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 (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