Keisei Dream Train: The Heartwarming Vehicle

Set 3006 of Keisei's 3000 series EMU, "Keisei Dream Train" 

This may sound a little sudden, but what was your childhood dream? What did you want to become when you were a kid?

On February 28, Keisei Electric Railway Company began operating the “Keisei Dream Train,” using two sets of its trains.

The Keisei Dream Train really lives up to its name. Both the outside and inside of the train are decorated with drawings of children’s dreams for the future. These drawings were made by children and chosen by lottery.

Please take a look at the top photo—that is one of the Keisei Dream Trains, Set 3006 of the 3000 series EMU. You can see a special sticker on the front of the train. It was drawn by a 10-year-old boy whose dream is to become a train driver of the Keisei 3400 series. What a specific dream! I can completely understand his feelings—please check my previous post about the EMU 3400 series if you have time.

Next, please look at the photo below. This is Car 6, where drawings by boys and girls aged around 10 to 12 are displayed. For example, on the right, there is a drawing of a train and a conductor. It was drawn by another 10-year-old boy, and its title is “A Train Conductor Who Watches Over Safety.” What a responsible child! As proof that he is paying attention, he even drew the yellow warning blocks on the platform—these are tactile paving blocks that guide people with visual impairments. He has very good observation skills.

Finally, there is one more drawing—on the left side of the photo below, you can see a drawing of fashionable women. It was drawn by a 10-year-old girl whose dream is to become both a baker and a YouTuber. How modern! In her drawing, white bread, melon-shaped buns, and coronets are on sale. She imagines that she will introduce her bakery on her YouTube channel. I really hope her dreams come true someday.

The Keisei Dream Train is truly a heartwarming vehicle for all passengers.

Interior of Keisei Dream Train

Related link:

• Official information from Keisei Electric Railway (in Japanese)

2026 Cherry Blossom Season: Keio-Inokashira Line

Set 1762 of Keio’s 1000 series EMU passing by cherry blossoms in full bloom

On March 19th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that cherry blossoms had begun blooming in Tokyo. They later reported that the trees reached full bloom on March 28th.

You might wonder, “Japan has so many kinds of flowers—why does a government agency make a special announcement about just one species?”

It’s a fair question. Cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring, and Japanese people have a deep emotional connection to them. Their beauty lasts only about a week after full bloom, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life. Perhaps that transience is what makes the season so meaningful. Hanami—cherry blossom viewing—is a cherished part of Japanese culture.

With that long introduction out of the way, I visited Inokashira Park along the Keio–Inokashira Line this year to enjoy the blossoms. As a train enthusiast, I’d like to share some scenes where trains and cherry blossoms come together.

In the top photo, Set 1762 of the 1000 series EMU is passing by cherry trees in full bloom. It had been cloudy since morning, but the sky cleared up just for this moment. What perfect timing.

As I’ve mentioned before, each 1000 series set has a different color on its front mask and side stripes. Set 1762 features a lilac front—I really like its soft, calming tone.

In the photo below, Set 1738 of the same series is approaching Inokashira-koen Station, framed by cherry blossoms and Red Robin shrubs. It’s a beautiful scene.

This set also has a lilac-colored front, but it looks a bit different from the previous one. Why is that?

The answer is its ATO (Automatic Train Operation) modification. As I wrote earlier, Keio Electric Railway is aiming for GoA2-level ATO and is conducting trials. Six sets of the 1000 series, including Set 1738, have already been modified. The darker lilac stripe on the front indicates an ATO-equipped train.

I had a wonderful time enjoying both the cherry blossoms and the trains on the Keio–Inokashira Line.

Set 1783 of Keio’s 1000 series EMU arriving at Inokashira-koen Station

Sayonara to the Shibatetsu 3500 Series

Shibatetsu’s 3540F of the 3500 series EMU arriving at Makuhari-hongo Station

The emotions of rail fans like me are quite complicated. When a new model of rolling stock enters service, I get excited and hurry to the tracks to see it. But when a railway company announces that an old train will be retired soon, I feel sad and think, “It can still work!” I sometimes wonder which one I actually prefer, new trains or old trains.

Probably both. If you are also a rail fan, I hope you understand this mixed feeling.

On February 25, the Shibayama Railway Company (Shibatetsu) announced that its 3500 series EMU will be retired at the end of March. Of course, I felt very sad.

Let me briefly review what Shibatetsu and the 3500 series EMU are like.

Shibatetsu is known as the shortest railway in Japan. The line is only 2.2 kilometers long and opened in 2002 to serve people living on the eastern side of Narita Airport. All trains run through onto the Keisei lines.

The 3500 series EMU is the only model owned by Shibatetsu, and they have only one trainset, Set 3540 (3540F). As I wrote before, Keisei Electric Railway has been leasing 3540F to Shibatetsu since 2013. I really love this four-car train with its red and green stripes.

To say “Goodbye” to 3540F, I chose Makuhari-hongo Station on the Keisei Chiba Line. The Shibayama Railway Line is mostly underground, but Makuhari-hongo is above ground and has good front lighting around noon. One day, I checked the schedule of 3540F, and I decided it was time to go.

Please look at the top photo. This was my last moment with 3540F. It was shining beautifully under the spring sunlight. I also found a special farewell sticker on the front of the train (see the photo below).

Sayonara (Goodbye) and thank you, 3540F! I will never forget you.

By the way, some of my blog readers may be wondering, “Who will be the successor to 3540F?”

Please wait a little longer. I will introduce it soon.

Farewell sticker displayed on the front of 3540F

Related link:

Official website: Shibayama Railway (in Japanese)

Yamitetsu Part 4: Telecom Center

Yurikamome's 7500 series EMU approaching Telecom Center Station on the Yurikamome Line

Do you remember the Japanese slang word “yamitetsu”? This term is used mainly among railfans in Japan. Today, I’d like to share a small update on my recent yamitetsu activities.

To review briefly, yamitetsu refers to railfans who enjoy taking photos of trains in the dark. The word combines “yami” (darkness) and “tetsu” (iron). In Japanese, tetsudō means “railway” — literally “iron road.” I’m still a beginner yamitetsu, but I’m slowly learning.

Recently, I visited Telecom Center to enjoy the night scenery. The building has offices, restaurants, and telecommunication facilities, and there’s an observation deck on the 21st floor with a great view of Tokyo’s waterfront area.

I originally went there just to enjoy the night view. However, about a minute after arriving, a train suddenly caught my eye — the 7500 series EMU on the Yurikamome Line! (See the photo above.)

As you may know, the Yurikamome Line is an automated guideway transit (AGT) system in the Tokyo Bay area. It opened in 1995 and connects Shimbashi and Toyosu, covering 14.7 km. The trains run on rubber tires instead of steel wheels. All trains are fully driverless and conductorless (Level GoA4), so the doors and operation are completely automated.

The 7500 series EMU entered service in 2018 to replace the older 7200 series. Eight sets (48 cars) were introduced. It looks beautiful at night, but if you’d like to see its daytime appearance, please check my post from 2019.

In the end, I couldn’t resist taking pictures of the train — even though my original purpose was to enjoy the night view. Finally, I’m sharing a photo of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower at night. That was what I meant to focus on!

Have a good night.

Night view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower

Hoshi-imo Train on the Minato Line

Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway KiHa100-40 “Hoshi-imo Train”

After enjoying the “Big Catch Cherry” blossoms at Nakane Station, I boarded the Minato Line once again. My next stop was Nakaminato, one of the best places for railfans to observe the diverse fleet of the Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway.

The moment I stepped off the train at Nakaminato Station, something unusual immediately caught my eye. Standing quietly in a corner of the station was a bright yellow diesel railcar that I had never seen before on this line. Take a look at the top photo. What could it be?

If you are thinking, “I’ve seen this railcar somewhere before on this blog,” you probably have a sharp eye for Japanese rolling stock. The answer is a KiHa100 series diesel railcar formerly operated by JR East.

Here is the story behind it. Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway recently acquired three second-hand diesel railcars from JR East. Two of them will replace aging vehicles currently in service. The third one, however, is destined for something more special — a new sightseeing train.

The bright yellow railcar in the photo is that very unit.

Its official designation is KiHa100-40, a member of the KiHa100 series. Interestingly, Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway decided to retain JR East’s original numbering. At the same time, the car received a new nickname:

“Wrapped Train of the Hoshi-imo Train Kingdom,” or simply the Hoshi-imo Train.

So what exactly is Hoshi-imo?

Hoshi-imo is a traditional local specialty made from steamed and dried sweet potatoes. With no artificial sweeteners, it is a simple yet naturally sweet and chewy snack that has long been popular in this region. In a fun touch, the side of the train even features the recipe for Hoshi-imo, complete with a short English explanation for visitors (see the photo below).

A train that teaches you how to make a local snack — how cool is that?

According to a station staff member, the Hoshi-imo Train will soon enter service as a sightseeing train on the Minato Line. Perhaps passengers will even be able to enjoy some freshly prepared Hoshi-imo on board. That would certainly make the ride even more memorable.

From a technical standpoint, the KiHa100 series is a compact 16.5-meter diesel hydraulic railcar that first appeared on JR East lines in 1990. A total of 64 cars were built by Niigata Tekko and Fuji Heavy Industries, each powered by a 243 kW diesel engine.

The particular unit seen here, KiHa100-40, was built in 1991 and transferred to Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway in 2024.

I’m already looking forward to riding the Hoshi-imo Train on my next visit to Nakaminato.

Hoshi-imo themed design on the side of the train

Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms on the Minato Line

Big Catch Cherry and a diesel railcar at Nakane Station on the Minato Line

It has already been ten years since my last visit to the Minato Line. A full decade has gone by in the blink of an eye, and I felt it was finally time to revisit this beloved local line. Here, I’d like to share some observations from this latest trip.

■ What is the Minato Line?

The Minato Line is a local railway operated by the Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway Company in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 120 km northeast of Tokyo. Running between Katsuta and Ajigaura, the line covers 14.3 km with 11 stations. Katsuta provides an important connection to the JR East Jōban Line.

As many railway fans know, the entire line is a non-electrified single track, giving it that distinctive rural local-line charm.

■ A Glimpse of Spring Along the Line

Before diving into rolling stock updates, let me first share a seasonal highlight. The photos show a train arriving at Nakane Station, framed by early-blooming cherry blossoms. The combination of a diesel railcar and soft pink petals is enough to lift any railway enthusiast’s spirits.

These blossoms are known locally as Tairyo-zakura (“Big Catch Cherry”). Since the line passes through Nakaminato, a well-known fishing port, the name reflects the community’s wish for a bountiful catch. Their vivid pink hue reminds me of a sea bream—a fitting symbol for the coastal region.

■ Rolling Stock Notes: KiHa 3710 Series

Naturally, a proper railway post wouldn’t be complete without a look at the trains themselves.

The railcar pictured at Nakane Station is Unit 2 of the KiHa 3710 series. This diesel railcar features an 18.5-meter-long body with longitudinal seating, powered by a 243 kW diesel engine.

The KiHa 3710 series consists of two units: Unit 1 introduced in 1995 and Unit 2 in 1998. Currently, Unit 2 sports a full-body advertisement wrap for Komatsu, known worldwide for its construction, mining and forestry-related heavy equipment.

To be continued…

Unit 2 of the KiHa 3710-series diesel railcar departing Nakane Station

Related link:

・Official website: Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway (in Japanese)

Final Chapter of Dr. Yellow

Set T-5 of the 923 series EMU, Dr. Yellow, arriving at Tokyo Station

Do you remember when I first introduced the Dr. Yellow train running on the Tokaido–Sanyo Shinkansen back in 2017? Well, I finally had the chance to photograph it again—so today, I’d love to share that moment with you.

But first—what exactly is Dr. Yellow?

Dr. Yellow is a high-speed inspection train whose official designation is the 923 series EMU. It entered service in 2000, replacing its predecessor, the 922 series. Only two sets were ever built—14 cars in total—manufactured by Hitachi and Nippon Sharyo. One set (T-4) belonged to JR Central, and the other (T-5) is owned by JR West.

Its job? To inspect tracks, signals, telecommunications, and power systems—all while speeding down the Shinkansen lines. Its body is based on the 700 series design, and the bright yellow color helps distinguish it from passenger trains.

So… what’s the latest on Dr. Yellow?

Recently, I learned that JR Central’s T-4 set has already been retired. That means only one Dr. Yellow remains in operation today: the T-5 set.

Take a look at the photo above—that’s the last surviving Dr. Yellow, arriving at Tokyo Station. When I was there, more than twenty rail fans had already gathered, cameras poised and ready. And it wasn’t just the usual adult male rail enthusiasts—there were women, kids, and even international fans. Dr. Yellow really brings people together.

Even though JR Central and JR West never publish Dr. Yellow’s schedule, sightings spread instantly on social media, drawing crowds to stations like a modern-day treasure hunt.

So, what’s next for Dr. Yellow?

According to JR West, the remaining T-5 set will be retired in 2027 or later. After that, inspection duties will be carried out by standard Shinkansen—specifically the N700S series—equipped with advanced measuring devices, image-processing systems, and AI technologies.

Technology moves quickly. It’s impressive… and a little bittersweet.

Dr. Yellow’s final chapter has already begun.

Dr. Yellow (left) and the N700A series EMU (right) at Tokyo Station

Related link:

・Official information: JR West’s railway maintenance vehicles (in Japanese)

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 5

Abukuma Express AB900 series EMU (Set AB-7) approaching

Let’s pick up where we left off.

After enjoying the snow-covered landscape along the Tsugaru Railway Line, we went to Hirosaki Station in Aomori Prefecture, where the Train Suite Shiki-shima cruise train was waiting for us. This winter journey was full of unforgettable moments—beautiful scenery, local culture, and regional cuisine—but I’ll save those stories for another time. For now, let’s get back to the railway highlights.

On the return run to Tokyo, I spent quite a bit of time enjoying the forward view. The observation car was nearly empty, so I practically had the place to myself. For railfans, this spot is pure heaven.

One particularly memorable moment occurred near Tsukinoki Station in Miyagi Prefecture. Take a look at the top photo first. A green train was approaching in the distance. Any guesses?

It turned out to be a train of the Abukuma Express. As mentioned in my post from 2024, Abukuma Express is a regional railway operating between Fukushima and Tsukinoki, with a total route length of 54.9 km.

Interestingly, the tracks of Abukuma Express and JR East’s Tohoku Main Line run parallel for only about one kilometer near Tsukinoki Station. Despite that short shared stretch, Shiki-shima happened to meet an Abukuma Express train right there. Even better, it was the green AB900 series trainset (Set AB-7), which I had never seen before. What a lucky encounter!

Before wrapping up this post, let me share one more highlight from the journey. After departing Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture, passengers were treated to a live jazz performance in the lounge car (see the photo below).

Utsunomiya is known in Japan as a “city of jazz,” and the musicians actually boarded the train at Utsunomiya Station. Their performance created a wonderful atmosphere on board. It was a refreshing and memorable way to end the day’s journey.

Live jazz performance in the lounge car of the Train Suite Shiki-shima

Related link:

・JR East official video: Making movie of the Shiki-shima theme music

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 4

Tsugaru Railway diesel railcar, Unit 103 of the 21 series, “Run, Melos!”

Let’s pick up where we left off.

After watching the trains arrive at Aomori Station, we headed for the heart of the Tsugaru Plain. Our destination was Tsugaru-Nakasato, the northern terminus of the Tsugaru Railway.

I’ve been running this railway blog for nearly 15 years, but this is the first time I’ve introduced this local railway. I rarely have the chance to visit the Tsugaru area.

Tsugaru Railway is a private railway in Aomori Prefecture, about 760 km north of Tokyo. The line opened in 1930 between Tsugaru-Goshogawara and Tsugaru-Nakasato. It has 12 stations along its 20.7 km route. The track is a non-electrified 1,067-mm-gauge single line, and diesel railcars usually run once an hour.

In winter, the railway operates its famous Stove Train, a seasonal attraction. These special trains are equipped with traditional coal-burning heaters known as “daruma stoves.” Passengers can even grill Japanese flying squid on the stove during the journey. It’s a wonderfully nostalgic experience.

Unfortunately, the Stove Train was out of service that day due to a coupler failure. I was disappointed, but as an optimistic railfan, I quickly got back on track. Instead, we boarded a diesel railcar from the 21 series (see the top photo). This vehicle carries the nickname “Run, Melos!”, after the famous short story written in 1940 by the local author Dazai Osamu.

Technically speaking, the 21 series is an 18-meter hydraulic diesel railcar equipped with a 243 kW engine. Five cars were built in 1996 by Niigata Engineering. Visually, it resembles the diesel railcars of JR Central’s Series 11 and JR West’s Series 120.

I took my place at the rear of “Run, Melos!”. By then the sky had cleared completely. Outside the window stretched a deep blue sky and wide snow-covered fields (see the photo below). It was breathtaking. Of course, the weather here can be severe when the blizzards arrive. The windbreak fences along the track quietly spoke of the harsh winter conditions. But on that day, I was simply able to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Tsugaru winter landscape.

To be continued…

Snowy fields along the Tsugaru Railway Line

Related links:

・Official website: Tsugaru Railway (in Japanese)

・Official information on the Stove Train (in Japanese)

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 3

JR East E751 series arriving at snow-covered Aomori Station

Let’s pick up where we left off.

After enjoying our first lunch aboard the Shiki-shima cruise train, we got off at Mizusawa Station in Iwate Prefecture and visited the factory of a local foundry company, OIGEN. It was a fascinating visit—but since this is a railway blog, let’s get back to the trains.

On the second morning, we rolled into Aomori Station. Everything was covered in snow—it felt like we had stepped into a winter postcard.

Just after stepping off the train, I spotted a sleek-looking train gliding into the opposite platform. Of course, I had to take a photo. That’s the “Tsugaru” in the top picture!

The Tsugaru is a limited express service operated by JR East, running between Akita and Aomori—two prefectural capitals in Japan’s snowy north. It uses the E751 series AC EMU.

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might be thinking, “Wait, haven’t I seen this train before?”

Good eye! The E751 series does look quite similar to the E653-1000 series that I wrote about 12 years ago. But look a little closer and you’ll notice the differences—especially in the headlights and the color scheme.

There’s also a technical distinction: the E751 is a single-system AC train, while the E653-1000 series is a dual-system AC/DC train.

The E751 series entered service in 2000, replacing the older 485-3000 series. A total of 18 cars were built, and today 12 of them remain in service, operating as 4-car sets.

E751 series—thanks for braving the northern winter!

Since this was a group tour, I couldn’t spend as much time observing the train as I would have liked.

Before wrapping up this post, let me share something special: a Suite Room on the Shiki-shima cruise train. The photo below shows the room after the beds had been made. I couldn’t find any pictures of this setup on JR East’s official website, so I hope this gives you a better idea of what it looks like at night.

More coming soon…

Suite Room on the Shiki-shima cruise train after the beds were prepared

Related link:

・Official video on the 5th anniversary of the Shiki-shima cruise train by JR East 

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 2

JR East Series 701-100 AC EMU approaching

Let me pick up where I left off in my last post. And here’s a quick question for you:

When do you really feel like you’ve traveled far from home?

Is it when the scenery suddenly looks completely different? When you try a local dish you’ve never tasted before? Or when you hear a dialect that makes you think, “Wow, I’m not in my hometown anymore”?

For me—as a rail fan—it’s simple. It’s when I see a train I’ve never seen before.

Right after departing Kuroiso Station in Tochigi Prefecture at 11:48 a.m., something interesting happens. The Tohoku Main Line switches its power system from 1,500V DC to 20,000V 50Hz AC. From that point on, the trains are AC-powered. As a train enthusiast, that’s exciting enough already.

Before long, I spotted a train approaching. Take a look at the top photo. It’s a 701 series AC EMU—a type you won’t normally see in Tokyo. But wait… it wasn’t just any 701 series. It was the rarer 701-100 series!

How could I tell?

Believe it or not, the giveaway was the gangway door. The standard 701 series in this area has a green door, while the older 701-100 series features a silver one. Such a tiny detail—but noticing it made my day. Moments like this remind me why I love being a rail fan.

By the way, both the driver of the Shiki-shima train and the driver of the 701-100 series raised their hands in greeting as they passed each other. I love those small, human moments on the rails.

Around 12:45 p.m., my stomach suddenly reminded me that it was lunchtime. So off we went to the dining car for our first meal aboard the Shiki-shima.

Today’s special? A Chinese-style seafood course lunch (see the photo below). Beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Travel really does taste better on a train like this.

To be continued…

Chinese-style seafood course lunch in the Shiki-shima dining car

Related link:

・Official video on the “Shiki-shima” cruise train by Prime Minister's Office of Japan

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 1

JR East’s cruise train, Series E001 EDC “Shiki-shima,” at Ueno Station

The day had finally come. When I arrived at the exclusive lounge “Prologue Shiki-shima” inside Ueno Station in Tokyo, the Series E001 train, “Shiki-shima,” slowly pulled into Track 13 (see the top photo). My long-awaited winter journey was about to begin.

But first—what exactly is “Shiki-shima”?

Last year, I introduced JR East’s luxury cruise train “Shiki-shima” on this blog. At that time, I only visited the station to photograph it. However, this time, I finally had the opportunity to board it with my family.

Operated by JR East, one of Japan’s major railway operators, “Shiki-shima” is a high-end sightseeing train that offers multi-day journeys through eastern Japan. Its name means “Island of Four Seasons,” reflecting Japan’s strong appreciation for seasonal beauty.

Our destination was the Tohoku region, located in the northern part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Tohoku is known for its hot springs, traditional culture, and breathtaking winter landscapes. While it is less visited than cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, it offers a more tranquil and authentic experience of Japan.

The train itself is officially designated as the Series E001 EDC (electric/diesel hybrid cars) and began operation in 2017. One train set consists of six motor cars and four trailer cars. Cars 1 and 10 are equipped with diesel engines for running on non-electrified railway lines, and they also function as observation cars. Car 5 serves as a lounge, Car 6 as a dining car, and the remaining cars are private sleeper suites. The train is designed to provide not only transportation, but a luxury hotel-like experience on rails.

At 9:25 a.m., Shiki-shima departed quietly from Ueno Station, one of Tokyo’s historic railway terminals, as the station master and staff waved us off.

After settling into the train, there was only one thing I had to do as a railway enthusiast: head straight to the observation car. Take a look at the photo below. This is “View Terrace Ibuki” in Car 10, the leading car. From here, you can see the tracks of the Tohoku Main Line stretching northward, guiding us toward snow-covered landscapes.

Are you ready to travel with me?

To be continued…

“View Terrace Ibuki” on the cruise train “Shiki-shima”

Related link:

・Official information on the “Shiki-shima” cruise train by JR East

The 12th Anniversary of Keio Rail-Land

Keio’s first-generation 5000 series EMU at Keio Rail-Land

On October 10, 2025, Keio Corporation quietly marked a happy milestone—the 12th anniversary of the grand opening of Keio Rail-Land. It felt like a good moment to revisit the museum, so I’d like to share a few impressions with you today.

To begin with, let me briefly look back at what Keio Rail-Land is all about. Operated by Keio Corporation (formerly Keio Electric Railway in English), the museum began life in 2000 as a modest model railway playground for children. Thirteen years later, it blossomed into the museum we know today, complete with a spacious exhibition hall showcasing Keio’s preserved rolling stock. You’ll find it right beside Tama-Dobutsukoen (Tama Zoological Park) Terminal on the Keio Dobutsuen Line—a fittingly peaceful spot for a museum devoted to precious trains.

I had thought that all the vehicles preserved at the museum had already been introduced in this blog, but there was one important omission—the first-generation 5000 series EMU. Please take a look at the top photo. Yes, this is KuHa 5723 from the first-generation 5000 series. The series made its debut in 1963 when the Keio Line’s voltage was upgraded to 1,500 V DC. A total of 155 cars were built by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo, and Hitachi. Unlike earlier models such as the 2400 and 2000 series, both the design and the livery of this train were thoroughly modernized. In addition, the eighth-batch cars introduced in 1968 are known as Japan’s first air-conditioned commuter trains equipped with longitudinal seating. The first-generation 5000 series received the 1964 Laurel Prize from the Japan Railfan Club as the most outstanding new train of the previous year.

And one more small discovery: during my visit I also noticed a 12th-anniversary plate displayed on a 7000 series train running on the Dobutsuen Line (please see the photo below). It may look modest at first glance, but the birthday-cake motif is rather charming, isn’t it?

Happy 12th anniversary, Keio Rail-Land.

The 12th-anniversary plate on a 7000 series EMU

Related links:

・Official information from Keio Rail-Land (in Japanese)

・Official video from Keio Rail-Land (in Japanese)

Serving a Double Purpose on the Odakyu Line, Part 3

A local train, Set 3657 of Odakyu's 3000 series EMU crossing Tama River

The other day, I headed to the Tama River to take care of a personal errand. When I arrived at my nearest station on the Odakyu Line, I immediately noticed something unusual. Many passengers were standing around the concourse, looking puzzled. Was something wrong? When I checked Odakyu’s website, I finally understood the reason: the trains were heavily delayed.

Did I have no idea what to do?

Please don’t worry—railfans are always optimistic. I quickly changed my mindset, realizing that this was a chance to see some rare railway scenes. The proof is in the pudding. Please take a look at the top photo. It may look like an ordinary photo at first glance, but it is actually quite rare because of the shooting angle.

I took this photo of an all-stop train crossing the Tama River through the window of the last car of an express train standing at Noborito Station. In short, the local train on the local track caught up with the express train on the express track. This rare situation, caused by timetable disruption, made it possible to capture this unusual angle. You may think, “Is that all?”—but I hope you can understand my excitement as a railfan.

By the way, what was my errand at the Tama River? The answer lies in the photo below. I visited the riverside near Noborito Station and enjoyed fossil hunting. My find of the day was a fossil crab (Carcinoplax sp.?), from the Iimuro Formation, which was deposited about 1.3 to 1.1 million years ago. Its long claw is cool, isn’t it?

Once again, I served a double purpose on the Odakyu Line.

A crab fossil (Carcinoplax sp.?) found near Noborito Station

The 20th Anniversary of the TX Line: Part 2

Trainset 3181 of the EMU 3000 series with the “Unir” commemorative plate

Do you remember when I introduced the 20th anniversary train on the Tsukuba Express Line (hereafter referred to as the TX Line) last July? Eight months later, I recently revisited the TX Line. Today, I’d like to share what I observed during this visit.

First, a brief introduction to the TX Line. It is a relatively new commuter railway in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The line was opened in 2005 by a joint public–private company, the Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company. Connecting Akihabara in central Tokyo with Tsukuba, a science city in Ibaraki Prefecture, the line has a total operating length of 58.3 km. The maximum operating speed is 130 km per hour, which is very fast for a narrow-gauge railway.

During my visit, I found a second commemorative train celebrating the 20th anniversary. Please take a look at the top photo. You can see a special commemorative plate mounted on trainset 3181 of the EMU 3000 series, featuring the TX Line’s new mascot character, “Unir.” According to the company’s website, Unir is a unicorn who joined the company in 2025. Unir belongs to both the transportation and engineering departments and works in both roles. Unir is also good at playing musical instruments and researching fashion—Unir, you’re a genius! (see the related links).

By the way, there was one disappointing thing I should mention. Please take a look at the photo below—that is Kitasenju Station. It used to be a convenient station near central Tokyo for taking train photos. However, passengers are currently not allowed to go to the end of the platform, as platform extension work for 8-car trains is under way. According to the company, the platform extension projects along the entire TX Line are scheduled to be completed in the first half of the 2030s.

Does that mean it will be impossible to take train photos at Kitasenju Station until then?

The platform of Kitasenju Station under extension construction

Related link:

・Official information about the "Unir" train from the Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company (in Japanese)

・Official information about "Unir" from the Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company (in Japanese)

Yokohama Subway Green Line: A 2026 Update

GREEN×EXPO 2027 wrapped train, 10000 series EMU, Set 10011

I recently revisited Yokohama’s Green Line for the first time in two years, and I would like to share a few observations from this short but interesting metro route.

By way of background, the Green Line is Yokohama’s second subway line, opened in 2008 by the city’s Transportation Bureau. It runs for 13.1 kilometers between Nakayama (JR East’s Yokohama Line) and Hiyoshi (Tokyu’s Toyoko Line), serving ten stations in total. The line uses linear motor technology, which allows for smaller tunnel profiles. A distinctive feature of this system is the reaction plate installed between the rails, clearly visible from the platform.

The highlight of my visit was a specially wrapped train advertising GREEN×EXPO 2027, Yokohama’s upcoming international horticultural exposition. Shown in the top photo is Set 10011 of the 10000 series EMU, now running in this colorful promotional livery. A similar wrapped train has already appeared on the Blue Line, and it is good to see the Green Line joining in as well.

Next, please look at the photo below. You can see the EXPO’s mascot character, Tunk Tunk, with its cute pink, heart-shaped face next to the passenger door. However, there is one problem: a “6 cars” sign just above Tunk Tunk. As I mentioned two years ago, the trains on the Green Line have been in the process of changing from four-car to six-car formations. I had assumed that all 17 trainsets had already been converted to six cars. If that were the case, there would be no need to display a “6 cars” sign on a newly wrapped train.

After looking into the matter, I found that only ten sets have been converted to six-car trains for rush-hour service, primarily for peak-hour operation. As a result, two different train lengths—four-car and six-car sets—continue to coexist on the Green Line.

So, the Yokohama Municipal Subway—you are being frugal, aren't you?

“6 cars” sign located above the Tunk Tunk mascot

“Dream Space” in Kiyose City

Unit OShi 25 901 of Series 24 dining car preserved in Kiyose Chuo Park

Great news for rail fans — Yumekukan is finally back after nearly two years and is now open to the public again!

For those who may not know, Yumekukan (“Dream Space”) was a luxury train operated by JR East. It consisted of three beautifully designed cars and first entered service in 1989, mainly for charter and special runs. Since it didn’t have its own power supply car, it was always coupled with standard 24 Series passenger cars and hauled by a locomotive.

After 19 years in service, the train was retired in 2008. Two of the three cars were preserved in front of a shopping mall in Misato City, Saitama, but unfortunately they were closed to visitors in 2024 due to deterioration. Thankfully, Kiyose City in Tokyo stepped in and took over the cars. They were carefully relocated to Kiyose Chuo Park and, after restoration work, reopened to the public on February 1.

When I visited the park, I was immediately struck by how stunning the cars looked. Please check out the photos! The green one is the dining car, OShi 25 901 of the 24 Series. The red one is the lounge car, OHafu 25 901. What impressed me most was how faithfully they have been restored. I even spotted a small freshly painted notice on the underfloor equipment reading “Push, automatic water supply” and “Drain cock for air control” — such a wonderfully detailed touch!

The interior isn’t open yet, but I’ve heard it may be used as a restaurant in the near future. I’m really looking forward to that day.

Under the winter sunlight, Yumekukan was shining beautifully. Kiyose Chuo Park truly feels like a dream space now.

Unit OHafu 25 901 of Series 24 lounge car preserved in Kiyose Chuo Park