My Memorable Trains: JR Central’s Series 211 EMUs

JR Central’s Series 211, Set SS5, at Mishima Station (January 2023)

As I mentioned before, I’ve started sorting through my train photos. But that’s easier said than done. As soon as I started looking through my old photo albums, I got completely absorbed in them and forgot all about my original purpose. One of the trains that recently caught my attention was JR Central’s Series 211 electric multiple unit (EMU). So today, I’d like to share this train with you.

What’s Series 211?

The Series 211 is a standard direct current (1,500 V) EMU. It was developed by the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1985, just before its breakup. A total of 827 cars entered service with JNR and its successors—JR East, JR West, and JR Central.

Technically, it features a 20-meter-long stainless-steel body equipped with bolsterless bogies, a field-excitation control system, regenerative braking, and so on.

What’s new with the Series 211?

JR East’s Series 211 EMUs are still in operation in some areas, such as the “Yagasuri Train,” but they have already disappeared from the JR West and JR Central lines.

First, the top photo shows JR Central’s Series 211, Set SS5, standing at Mishima Station on the Tokaido Main Line. I took it in January 2023. Set SS5 consisted of three cars and was part of the 211-5000 series. It was a very cold day, and the COVID-19 pandemic was still ongoing. You can see that all the passengers were wearing masks.

At the time, it seemed that Set SS5 could continue running at a high level for years to come. But in fact, it was retired the following year, in 2024. What a shame.

Next, the bottom photo shows JR Central’s Series 211, Set GG4, standing at Atami Station on the Tokaido Main Line. I also took this photo in January 2023. Set GG4 consisted of two cars and was part of the 211-6000 series.

Unlike JR East’s Series 211, JR Central’s Series 211 was often coupled with other types of EMUs. You can see a Series 313 EMU behind Set GG4.

It, too, was retired the following year, in 2024. Almost three years have passed since then. Time really flies.

Sayonara (goodbye), and thank you, JR Central’s Series 211 EMUs! I will never forget you.

JR Central’s Series 211, Set GG4, at Atami Station (January 2023)

Photographing Subway Trains: The Marunouchi Line

Tokyo Metro’s 2000 Series EMU approaching Myogadani Station

Are you good at photographing subway trains?

Me? No, I’m not. As I’ve mentioned in several previous posts, subway trains can be a real challenge for railfans.

The biggest problem is the dark and narrow environment in which they run. So, many railfans look for opportunities to photograph subway trains in the following situations:

1. Surface sections during the daytime (e.g. near Ochanomizu Station): But such above-ground sections of subway lines are limited in Tokyo.

2. Surface sections of lines that connect with subway lines (e.g. the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, which connects with the Hanzomon Line): But again, such lines are limited in Tokyo.

3. Underground stations with separate platforms and no pillars between the two tracks (e.g. Shintomicho Station): But such stations are quite rare.

4. Yami-tetsu—photographing trains in the dark (e.g. the end of Daimon Station): But it’s technically difficult.

In conclusion, I still think there’s no easy solution.

Well, sorry for all the excuses. But I’ve started taking photos of subway trains again. Let me share a few of them with you today.

They are Tokyo Metro’s 2000 Series EMUs running on the Marunouchi Line. I’ve already posted several photos of the Marunouchi Line, but this time, I took them from different locations. They may look like ordinary photos, but each one required a little ingenuity.

First, the top photo was taken from a road bridge near Myogadani Station. At first glance, it seemed like an ideal photo spot, but there was a challenge—a fine-mesh safety fence. Using a large-aperture lens was virtually impossible. So I pulled out my smartphone and concentrated on getting the timing right. I just managed to get the shot—and I was delighted with the result.

Next, the bottom photo was taken at Korakuen Station. It also looked like a good spot for photographing trains, but the track curved away from me. So I couldn’t capture the whole train. Instead, I tried shooting from a little farther away. Although several trackside facilities were blocking my view, I managed to capture the front four cars. Not bad.

I’m running out of space here, so I’ll save the other subway train photos for a future post. Railfanning is a very particular hobby, isn’t it?

Tokyo Metro’s 2000 Series EMU arriving at Korakuen Station

The 150th Anniversary of Ōmori Station

Series E233-1000 Set "150" with a “150th Anniversary of Ōmori Station” headmark

Do you remember my post about Kamata Station two years ago? Today, I’d like to share a similar anniversary celebration at its neighboring station.

Ōmori is a station on the Keihin-Tōhoku Line. It is about 10 kilometers from Tokyo Station, and one stop closer to Tokyo than Kamata Station. Ōmori and Kamata are both located in convenient commercial and residential areas, so I think of them as something like brothers.

Two years after Kamata Station celebrated its 120th anniversary, Ōmori Station recently celebrated its 150th. In commemoration, JR East and local residents organized a variety of events.

Hold on, that’s weird. I still remember that Kamata Station celebrated its 120th anniversary two years ago, but why was its neighboring station, Ōmori, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year?

After looking into it, I realized for the first time just how different the histories of the two stations are. Kamata was opened near a famous plum-viewing spot in 1904. Ōmori, on the other hand, was inaugurated on the site of a former railway employees’ office in 1876—28 years before Kamata. I didn’t know that until now. I still have a lot to learn.

Let’s move on. One of the events marking the 150th anniversary is a commemorative headmark on Set “150” of the E233-1000 series EMU (see the photo above and the related links below). Take a close look at the shell illustration at the bottom of the headmark.

In fact, Ōmori is famous for its shell mound (see the photo below). It is a shell midden left by our ancestors roughly 6,000 to 4,500 years ago. It was discovered by American zoologist Edward Sylvester Morse in 1877 and was later designated a National Historic Site of Japan. He spotted it from a train as it passed by the site. What an amazing eye he had!

The railway also played an important role in the early days of Japanese archaeology.

Congratulations on the 150th anniversary of Ōmori Station!

Ōmori Shell Mound near Ōmori Station on the Keihin-Tohoku Line

Related link:

・Official information from JR East (in Japanese)

・Official information from Ōta Tourism Association (in Japanese)

Reunion with Class EF81

Class EF81 No. 138 EL preserved at Yumenoba

Today, I’d like to return to my recent visit to Yumenoba (also known as THE HIROSAWA CITY), a vehicle-themed park in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I’d like to share one of its highlights with you.

The Class EF81 was an electric locomotive (EL) operated by JR Group companies. It was developed in 1968 by the former Japanese National Railways for use on both DC (1,500 V) and AC (20,000 V, 50 Hz and 60 Hz) railway lines. A total of 164 units were built by Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric–Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The EF81 was a Bo-Bo-Bo (UIC notation) type EL equipped with six 425 kW DC series motors and a rheostatic control system. It was used to haul both passenger and freight trains.

I still remember seeing two different EF81s at Tabata Rail Yard in 2022 and spending quite some time looking them over.

By the way, you may be wondering why I’m talking about the EF81 in the past tense. I'm glad you noticed.

The thing is, all the EF81s, my longtime friends, had quietly disappeared from service by last year. I hadn't even realized it.

But don't worry. Rail fans are optimistic. So I turned the page and headed to Yumenoba to meet the EF81 again.

Please look at the photo above. That’s Class EF81 No. 138, formerly operated by JR East. It has been beautifully preserved and was gleaming in the sunlight. What a wonderful sight! Class EF81, long time no see. I'm sorry I couldn't see you off, but I'm so happy to see you again. 

Even better, I found a steam locomotive (SL), Class D51 No. 1116, right next to it (see the photo below).

Class EF81, enjoy reminiscing about the old days with your neighbor, D51 No. 1116. I'll come back to visit you from time to time. See you again soon.

Class D51 No. 1116 SL (left) and Class EF81 No. 138 EL (right)

Related link:

・Official information from Yumenoba (in Japanese)

Fireworks Festival on the Joetsu Shinkansen

JR East Series E7 EMU at Takasaki Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but today I’d like to return to my recent family trip to Niigata Prefecture and share one of its highlights with you.

I think there are many fireworks festivals in your country. There are also many in Japan, especially in summer. Watching fireworks in the evening breeze is one of the pleasures of summer in Japan.

Nagaoka, the second-largest city in Niigata Prefecture, is famous for its large fireworks festival. The festival began as a way to commemorate the victims of World War II and pray for peace. Just look at the photo below. You can see the beautiful round shapes and brilliant blue and pink colors. How wonderful it is to live in peace!

Of course, I can’t end this post without mentioning the railway side of things—after all, this is a railway blog.

To enjoy the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, the nearest station is Nagaoka Station on JR East’s Joetsu Shinkansen. It’s about 270 km from Tokyo, and the journey takes only about an hour and a half.

What’s new with the Joetsu Shinkansen?

I found that the Joetsu Shinkansen fleet now consists entirely of Series E7 EMUs (see the photo above). The older models—Series 200, E1, E2 and E4—have already been retired from service on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Furthermore, the special-liveried Series E7 EMUs (Sets F21 and F22), which had an additional pink stripe, have returned to the standard livery.

Operating a single train model on the Joetsu Shinkansen certainly looks efficient and cost-effective. But for a train enthusiast like me, it feels like something is missing. You know how train enthusiasts are.

2026 Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

Related Links:

・Official information from JR East

・Official information from Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation (in Japanese) 

A Double-Purpose Trip on the “Tokyo Panorama Line”

Monchhichi Wrapped Train leaving Ōi-keibajō-mae Station

Today, I'd like to share something about the Tokyo Panorama Line with you.

Even if you are familiar with Japanese railways, you may be thinking, “Tokyo Panorama Line? I've never heard of such a line!” You are absolutely right. It is the brand-new nickname for the Tokyo Monorail's Haneda Airport Line. On November 1, 2025, the company adopted “Tokyo Panorama Line” as a nickname for the Haneda Airport Line to enhance the line's appeal.

As I mentioned before, we've recently seen several existing railway lines in Japan being given new nicknames. The Tobu Urban Park Line and the Tokyo Sakura Tram are typical examples, but something didn't feel right, to be honest. Compared with those, “the Tokyo Panorama Line” isn't so bad, since passengers can actually enjoy panoramic views of the Tokyo Bay area from the trains.

To promote the Tokyo Panorama Line, the company appointed Monchhichi as its Panorama Ambassador and introduced the Monchhichi Wrapped Train on February 20 this year. For your information, Monchhichi is a famous mascot character that was born in 1973. It is said to be a monkey-like fairy.

Now, please look at the photo above. That is the Monchhichi Wrapped Train, Set 10051 of the Series 10000 EMU. I was pleased to see Monchhichi featured prominently on the exterior—so cute!

Stick with me just a bit more.

After taking photos of the Monchhichi Wrapped Train, I got off at Ōi-keibajō-mae Station to take a stroll. My destination was the Keihin Canal, constructed on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. It was a hot and humid summer day, but the breeze blowing across the canal was very soothing.

When I glanced down at my feet, I spotted a rounded, pale-brown stone on the ground. As soon as I noticed it, I couldn't help mumbling, “That's a fossil!”

In fact, it was a six-million-year-old fossil of “Yoshihara-manju-uni” (Echinolampas yoshiwarai), a kind of sea urchin (6cm long). I think it was brought there as part of the fill material used for the reclamation project, probably from the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. What a lucky day it was!

By happy coincidence, I was able to enjoy two of my hobbies during a single trip on the Tokyo Panorama Line.

A sea urchin fossil (Echinolampas yoshiwarai) found near Ōi-keibajō-mae Station

Related Link:

・Official information from Tokyo Monorail (in Japanese)

The Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

Set 4103 of the 5050 series EMU, “Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train”

Do you remember my posts about specially wrapped trains promoting GREEN×EXPO 2027 on the Yokohama Municipal Subway? Today, I’d like to share a similar wrapped train on Tokyu Railway.

・What is GREEN×EXPO 2027?

GREEN×EXPO 2027 is an upcoming international horticultural exposition to be held in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Today marks 220 days until the event opens. As I understand it, it will be more than just a flower exhibition; it will also showcase advanced green technologies.

The venue is close to several stations served by Sagami Railway, the Yokohama Municipal Subway, and Tokyu Railway. I hope for a vibrant and cheerful event, but at the same time, I am concerned about train congestion during the event.

・Railway operators’ contribution

The Yokohama Municipal Subway has been operating special wrapped trains promoting GREEN×EXPO 2027 on the Blue and Green Lines since autumn 2025. Meanwhile, Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) has been operating a special wrapped train, “Let’s Go by Sotetsu!,” since May this year. (I will write about it in a future post.)

・Tokyu’s wrapped trains

Tokyu introduced three sets of wrapped trains, “The Tokyu Green Lifestyle Trains,” for the Toyoko, Den-en-toshi, and Meguro Lines this summer. These trains promote GREEN×EXPO 2027, with a particular focus on the Tokyu Group Pavilion.

・Photographing the Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

I chose Set 4103 of the 5050 series EMU as my first subject and headed to Ryokuentoshi Station on the Sotetsu Izumino Line. There was no particular reason. I just felt like photographing a train emerging from a tunnel this time.

For your information, trains on the Tokyu Toyoko Line sometimes run directly onto the Sotetsu Izumino Line. I waited eagerly for the wrapped train to emerge from the pitch-black tunnel beside the station.

・Impression of the Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

Now, please look at the photo above. The blue-and-green wrapped train is beautiful, isn’t it?

In particular, I loved the cute mascot character of the Tokyu Group Pavilion, “Miraidane (Seed for the Future)” (see the photo below). However, the official mascot of GREEN×EXPO 2027, “Tunk Tunk,” was not featured on the train. That was a little sad.

It would have been even better if I could have seen Miraidane and Tunk Tunk getting along.

Close-up view of the Tokyu Green Lifestyle Train

Related Link:

・Official information from Tokyu (in Japanese)

Riding the Prince No.2 Gondola on Mt. Naeba

Prince No.2 Gondola on Mt. Naeba

I recently visited Niigata Prefecture with my family to escape the summer heat. One of the highlights of our trip was a ride on the Prince No.2 Gondola on Mt. Naeba, and I'd like to share the experience with you today.

・Why a Gondola?

You may be wondering why I'm writing about an aerial lift on a railway blog. To be honest, there isn't any special reason—I simply felt like sharing it! If I have to come up with an excuse, though, gondola lifts in Japan are legally classified under the Railway Business Act. So perhaps this topic isn't entirely out of place after all!

・Where Is Mt. Naeba?

Mt. Naeba, which rises to 2,145 meters, is well known for its beautiful alpine wetlands. It stands on the border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures, about 150 kilometers north of Tokyo. At the foot of the mountain is Naeba Ski Resort, one of Japan's best-known ski resorts, operated by Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide.

・What Is the Prince No.2 Gondola?

Although the ski resort is naturally busiest in winter, several gondola lifts and chair lifts continue operating during the green season, allowing visitors to enjoy the mountain scenery. The Prince No.2 Gondola is one of them.

Built by Nippon Cable in 1995, it is a detachable monocable gondola that connects the Sanroku and Sancho stations. The line is 1,754 meters long and climbs 607 meters in elevation, with a maximum gradient of 37 degrees. Sixteen towers support the line, and the haul rope is driven by a 640-kW electric motor.

・The Gondolas

The cabins were manufactured by CWA of Switzerland. Each cabin accommodates up to eight passengers, and a total of 75 cabins are in service. They circulate continuously in a counterclockwise direction at a speed of 5.0 meters per second.

・The Ride and the Scenery

The ride to the upper station took only about ten minutes. Thanks to the back-to-back seating arrangement, we enjoyed unobstructed views throughout the journey.

After arriving at Sancho Station, we walked to the observation deck, which stands at an elevation of 1,518 meters. From there, we enjoyed panoramic views of Mt. Tairappyo (1,984 meters) rising above the surrounding clouds. The temperature was a pleasant 20°C—about 10 degrees cooler than in Tokyo—making it a wonderfully refreshing escape from the midsummer heat.

Our visit to Mt. Naeba turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip, thanks to the cool mountain air, magnificent scenery, and relaxing gondola ride.

View from the observation deck

The Class EF65: Where Are They Now?

JRF’s Class EF65 No. 2096 passing through JR East’s Haijima Station in Tokyo

Don’t you sometimes find yourself wondering, “Where are they now?” For example, you might be relaxing at home, looking through an old photo album, when that question suddenly comes to mind. That’s exactly what today’s post is about.

I’ve recently started sorting through my train photos. Over the years, I’ve accumulated both digital files and printed photos, and as you can imagine, the collection has grown enormous.

I’ve got to do something about it!

But that’s easier said than done. As soon as I started looking through my old photo albums, I got completely absorbed in them and forgot all about my original purpose. One of the trains that caught my attention was the Class EF65 electric locomotive.

Where are they now?

Before answering that question, let me briefly introduce the Class EF65. It is one of Japan’s most representative electric locomotives. Developed by the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1965 as a new standard locomotive, a total of 308 units were built. After the breakup and privatization of JNR, they were transferred to JR Freight (JRF) and the other JR Group companies. Technically speaking, the EF65 is a 1,500-volt DC electric locomotive powered by six 425-kW DC traction motors. Its wheel arrangement is Bo-Bo-Bo in UIC notation.

To my surprise, I found that only about 30 Class EF65 locomotives remain in service today. I hadn’t realized their numbers had fallen so dramatically.

Take the photo above, for example. It shows JR Freight’s EF65 No. 2096, which was retired earlier this year. I still remember coming across it at Haijima Station in Tokyo in 2024 while it was hauling a train of oil tank cars. I was especially fascinated because it still wore the classic JNR livery. Locomotives in these colors remain very popular among Japanese rail fans, as they bring back memories of the famous overnight sleeper trains once hauled by EF65s in the same livery.

Now take a look at the photo below. It shows JR Freight’s EF65 No. 2127, which was retired in 2023. I photographed it near Shimizu Station in Shizuoka Prefecture in 2015 while it was hauling a container freight train. What impressed me most was its distinctive paint scheme, especially the yellow gangway door. Japanese rail fans affectionately call this livery "Karashi" ("mustard"). This distinctive paint scheme originated at Hiroshima Depot, far from my home, making it an especially exciting locomotive to encounter.

I sincerely hope these veteran EF65 locomotives will continue running safely for as long as possible.

Hang in there, Class EF65!

JRF’s Class EF65 No. 2127 running near Shimizu Station in Shizuoka Prefecture

The Seibu 7000 Series EMU Begins Service

The Seibu 7000 series EMU arriving at Nishi-Tokorozawa Station

Do you remember that I mentioned back in 2023 that Seibu Railway would introduce trains purchased second-hand from Odakyu Electric Railway and Tokyu Railway? Today, I'd like to revisit that story.

・What's Happened Since Then?

Following last year's introduction of the former Odakyu 8000 series, the former Tokyu 9000 series EMU finally entered service on the Seibu network on June 27 this year. Renumbered as the Seibu 7000 series, it can now be seen in regular service (see the photo above).

・History of the Seibu 7000 Series

The Seibu 7000 series began life as Tokyu's 9000 series EMU, which debuted in 1986. A total of 117 cars were built for use on the Toyoko and Oimachi lines. The cars feature 20-metre stainless-steel bodies, VFD-controlled induction motors, and an electric-command braking system with regenerative braking.

After the transfer was announced, 16 cars of the former Tokyu 9000 series were refurbished for Seibu. They received Seibu's blue-and-green livery, and door-open/close buttons were installed beside the passenger doors for driver-only operation.

The Seibu 7000 series has already entered service on the Sayama Line, and it will also operate on the Tamagawa, Tamako, and Seibu-Chichibu lines.

・Riding the Seibu 7000 Series

I recently rode the Seibu 7000 series on the Sayama Line. As it arrived at Platform 2 at Nishi-Tokorozawa Station, I couldn't help mumbling, "Now that's a Seibu train!"

Although the train has retained the distinctive shape of the former Tokyu 9000 series, its blue-and-green checkerboard livery makes it look unmistakably like a Seibu train. It matches the design already introduced on the former Odakyu 8000 series.

I was even happier once I stepped inside. The box seats had been retained from its Tokyu days (see the photo below), and that was irresistible for a cross-seat lover like me.

・Final Thoughts

The remaining Tokyu 9000 series is still in service on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. For railfans like me, that's wonderful news, as it gives us the rare opportunity to ride both versions and compare them. I hope they will continue running for many years to come.

A box seat in the Seibu 7000 series

Related Link

・Official information from Seibu Railway (in Japanese)