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…
