Are there any blue trains in your country?
I know that South Africa has its famous Blue Train. I’ve also heard of PeruRail’s luxury blue train that takes passengers to the famous sightseeing destination of Machu Picchu.
Japan has blue trains, too! There used to be “Blue Trains” in Japan, a term referring to blue-colored sleeper trains. You may remember my previous posts featuring some of them, including Hokutosei and Akebono.
Although Japan’s Blue Trains have all been retired, blue-colored trains can still be found here. Famous examples include Kintetsu’s limited express “Blue Symphony” and Sotetsu’s commuter trains in their distinctive navy-blue livery.
I’m particularly fond of blue trains, especially those in ultramarine. They have a calming effect on me. I think blue trains look especially beautiful in the evening. Don’t you agree?
Let’s take a look at one. Please check out the top photo. I photographed this train just after sunset. Doesn’t it have a calming effect on you, too?
You may remember this train from my previous post. Yes, it’s JR East’s Series 253 EMU, operating as the limited express “Kinugawa” and "Nikko!"
The Series 253 is an older EMU originally designed for limited express services. It entered service in 1991 as the first-generation train for the Narita Express (N’EX), which served the New Tokyo International Airport (now Narita Airport). The train featured in the top photo originally entered service in 2002 as part of the fifth batch of N’EX trains.
It was later refurbished and repainted red before entering service as a limited express train on the “Kinugawa” and “Nikko” services in 2011. Since then, it has connected central Tokyo with popular destinations in the northern part of the Tokyo metropolitan area, including Kinugawa and Nikko.
Now, 15 years later, the Series 253 has been given a new blue livery. What a surprise! On June 13, it made its debut in its new colors on Tokyo-area tracks.
Welcome back, the Series 253! I thought you might be heading for retirement soon. You look great in blue. Keep up the good work!
