Do you get snow in your country? Here in Japan, it depends on the region.
During winter, mountains block the cold, wet winds blowing from the northwest, which causes heavy snowfall on the Japan Sea side. As a result, only dry air reaches the Pacific side, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, so Tokyo usually enjoys sunny days throughout the season.
However, there are exceptions. When a low-pressure system approaches from the Pacific side, the Tokyo metropolitan area can also experience snowfall. That happened last weekend in Tokyo. It was a difficult time for ordinary people, but for rail fans like me, nothing was more exciting than snowfall. It was a perfect opportunity to take train photos against snowy scenery.
I visited Haruhino Station on the Odakyu Tama Line and waited for trains rushing toward me with snow-covered backgrounds.
Five minutes later, a cream-faced train with a blue stripe emerged from the tunnel. Please take a look at the photo above. That is an 8000 series EMU—how cool! The 8000 series is becoming increasingly rare, as many sets have been scrapped and/or transferred to Seibu Railway. Thank you, 8000 series EMU, for your hard work in this cold weather.
Ten minutes later, the next train came out of the tunnel. Please see the photo below—yes, that is the 4000 series EMU. Nearly nineteen years have already passed since it entered service. Recently, the 4000 series has been operating through onto the JR East Jōban Line via the Odakyu and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Lines. Thank you for your long service. I think the 4000 series has a great smile in this photo. Or am I just daydreaming?
I fully enjoyed the 2026 snow scene on the Odakyu Tama Line. Being a rail fan is awesome, isn't it?
