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 they are no longer impressed.

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/

Night-time Walk on the Enoshima Line

 EMU Odakyu 30000 series, Romancecar EXE, travels on the Enoshima line

My summer night-time walk continued, with my next destination being Enoshima Island in Kanagawa Prefecture.

As I mentioned before, Enoshima Island is a well-known sightseeing spot in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is located about 60 kilometers southwest of central Tokyo. One of the island’s most popular seasonal events is the Enoshima Lantern Festival, where visitors can enjoy countless lanterns illuminating streets, parks, and shrines. This year, I visited the festival for the first time in eight years. After strolling around the island, I climbed the Enoshima Sea Candle (Enoshima Observation Lighthouse) and enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the glowing lanterns (see photo below).

Of course, I can’t finish without mentioning the railway side of things… since this is a railway blog! To reach Enoshima Island, the nearest station is Katase-Enoshima, the terminal of the Odakyu Enoshima Line. Before heading to the island, I did some train photography near the station. My target was the EMU Odakyu 30000 series, Romancecar EXE (Excellent Express). As I wrote before, the EXE is the first multipurpose Romancecar, introduced in 1996. Each trainset can be divided into six- and four-car sections to improve operational flexibility.

This time, I captured a four-car EXE trainset led by its streamlined front car. Finding a good shooting spot can be tricky, especially if I want to shoot in front-light conditions. Fortunately, I remembered the location where I photographed the EMU 60000 series back in March, so I could successfully take this shot as well (see top photo). As a trainspotter, I’m particular about photographing trains I haven’t captured yet. You feel the same way too, don’t you?

Night view from Enoshima Sea Candle (Enoshima Observation Lighthouse)

Official information about "Enoshima Lanterns 2025" by Shonan Fujisawa Revitalization Consortium (in Japanese):

https://enoshima-seacandle.com/event/enoshimatourou/

Night-time Walk on the Ooedo Line

EMU Toei 12-000 series departing Ueno-Okachimachi Station on the Ooedo Line

It’s already late August, but the lingering summer heat is still intense. The daytime high in Tokyo has been over 35 degrees Celsius almost every day. To avoid the harsh sunlight, I enjoyed a night-time walk in the metropolitan area.

My destination this time was Harumi Port Park. It was part of the Athletes’ Village during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The park features fountains, a café, a playground, and a seaside terrace overlooking the Rainbow Bridge and central Tokyo’s waterfront. I also saw the illuminated “TOKYO” wordmark monument glowing in white light (see photo below). The sea breeze at night was pleasant and refreshing.

The nearest station to this scenic port park is Kachidoki on the Toei Ooedo Line. This subway line is known as a “linear motor subway.” Linear motor technology is used in its propulsion system. Unlike a conventional rotary motor, a linear motor has no shaft and generates motion in a straight line. This innovation allowed for a smaller tunnel cross-section.

The line first opened in 1991 with a short 3.8-kilometer section between Hikarigaoka and Nerima. It was extended to Tochomae (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building) in 2000. Today, the line consists of a circular section (Tochomae – Ryogoku – Tochomae, 28.6 km) and a branch line (Hikarigaoka – Tochomae, 12.1 km), making a total length of 40.7 km. Two types of trains currently operate on the line: the EMU 12-000 series (see top photo) and the newer 12-600 series.

Night view of Harumi Port Park near Kachidoki Station on the Toei Ooedo Line

Old Diesel Railcar Preserved at an Eye Clinic

Diesel railcar Unit 3 of the Haboro Coal Mine Railway KiHa 22 series (KiHa 223) 

I recently checked the Preserved Railway Cars Database published by the Japan Railfan Club and found that a total of 3,780 valuable railway vehicles are preserved in Japan. These include locomotives, electric cars, diesel railcars, passenger coaches, freight cars, and more. While most of them are preserved by museums, railway companies, and local governments, in rare cases they are maintained by individuals or private organizations.

Last November, I visited an eye clinic in Saitama City. Was it because I had an eye disease? No—the purpose of my visit was to see a preserved diesel railcar: Unit 3 of the Haboro Coal Mine Railway’s KiHa 22 series (hereafter referred to as KiHa 223). Please take a look at the top photo. You can see its maroon body with a white stripe—beautiful! KiHa 223 is a 20-meter-long hydraulic diesel railcar equipped with a 132 kW diesel engine. It was built in 1966 by Fuji Heavy Industries. After the closure of the Haboro Coal Mine Railway in 1970, KiHa 223 was transferred to Ibaraki Kotsu (today’s Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway) and operated there for 39 years. After retirement, the railcar was taken over by Hoshiai Eye Clinic in 2010, where it was restored to its original Haboro Coal Mine Railway condition from its days in Hokkaido.

What immediately caught my attention was the round “clear view” screen on the front. As you may know, it is a rotating glass disk mounted on the window to disperse snow for the driver (see the photo below). I would like to express my gratitude to Hoshiai Eye Clinic for preserving this precious piece of railway history.

KiHa 223's cabin and clear view screen

130th Anniversary of Kawagoe Railway

Set 2085 of the Seibu EMU 2000N series displays a special commemorative sticker

Do you remember when I posted that Seibu Railway was celebrating the the 130th anniversary of Kawagoe Railway? Today, I’d like to give you an update on this topic.

Let’s start with a quick look at the Kawagoe Railway. It was one of the predecessors of today’s Seibu Railway. Parts of the Seibu Shinjuku and Kokubunji lines were originally opened by the Kawagoe Railway in 1895. The Kawagoe Railway merged with the Musashino Railway in 1945 and was reborn as Seibu Railway in 1946. Six cities—Kawagoe, Higashimurayama, Tokorozawa, Sayama, Kodaira, and Kokubunji—are located along the former Kawagoe Railway line.

One of the anniversary events includes displaying special commemorative stickers on the front of EMU 2000N series trainsets. These stickers were designed by local residents and selected by the six cities mentioned above. Please look at the top photo. The round sticker displayed on Set 2085 was designed by a resident of Higashimurayama City. It features symbols of the city: the white wagtail, azalea, zelkova tree, and fruit. Colorful and beautiful! Next, look at the photo below. The sticker on Set 2079 was designed by a child from Tokorozawa City. It features Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park, the official city mascot “Tokoron,” and a train. As a rail fan, I’m delighted to see the iconic yellow Seibu train (EMU 2000N or 9000 series) featured in the design.

If you have time, please check the URL at the bottom of this post, where you can see all six sticker designs. Congratulations to the Kawagoe Railway on its 130th anniversary!

Set 2079 of the Seibu EMU 2000N series displays a special commemorative sticker

Official information on the 130th anniversary of Kawagoe Railway by Seibu (in Japanese):

https://www.seiburailway.jp/file.jsp?newsroom/news/file/20250311_headmark_1.pdf

EMU Tokyu 6020 Series: 2025 Update

Trainset 6151 of the EMU Tokyu 6020 series, debuted in May 2025

Do you remember when I posted that Tokyu Railways would Tokyu Railways would transfer their EMU 9000 series trains to Seibu Railway? What has happened with that plan? Today, I’d like to share an update on this topic.

Many rail fans have reported that several Tokyu 9000 series sets have already been retired from service. They are most likely being prepared for transfer to Seibu Railway.

The next question is: Who will succeed the 9000 series on the Tokyu lines? The answer is the EMU 6020 series. Please take a look at the top photo. You can see the new 6020 series, which debuted this year. Are there any differences between the existing 6020 series and the new trains? Yes. The existing 6020 series consists of seven cars, including one Q SEAT car, and operates as express trains on the Ōimachi and Den-en-toshi lines. The new 6020 series, however, consists of five cars with no Q SEAT car and is used for local services. To make it easier to distinguish between the two, the new version is officially designated as the 6020-6050 series (6020 series, type 6050).

I found commemorative stickers displayed on both ends of trainset 6151 of the 6020-6050 series. One is in Japanese (shown in the top photo), and the other is in English (see the photo below). Both stickers were designed by staff from the Mizonokuchi Train Crew Base. The train even appears to be winking at passengers (photo below). Tokyu plans to introduce a total of 18 sets of the 6020-6050 series over the next three years.

Commemorative sticker displayed on the front of trainset 6151

The 100th Anniversary of the Itsukaichi Line

EMU JR East E233 series train with the Itsukaichi Line 100th-anniversary plate

On April 21, 2025, JR East celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Itsukaichi Line. To commemorate the milestone, the company held several special events.

Let’s start with a quick overview of the Itsukaichi Line. This commuter line runs through the western part of Tokyo Metropolis. It was originally opened by the former Itsukaichi Railway Company in 1925. Connecting Haijima Station on the Ōme Line with Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, the route is 11.1 kilometers long. Trains operate every 20 to 30 minutes and are E233 series EMUs made up of six or four cars. Many trains run through onto the Ōme Line to reach Tachikawa Station.

My favorite spot along the Itsukaichi Line is Ryūshūin Temple during cherry blossom season. Located near Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, it’s a dreamlike place. Please check out my previous post on the Itsukaichi Line as well, if you have time.

One of the 100th-anniversary highlights is a special commemorative plate mounted on the front of trainset Ao660 of the EMU E233 series (see the top photo). In addition, several anniversary stickers featuring mascots from cities along the line are displayed on the train’s sides. For example, Akishima City created Chikappa (see the photo below), a name combining chikasui (groundwater) and kappa (a mythical river creature). Akishima is known for its clean, delicious water, so Chikappa sports a plate of water on its head, green skin, and webbed hands and feet. If this creature really existed, would you find it cute—or a little scary?

100th-anniversary plate designed by Akishima City

The Keisei-Matsudo Line: An Update

Trainset 80026 of the Keisei 80000 series in “Keisei color”

Do you remember when I reported that Keisei Electric Railway merged with Shin-Keisei Electric Railway on April 1st? I recently revisited the former Shin-Keisei Line—now the Keisei-Matsudo Line—and saw the changes for myself.

Let’s start with a quick overview. The Keisei-Matsudo Line is a commuter route in the northwestern part of Chiba Prefecture. It connects Matsudo on JR East’s Jōban Line with Keisei-Tsudanuma on the Keisei-Chiba Line, covering 26.5 kilometers with 24 stations. The line uses standard gauge (1,435 mm), is electrified at 1,500 V DC, and is double-tracked for most of its length. Originally built in 1929 by the Railway Regiment of the former Japanese Army as a training line, it was reopened after WWII in 1947 as the Shin-Keisei Line. Seventy-eight years later, following the merger, it was renamed the Keisei-Matsudo Line.

Now to the main point. After the EMU 8800 series, the 80000 series and N800 series have also begun receiving the so-called “Keisei color” livery. Take a look at the photos—my impression of these trains has changed completely. As you may recall, they used to wear the distinctive white-and-pink Shin-Keisei livery. (You can check my earlier posts featuring the Shin-Keisei-colored 80000 series and the N800 series.) Honestly, it’s a little sad to see the variety of liveries disappear, but there’s no turning back time.

Trainset N818 of the Keisei N800 series in “Keisei color”

2025 Summer Scenery in Gyoda City

EMU JR East E231 series, suburban-type train

I visited Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture for the first time in four years. So, what’s new in my favorite city?

First, let’s take a quick look at Gyoda itself. Located about 60 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, it’s known for its unique attractions. One of the most popular in recent years is the rice paddy art. Actual rice fields are used as giant canvases, where pictures are “painted” using different varieties of rice that produce various colors. The “artists” are local farmers and residents, who plant the rice in June. This year’s theme is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. You can see a huge image of Kamado Tanjiro in the fields (see the photo below).

Of course, I can’t stop there—this is a railway blog, after all. On my way home, I boarded a train at Gyoda Station on JR East’s Takasaki Line and did a bit of trainspotting at Omiya Station. Take a look at the top photo: it shows the EMU E231 series, which I’ve posted about many times before. If I were to add one detail, it would be about the space between the train’s front end and the driver’s cab door. That area is quite wide, and it serves as a crush zone to protect the driver in case of a collision. This crush zone is noticeably wider on the suburban-type of the E231 series (pictured above) than on the commuter-type, since the suburban version is designed for higher-speed operations. Topics like these never run out when train enthusiasts get together. I’m sure you feel the same, don’t you?

Rice paddy art, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle"

Official information on Gyoda’s 2025 Rice Paddy Art: City of Gyoda – Event Page

B.B.Base: The Unique Train for Cyclists

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

I recently had the chance to ride the JR East Sōbu Line. As the train was leaving Makuhari-Hongō Station in Chiba City, I spotted a super-rare sight—the “B.B.Base” stopping in the railyard. Without a second thought, I hopped off at the next station and headed back to Makuhari-Hongō to photograph it.

B.B.Base is a one-of-a-kind train designed specifically for cyclists. Passengers can bring their bicycles onboard and secure them on dedicated racks. The service runs on weekends between Ryōgoku in central Tokyo and the Bōsō Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Its official name is trainset J1 of the JR East EMU 209-2200 series, nicknamed “Bōsō Bicycle Base.” The six-car set (four motor cars and two trailers) has space in every car except Car 4, which serves as an open lounge where passengers can relax and interact. Long benches are provided, while the other cars can each hold 19 or 20 passengers along with the same number of bicycles.

Originally built as a commuter train, this set operated on the Keihin-Tōhoku and Nambu Lines before being rebuilt as B.B.Base in 2017. Technically, its specifications are the same as other 209-2200 series trains—it’s the interior and purpose that make it stand out.

Now, you might be wondering: “Have you ever actually ridden B.B.Base?” or “Why not photograph it during regular service?” Well… that’s a tough one. The train leaves Ryōgoku terminal early in the morning, and I’m not exactly a morning person. On top of that, I’m not into heavy exercise like cycling, and my weekends have been pretty busy lately. Excuses, excuses—I know.

Close-up of B.B.Base

Official JR East information: JR East – B.B.Base

Trainspotting at an Underground Station

EMU 4000 series, set 4651, at Mitsuzawa-Shimochō Station

On July 18, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the end of this year’s rainy season in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In other words, mid-summer 2025 has arrived. With daytime highs often exceeding 35°C, I’ve been longing to escape the urban heat island and enjoy some trainspotting on a cool plateau. But since I’m busy this summer, I settled for the next best thing—an underground station. It’s naturally cooler than above ground thanks to the lack of direct sunlight, and many underground stations in the metro area are air-conditioned. So, I had no choice but to go.

My destination was Mitsuzawa-Shimochō Station on the Blue Line of the Yokohama Municipal Subway. Why there? Because trainspotters like me love photographing entire trains, bogies included. To do that in an underground setting, you need the right conditions. First, a station with two separate platforms serving two tracks is ideal, since you can capture the whole train from across the way. (“Every exit is an entry to somewhere else,” as the saying goes.) Second, the station must be free of pillars between the tracks—otherwise, your view gets blocked. Mitsuzawa-Shimochō checks all the boxes.

Take a look at the top photo: The EMU 4000 series at Mitsuzawa-Shimochō Station. What’s new about this train? I noticed a large, rounded sticker on the front promoting GREEN×EXPO 2027, a major event Yokohama is preparing to host. It’s a small touch, but it definitely helps build excitement for the Expo (see the photo below).

GREEN×EXPO 2027 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 Seibu Railway’s new train, which had been purchased second-hand from Odakyu Electric Railway? Three months have passed since then, and Seibu has now put this commuter train into commercial operation under the name “Seibu” 8000 series (see the top photo).

Let me first review the history of this train during the Odakyu era. 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 is the oldest train still operating on the Odakyu line, and is also known as the last steel-bodied commuter train on the line. Incidentally, after renovation, the 8000 series was equipped with a variable frequency drive electric control system.

Forty-one years later, it was decided that seven sets, 42 units in total, of the Odakyu 8000 series would be transferred to Seibu Railway. This helps Seibu reduce the cost of acquiring new trains. In addition, maintenance costs will also be lower, since the 8000 series is already equipped with a variable frequency drive system, which, as you know, reduces electricity consumption.

Lastly, please don’t forget that the EMU Odakyu 8000 series is still in operation on the Odakyu line (see the photo below). This makes railfans like me happy, as we can ride and compare both the Odakyu 8000 and the Seibu 8000 series. I hope both versions of the 8000 series will continue running for 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 at Seijo Corty Shopping Mall

I am not a native English speaker, so posting blogs in English is a good opportunity for me to learn a foreign language. I recently learned a proverb: "It’s hard to see what is right under your nose." I’d like to remember this proverb by using a real example.

Last week, I went shopping in Seijo-gakuenmae, my neighborhood. After that, I stopped by the roof garden of the Seijo Corty Shopping Mall. It’s close to my house, but it was actually my first visit. As soon as I arrived at the garden, I found a wonderful train observation deck. I hadn’t realized there was such a nice spot so close to home. “It’s hard to see what is right under your nose.” That’s exactly how it felt.

Enough with the preamble—please look at the top photo. You can see a straight quadruple track on the Odakyu Line. Two trains are running side by side: the EMU Tokyo Metro 16000 series (left) and the Odakyu 8000 series (right). The former is on the express track, while the latter is on the local track. Both shine beautifully in the afternoon sun. Doesn’t it make you excited? Even better, there are comfortable benches surrounded by trees on this deck. Sitting on one of them, I was able to enjoy a relaxing time.

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

 The roof garden of Seijo Corty Shopping Mall, surrounded by trees