibu 8000 series (in Japanese):

https://www.seiburailway.jp/railway/encyclopedia/8000/

Seijo Corty: My Neaby Train Observation Deck

View from the train observation deck of Seijo Corty shopping mall

I am not a native English speaker, so, posting blogs in English is a good opportunity to learn foreign language. I recently learnt a proverb, "It's hard to see what is right under your nose". I would like to memorize this proverb using a real example. 

Last week, I visited Seijo-gakuenmae in my neighborhood for shopping. After shopping, I stopped by a roof garden on the Seijo Corty Shopping Mall. It’s close to my house, but it was my first visit. As soon as I arrived at the garden, I found a nice train observation deck. I didn't know there was such a nice spot nearby my house. “It's hard to see what is right under your nose.” That's exactly how it is.

Enough with the preamble, please look at the top photo. You can see a straight quadruple track on the Odakyu line. Two trains are traveling together. They are the EMU Tokyo Metro 16000 series (left) and the Odakyu 8000 series (right). The former is traveling on the express train track. On the other hand, the latter is travelling on the local train track. They are beautifully shining bathing in the afternoon sun. Don’t you get excited? Even better, there are comfortable benches surrounded by trees on this deck. Sitting on the bench, I could enjoy relaxing time.

Incidentally, please check out my previous posts on the train observation decks in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well, if you have time. Shimogoindenbashi, Kitatopia, Shibuya Hikarie, Horinouchi, Fuefuki… and so on.

 Roof garden of Seijo Corty shopping mall is surrounded by trees

EMU 3200 Series: New Model on the Keisei Line

Set 3204+Unit 3205+Unit 3206 of the EMU Keisei 3200 series

Along with Tobu Railway, Keisei Electric Railway also put into commission a new commuter train. Its name is the EMU 3200 series.

Let me review Keisei Electric Railway to start. It’s one of the major private railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Keisei absorbed Shin-Keisei Electric Railway this year, and owns a total of 178.8-kilometer-long railway network in the eastern part of Tokyo and the northern Chiba Prefecture. The Narita airport access express, "Skyliner", is famous for being Keisei's flagship train.

Now, let's head to the main topic. The first set of the EMU 3200 series debuted on February 22nd. Keisei plans to introduce a total of 90 units of the 3200 series. The main concept of the 3200 series is to improve operational flexibility. One trainset is basically composed of 8 cars, but can be operated as 6 or 4-car train as well. As you know, Keisei experienced drastic decreasing of passengers bound for Narita Airport during the COVID-19 calamity. In contrast, number of inbound tourists, who take the Keisei line between from Narita Airport to the downtown Tokyo area, has drastically increased since 2023. The operational flexibility depending on the situation is essential for Keisei. For that purpose, we can see the coupling between driver’s cab side of the leading car and the middle car on the 3200 series (see the photo below). This type of irregular train formation is hardly seen in recent years in Tokyo. Finding such rarity is the greatest pleasure for trainspotters like me.

Coupling between the middle car (left) and driver’s cab side of the leading car (right)

Official information about the EMU 3200 series by Keisei Electric Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.keisei.co.jp/cms/files/keisei/MASTER/0110/NNw70bV7.pdf

Shinmachi Railyard in the Twilight

Set 1469 of the EMU Keikyu 1000 series leaves Shinmachi Railyard

I recently visited Yokohama City as I had some errands to run. After finishing my meeting, I stopped by Shinmachi Railyard near Kanagawa-shinmachi station on the Keikyu line to enjoy strolling. I spent a lot of time in the downtown area, so, by the time I got off the train at Kanagawa-shinmachi station, the sun had completely set. It was around 7 o’clock at night. It was very hot during the day, but the breeze was nice and refreshing in the evening.

As soon as I reached the railway crossing adjacent to Shinmachi Railyard, what jumped into my eyes were many trains preparing for leaving. They were the EMU 1000 and the 1500 series. These red-colored trains are of course beautiful during the daytime, but they have mysterious charms in the evening as well. They were shining under the illumination and the signal lights. I love the contrast between the red-colored trains and the dark-blue-colored twilight sky. I had a relaxing time.

Incidentally, Shinmachi Railyard is the second largest depot on the Keikyu lines. It was opened in 1953, and can accommodate up to 250 units of trains. They are the EMU 600, 1000 and 1500 series trains. The work trains, named DeTo 11, 12, 17 and 18, also belong to this railyard. This railyard performs maintenance and inspection of 4 and 6-car trains. One more aspect to remember about this railyard is a washing machine. There is an automatic train washing machine. Thanks to the machine, Keikyu trains are always shining.

Shinmachi Railyard in the twilight

Preparation for ATO: Keio-Inokashira Line

 Trainset 1729 of the EMU Keio 1000 series (after ATO modification)

As I posted before, Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase. Railway companies can't keep their arms crossed in this situation. Railway companies have to recruit staff, but not so easy.

ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system is considered as one of the solutions. This technology has already been applied to subways, monorails and so on. Completely unattended trains are operated on the newly constructed AGT lines such as Yurikamome and Nippori-Toneri Liner. It seems easy at first glance, but not so on the traditional routes. Suppose we consider the case of the Keio-Inokashira line. There are many railway crossings. Not only local, but also express trains are operated. These issues are complicated.

Keio Electric Railway aims for Level GoA2 of ATO and conducts verification tests. At the GoA2, only one crew is required on board mainly for train starting and safety monitoring. In parallel, modification of the trains has started. Trainset 1729 of the EMU 1000 series has just been modified. There are many modifications on the train, but I would like to point out two portions as a trainspotter. First, please look at the top photo. The car number “1779” on the front was moved from the gangway to the upper right. Second, please look at the photo below. The window on the partition door between the driver’s cab and the passenger’s cabin became lower. Kids can easily enjoy scenic views through the frontal window of the train. It’s the best solution to secure the future railway employees!

The window on the partition door becomes lower.

Official information about the ATO verification test by Keio Electric Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.keio.co.jp/news/update/news_release/news_release2024/pdf/nr20250306_jidouunten.pdf

Rotating and Lifting Observation Tower on Mt. Yahiko

Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower

Let me continue from where I left off my last post. After getting off Yahiko-yama Climbing Car at the summit park, I enjoyed a superb view for a while. It was a precious time for me, but there was more spectacle lookout on this mountain. Please look at the top photo. There is a columnar tower with a cylindrical observation deck. What’s that?

The answer is “Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower”. It’s a rotating and lifting observation tower beside the climbing car. The cylindrical observation deck rotates and climbs up the columnar tower. The height is 85 meters. The top is around 605 meters above sea level, which is higher than the top of Yahiko-yama Climbing Car track. Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower was constructed at the same time as Yahiko-yama Climbing Car in 1970 by Yahiko-yama Ropeway Company. It’s the oldest rotating and lifting tower in Japan. The observation deck can accommodate 52 passengers. It’s operated every 15 minutes. It’s an eight-minute trip. Pets are welcome at no extra charge. Such a wonderful offer.

Please look at the photo below. I’m fond of this retro atmosphere. Moreover, the operating sound of the cylindrical observation deck was somehow it feels nostalgic. It made unique rattling sound. The seat in the observation deck is covered with red-colored moquette. It looks like an old commuter train in Tokyo. I fully enjoyed the stunning 360-degree panorama of Niigata Plain, Sado Island and Sea of Japan. Time flies when I am having fun. Eight minutes just flew past me.

Interior of the observation deck, Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower

Official website, Yahiko-yama Ropeway (in Japanese):

https://www.hotel-juraku.co.jp/yahiko/

Retro Climbing Car in Niigata Prefecture

Yahiko-yama Climbing Car in Niigata Prefecture

After returning from my trip to Miyazaki Prefecture, I visited Niigata Prefecture. It was a family time, so, I was temporally shelving my trainspotting activities, but actually, I was drawn in by a retro climbing car on Mt. Yahiko.

Let me review Mt. Yahiko to start. It’s a sheer mountain with a great view in Niigata Prefecture, some 300 kilometers north of Tokyo. The summit rises 634 meters out of the sea. The easiest way to get to the summit is to use a gondola called “Yahiko-yama Ropeway”. I used it eleven years ago for the first time. Please review my previous post.

So, what’s new with this post? To tell the truth, “Sancho (summit) station” of the gondola is not located at the summit of Mt. Yahiko. We can climb up to a higher spot by a climbing car. Please look at the top photo. You can see a retro vehicle, “Yahiko-yama Climbing Car”, on the mountain. Yahiko-yama Climbing Car was constructed in 1970 by Yahiko-yama Ropeway Company. It’s neither a funicular or a monorail. It’s an inclined elevator. Connecting the parking lot and the mountain park, its route length is 62.4 meters. The inclination is 50 degrees. The vehicle can accommodate 30 passengers. It's operated with a speed of 0.75 meters per second, so it takes about one minute to the mountain park.

Next, please look at the photo below. Aren’t you wondering about the camera angle? The camera seems to be located above the climbing car. Is there any higher place? To be continued…

The vehicle of the Yahiko-yama Climbing Car arrives at the mountain park 

20 Years Anniversary of the TX Line

Set number 2651 of the EMU TX-2000 series displays the 20th anniversary plate

On August 24th, Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Tsukuba Express line (hereafter TX line). In commemoration, the company is holding many events.

Let me review the TX line to start. It’s a 58.3-kilometer-long route connecting Akihabara and Tsukuba. Akihabara is located downtown Tokyo and known as “Otaku” town. Otaku is a Japanese word that describes people with consuming anime, video games, computers or other highly enthusiastic hobbies. In contrast, Tsukuba is the science city of the metropolitan area. A number of national and private research institutes are located there. The TX line was opened in 2005 and plays a role of the “2nd Joban line”. The track is double and electrified. 

One of the 20th anniversary events is special memorial plates on the front of the trains. Please look at the photos. They are set number 2651 and 2667 of the EMU TX-2000 series. It’s a DC-AC (direct current and alternate current) dual electric system train, because the electric system of the TX line is partly 1,500V DC (Akihabara-Moriya) and partly 20,000V-50Hz AC (Moriya-Tsukuba). Its maximum speed is 130 kilometers per hour. Set number 2651, which is the 1st batch trains debuted in 2005, doesn’t have a red stripe on the front. On the other hand, set number 2667, which is the 2nd batch trains debuted in 2008, has a red stripe on the front. Please enjoy the subtle differences in each train. I know that you are an enthusiastic trainspotter like me. Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the TX line!

Set number 2667 of the EMU TX-2000 series displays the 20th anniversary plate

Official website, "the 20th anniversary of the TX line" by Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company (in Japanese):

https://www.mir.co.jp/tx20/

Railfan’s Super Lucky Day

JR East’s three trains travel side by side on the Sobu line

This is quite sudden but just imagine. You learned through social media that your favorite idol is in your nearest station. You take your camera to the station and wait for him (or her) at a spot with a good view for a while. Five minutes later, you find that he (or she) is walking toward you. Then, you realize that the idol isn’t alone. He (or she) is together with two other famous, good-looking idols. What a stroke of luck! You succeed in taking a picture of the three idols in a single image.

What do I want to say? Sorry. My metaphor was a bit long-winded. Please replace “idol” with “train”. That's what happened to me. Seeing is believing. Please look at the top photo. JR East’s three trains, namely the DMU KiYa E195 series (left), the EMU E259 series (center) and the EMU E231-500 series (right), are traveling together. The KiYa E195 is the rail carrying train… very rare. The E259 is the good-looking airport access train. And the E231-500 is the famous commuter train on the Chuo-Sobu Local line. I succeeded in taking a picture of the three trains in a single image at Hirai station on the Sobu line. That was my super lucky day. I'm still buzzing with excitement. I think you'd understand my emotions if you are also a railfan.

Incidentally, I’m showing the other important train on the Sobu line, namely EMU E235-1000 series, in the photo below for your information.

EMU JR East E235-1000 series (left) and E231-500 series (right)

Nostalgic but New Train on Kyushu Island

EMU JR Kyushu 713 series, "Sunshine Miyazaki", stands at Miyazaki station

This is a continuation of my recent trip to Miyazaki Prefecture. On my way back to Miyazaki Airport, I came across an old, red-colored train stopping at Miyazaki station (see the top photo). What was that? The answer is the EMU JR Kyushu 713 series.

The 713 series was developed by the Japanese National Railways (hereafter JNR) in 1983. It’s a standard commuter train for the 1,067 millimeter-gauge track with a 20,000 V-60 Hz AC (alternate current) electric system. One set is composed of one motorcar and one trailer (1M1T). What was new with this train? The 713 series is the first train equipped with a regenerative braking system for AC tracks. It was a great achievement by JNR, but the good news didn't last forever. JNR faced a financial crisis and cancelled the mass production of this advanced train. A total of only 4 sets were built by Tokyu Sharyo and Hitachi after all. After the privatization and separation of JNR, all sets of the 713 series were transferred to JR Kyushu. Currently, they are operated on the Nippo Main, Nichinan and Miyazaki Airport lines.

I liked this ex-JNR trains. You can see the character of the so-called "JNR-type" EMUs in the front design. It has two large, rounded lights, panoramic windows and a gangway connection. The hem of the body is squeezed. On the other hand, the 713 series obtained JR Kyushu’s own color design after the modification in 1996. It was reborn into the vivid, red-colored train. Its nickname is “Sunshine Miyazaki”.

Side view of the EMU 713 series, "Sunshine Miyazaki"

“Shin-Keisei” Update: Merger with Keisei

Trainset 8807 of the EMU ex-Shin-Keisei 8800 series (Keisei color) 

On April 1st, Shin-Keisei Electric Railway Company was merged by Keisei Electric Railway Company. How are the ex-Shin-Keisei and Keisei lines going? I recently visited these lines and saw them with my own eyes.

To start, let me review Shin-Keisei Electric Railway Company (hereafter Shin-Keisei). It was established in 1946 as an affiliate firm of Keisei Electric Railway Company (hereafter Keisei). Shin-Keisei fully opened a 26.5-kilometer-long railway route between Matsudo and Keisei-Tsudanuma in 1955. Shin-Keisei then became a fully owned subsidiary of Keisei in 2022 through a share exchange. This year, Keisei absorbed Shin-Keisei and became the larger Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd. It's expected to maximize synergies by making faster decisions. The new name of the ex-Shin-Keisei line is the “Keisei-Matsudo line”.

Now, let's head to the main topic. I found that the body colors of the trains on the Keisei-Matsudo line started changing. Please look at the top photo. It’s trainset 8807 of the EMU 8800 series. It was pink and white two-toned in the Shin-Keisei era but is now light gray color with red and blue-colored stripes, so-called “Keisei color”. This color change will be applied to all the ex-Shin-Keisei trains little by little. On the other hand, the changes of the Keisei lines were small. New railway maps including the "Matsudo line” were put up in the trains and the stations. Also, I came across a train displaying the commemoration plate on the front (see the photo below). It’s trainset 3030 of the EMU 3000 series. The plate says, “Hello Matsudo line”.

Trainset 3030 of the EMU Keisei 3000 series displays the commemoration plate

Official railway map by Keisei Electric Railway:

https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/traffic/pdf/railmap.pdf

Preserved DMU in Takachiho Town

DMU ex-Takachiho Railway TR-300 series is preserved in Takachiho Town

This is a continuation of my recent trip to Miyazaki Prefecture. After enjoying the train inn and the spectacular gorge, I headed a shochu (a kind of Japanese liquors) brewery nearby Takachiho Gorge. For what? Do I like shochu? Of course I love it, but not only that. The answer is to observe a preserved DMU. You may remember when I posted about the preserved steam locomotive in a shochu brewery last year. At that time, the beautiful photos were provided by a Danish railfan, Nicolai Okkels. After looking his photos, I noticed that one more railway vehicle is preserved that site. It means I have to go.

Please look at the top photo. They’re Unit TR-301 and 302 of the DMU ex-Takachiho Railway TR-300 series. It was built by Niigata Engineering in 1991 and commissioned as a reserved seat sightseeing train, “Takachiho”. Each unit has a 183kW diesel engine with a fluid transmission system. It looks a fixed two-car trainset, but as a matter of fact, it was operated connecting with the TR-100 series.　To be precise, the EMU TR-300 series was separated into individual unit and being connected with one unit of the TR-100 series.

After operating 12 years, the TR-300 series was retired from the track in 2003. It’s currently used as a rest area in the shochu brewery (see the photo below). I stopped by there after shopping. I couldn’t drink shochu as I had to drive a rent-a-car at that time but could relax for a while sitting on the comfortable seat.

Interior of the DMU TR-300 series

Official information about the preserved DMU TR-300 series by the shochu brewery:

https://tonnerunoeki.com/en/train

The 100th Anniversary of the Setagaya Line

Set 305 of the electric car Tokyu 300 series displays the 100th anniversary sticker

On May 1st, Tokyu Railways celebrated the 100th anniversary of their Setagaya line. In commemoration, Tokyu held many events locally.

Let me review the Setagaya line. It’s a route based on Tramways Act. Connecting Sangenjaya on the Tokyu-Denentoshi line and Shimo-Takaido on the Keio line. The total operating length is 5.0 kilometers and the whole route is a double track. The electric system is 600 V DC. The gauge size is 1,372 millimeters. The Setagaya line was originally opened in 1925 as a branch route of the Tamagawa line (hereafter Tamaden). The main route, Tamaden, was opened in 1907 connecting Shibuya and Futako-tamagawa via Sangenjaya. Tamaden was constructed as a shared track on National Highway No.246, so that unfortunately abolished in 1969 due to heavy traffic jams. On the other hand, the Setagaya line was constructed as an exclusive track, so that only the branch route (Setagaya line) was survived.

One of the 100th anniversary events is special memorial stickers on the trams. Please look at the top photo. It’s Set 305 of the electric car 300 series displaying the special rounded memorial sticker on the front. It’s definitely beautiful but wait a moment. Something is lacking. Speaking of the 300 series, why don’t I shoot Tamaden-colored Set 301 as well? As I posted before, Set 301 is the representative tramcar on the Setagaya line. That’s why I again visited Yamashita stop at a later date and shot the Set 301 (see the photo below). Rail-fans are sticklers for detail of their photo subjects, aren’t they?

Set 301 (Tamaden color) arrives at Yamashita stop on the Setagaya line

Official information about the 100th anniversary of the Setagaya line by Tokyu Railways (in Japanese):

https://www.tokyu.co.jp/company/information/pdf/20250416_setagayasen100_d.pdf

Train Inn and Spectacular Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture

Unit TR-105 of the diesel railcar TR-100 series is reused as a train inn

This is a continuation from my post on June 6th. After observing JR Freight’s mini locomotive at Nobeoka station, I headed to Takachiho Town in the northwestern part of Miyazaki Prefecture. Takachiho is famous for its stunning natural scenery.

On the way to Takachiho, I found trains along the road. What are those? The answer was a train inn. There was a railway named Takachiho line until 2005 in this area. It had been operated by a local company Takachiho Railway but unfortunately abolished in 2008 due to the severe damage by Typhoon number 14. One of local towns, Hinokage Town, took over two diesel railcars and opened a train inn named “TR Train Inn” along the ex-track. For your information, “TR” stands for Takachiho Railway. These railcars are Unit TR-104 and 105 of the TR-100 series built by Niigata Engineering in 1989. The TR-100 series is a 15.8-meter-long railcar equipped with a 183kW diesel engine and a fluid transmission system. For more information about this unique train inn, please check out the bottom of this post.

After observing the lovely train inn, I visited Takachiho Gorge, a deep canyon formed by Gokase River. I could see picturesque columnar joints on the walls of the valley. These joints remind visitors of rapidly cooled basalt or andesite lavas, but actually, the host rock is welded tuff erupted from Mt. Aso about 130,000 years ago. That’s very rare. I enjoyed both the train inn and the spectacular gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture.

Beautiful columnar joints are seen within the welded tuff at Takachiho Gorge

Official website, "TR Train Inn" at ex-Hinokage-onsen station (in Japanese):

https://hinokagecho.com/hinokageonsen-inn.html

EMU 80000 Series: New Model on the Urban Park Line

EMU Tobu 80000 series travels on the Urban Park line

You may remember when I posted about the name change of the Tobu-Noda line in before. Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase. Railway companies are in competition to attract passengers and have to improve the value of their lines. For that purpose, Tobu Railway gave a nickname of their "Noda line" to "Urban Park line" in 2014. What do you think about the new name, “Urban Park line”? Is it sophisticated? To be honest, I wonder why Japanese people are eager to use English words for their shops', restaurants' and companies' names... even for railway stations' and railway lines' names. 

Enough with the preamble, let's get down to the main topic. I recently understood that Tobu continues improving the value of their lines very seriously. Not only just the name of the line but also the train itself on the line. In token of that, Tobu launched a new sophisticated commuter train, the EMU 80000 series, onto their Urban Park line this year. It's been 12 years since the last model, the EMU 60000 series, debuted. What’s special about the 80000 series? It has an area for families with children. There is a unique seat with a baby stroller parking area named “Tanoseat” (see the photo below). Tanoseat is a compound word of Tanoshii (fun) in Japanese and Seat in English.  A family gets together at Tanoseat, it will be so much fun. I’m running out of space on the page. With regard to the technical specifications of the 80000 series, I’m going to post near future.

"Tanoseat" of the EMU Tobu 80000 series

Official information about the EMU 80000 series by Tobu Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.tobu.co.jp/cms-pdf/releases/202404161247115gFjCdYsG3H5MfjtzUEqxQ.pdf

2025 Hydrangea Season on the Keio-Inokashira Line

Hydrangea flowers and the EMU Keio 1000 series near Hamadayama station

On June 10th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that this year's rainy season had begun in the metropolitan area. As I posted every year, we have hot and humid days in the metropolitan area from early June to mid-July. At times like that, the only thing that saves my gloomy feelings before midsummer is viewing hydrangeas which come into flower this season. This year, I visited two beautiful spots on the Keio-Inokashira line.

First, I got off the train at Hamadayama station. Full-blown hydrangeas were seen here and there along the railway track near the station. Furthermore, I saw many photo lovers shooting the flowers and the trains. We gave each other space and shot the flowers and trains. Please look at the top photo. In addition to the classic purple flowers, the pink-colored ones are vivid, aren’t they? The passing train is Set 1771 of the EMU Keio 1000 series, which displays the special hydrangea plate on the front. That’s so picturesque.

After enjoying around Hamadayama station, I stopped by Meidaimae station and tried to shoot the full-blown hydrangeas on the embankments of the track. Please look at the photo below. Keio has been working on planting hydrangeas on the embankments of the railways to prevent slope failure and protect the environment since 1991. This is my favorite spot where I visited in 2012 and 2015 as well. My recent visit was for the first time in ten years, but the I found that the embankments were still beautifully maintained.

Hydrangea flowers and the EMU Keio 1000 series near Meidaimae Station

News from Indonesia: Revival of "JALITA"

8618F of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series, "JALITA" in Indonesia

Photo: Faris Fadhli

This is a continuation from my post on June 3rd. My thanks again go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent picture.

On April 22nd, the 100th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian electric railways was held in Jakarta. Many special trains such as the old electric locomotive “Bonbon” were operated in the Jakarta area. Along with Bonbon, “JALITA" was also stood out on that day. What’s JALITA? It’s a special commuter trainset named by the Transport Minister of Indonesia in 2009 celebrating establishment of the new commuter railway company in the Jakarta metropolitan area. It had a unique tri-toned face (red, black and silver, see the top photo). There are differing opinions on the origin of JALITA. One of them is that JALITA stands for “Jalur Lingkar Jakarta”, in Indonesian, which means Jakarta Loop Line. Another one is that JALITA stands for “Jalan Jalan Lintas Jakarta”, in Indonesian, which means strolling on the Jakarta line. According to a Japanese rail-fan blogger residing in Jakarta, “Pakuan Kyuko (Pakuan Express)”, the latter is correct.

Incidentally, the original JALITA was Trainset 8613 of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series (hereafter 8613F). 8613F was transferred from Japan to Indonesia as a second-hand train in 2009. It was then changed its body color in 2013. 8613F has already been retired from the track in Indonesia as well, but instead, the last survivor of the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, namely Trainset 8618 (hereafter 8618F), became the JALITA-colored train this time. You can also see what 8618F was 16 years ago in the photo below. JALITA… welcome back.

8618F arrives at Jakarta Kota station (February 21st, 2009)

Disney Resort Line: 2025 Update

A side view of "Duffy and Friends Colorful Happiness Liner", Set 104 of Type-C

I visited the Disney Resort line for the first time in a year and a half. What's new with this monorail line in the dream and magic kingdom?

Let's take a quick look at the Disney Resort line to start. It's a straddle type monorail line opened in 2001. The route is a looped single track running through Disney amusement facilities, official hotels and JR East Maihama station. The electric system is 1,500V DC. There are four stations over the total operating length of 5.0 kilometers. 6-car trains run counterclockwise throughout the day.

Let's get down to the main topic. Which do you prefer? The good news first or the sad news first? The good news is starting operation of “Duffy and Friends Colorful Happiness Liner”. This year is the 20th anniversary of Duffy and Friends in Tokyo Disney Resort. In commemoration, a special poster train named Duffy and Friends Colorful Happiness Liner debuted on April 8th using Set 101 of the EMU 100 series (Type-C). You can see the characters of Duffy and Friends on the side bodies.

The sad news is the retirement of the EMU 10 series (Type-X). Type-X was the first model on the Disney Resort line, which debuted in 2001. 19 years later, a new model namely Type-C debuted in 2020, and had been replacing Type-X. The final survivor of the Type-X train, namely Set 4, was retired from the track in September last year, while it was missed by rail-fans. Thank you and good-bye to the Type-X trains.

"Duffy and Friends Colorful Happiness Liner" arrives at Tokyo Disneyland station

Official website, the Disney Resort line:

https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdr/resortline.html

Mini Locomotive on Kyushu Island

JR Freight's diesel locomotive Unit 51 of the Class DB500 (DB500-51)

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but I’m going to follow up and post about my recent visit to Miyazaki Prefecture today.

I took JR Kyushu’s limited express train “Hyuga” at Miyazaki Airport station and headed north. My destination was Nobeoka City in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture. When I got off the train at Nobeoka station, I found an unfamiliar locomotive in the station yard. What’s that? The answer was JR Freight’s diesel locomotive “Class DB500”. JR Freight (JRF) is one of the JR group railway companies. Unlike the other JR group companies, JRF operates their freight trains on a nationwide scale using the other JR group companies' tracks.

The Class DB500 was commissioned in 2016 as a switcher for freight stations.  As I posted before, JRF launched a hybrid switcher, Class HD300, in 2011. It’s a silent and eco-friendly locomotive, but too big for small freight stations. JRF then developed a small switcher Class DB500 for small freight stations. It’s only 7.65 meters long and weighs 26,900 kilograms. A total of four units were built by Hokuriku Heavy Industries. Two of them belong to freight stations on Kyushu Island. With regard to the technical specifications, Class DB500 is classifies as a hydraulic diesel locomotive with an axis arrangement A-A (JNR notation). Unit 51 (see the photos) is equipped with a diesel engine made by Volvo and can pull up to 500,000 kilograms cargo container wagons within freight station yards.

Class DB500… it’s a mini locomotive but a hard worker, isn’t it?

Diesel locomotive DB500-51 and container cars stand at Nobeoka freight station