Yamitetsu Part 6: Shin-Yokohama Tunnel

Inside the Shin-Yokohama Tunnel on the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line

I am fascinated by illuminated railway tunnels, and I enjoy “yamitetsu” there. I’m still at a beginner’s level when it comes to yamitetsu. But today, I’d like to share my recent experience in the Shin-Yokohama Tunnel with you.

・What’s Yamitetsu and Shin-Yokohama Tunnel?

As I mentioned before, “yamitetsu” is a Japanese slang term used by railfans for photographing trains and their related facilities in the dark, as well as for people who enjoy doing so.

The Shin-Yokohama Tunnel is a shield tunnel on the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line, which opened in 2023. This was my second visit there, two years after my first.

・A View of the Illuminated Tunnel

All right then—please take a look at the photo above. I stood at the edge of the Shin-Yokohama Station platform and looked into the tunnel of the Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line. I could see the illuminated tunnel wall curving away into the distance.

There were many train approach warning lights to protect railway employees working on the tracks. The interior of the tunnel was very colorful. In fact, I saw several employees carrying out track maintenance work.

Thank you for your hard work. Have a good day!

・A Train Running in the Tunnel

Next, please take a look at the photo below. You can see a train running through the tunnel.

You may be thinking, “I’ve seen this scene in your previous post.”

But please take another look at the photo. The train is different from the one in my previous post. It’s a Saitama Railway 2000 series EMU. That’s the attention to detail you get from being a train enthusiast.

This train runs on three different railway lines and heads to Urawa-Misono, 53.6 km away. Have a safe trip!

I thoroughly enjoyed my yamitetsu adventure in the Shin-Yokohama Tunnel.

A Saitama Railway 2000 series EMU running through the Shin-Yokohama Tunnel

Photographing Subway Trains: The Tozai Line

Tokyo Metro 05 Series EMU, Set 05-124, “aluminum recycled cars”

Photographing subway trains has become part of my routine. Today, I’d like to share my fifth post in this series—the Tozai Line. The theme is “the Tozai Blue.” But before getting down to the main topic, as usual…

・What’s the Tozai Line?

It is the fifth-oldest subway line in Tokyo. It opened in 1964 and is operated by Tokyo Metro. The line is 30.8 km long and connects Nakano and Nishi-Funabashi. A 13.8-km section of the line, mainly in the east, runs above ground. The track gauge is 1,067 mm, and the line uses a 1,500 V DC overhead catenary system. The Tozai Line’s official line color is “light blue.”

Tozai Line trains run directly onto JR East’s Chuo-Sobu Line via Nakano and the Toyo Rapid Railway Line via Nishi-Funabashi. Tokyo Metro currently operates the 05, 05N, 07, and 15000 series EMUs on the line. Meanwhile, JR East’s E231-800 series and Toyo Rapid Railway’s 2000 series EMUs run directly onto the Tozai Line from their respective lines.

・The Tozai Blue: 05 Series EMU

All right then—please take a look at the photo above. You can see a blue-striped train, 05 Series Set 05-124, arriving at Kasai Station on an above-ground section. Needless to say, its blue stripes, especially the light blue stripe in the lower half, reflect the Tozai Line’s official color. Beautiful!

By the way, I know you may be wondering about the “Al” headmark sticker. It stands for “aluminum recycled cars.” In fact, some parts of Set 05-124 were made from aluminum recycled from the old 5000 Series EMUs. It’s an eco-friendly train, isn’t it?

・The Tozai Blue: Urayasu Station

Next, please take a look at the photo below. You can see a 15000 Series EMU arriving at Urayasu Station. The 15000 Series also has light blue livery—the Tozai Line’s color. It’s beautiful, too, isn’t it?

But I want you to notice one more thing—yes, the platform pillars. At this station, they are painted light blue, matching the Tozai Line’s color!

It may be a mere trifle, but I was impressed that Tokyo Metro pays attention to even the smallest details.

I thoroughly enjoyed my “Tozai Blue” adventure on the Tozai Line.

Tokyo Metro 15000 Series EMU arriving at Urayasu Station on the Tozai Line

Related link:

・Official information from Tokyo Metro

A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design: Part 3

Rinkaru-themed hanging strap on a TWR train

There are many hanging straps in commuter trains in Japan. That’s because trains in urban areas are often crowded. Hanging straps are essential for passenger safety in this country.

By the way, I imagine there are hanging straps with unique designs in your country, too. In Japan, there aren’t many, but I do come across them from time to time. As I mentioned in a previous post, the Sounyan-themed hanging strap on a Sotetsu train is a typical example. We shouldn’t forget the Mocoron-themed hanging strap on an Odakyu train, either. Today, I’d like to share one more unique hanging strap with you

Please take a look at the photo above. What’s that?

Here you can see Rinkaru! That’s a special hanging strap on a Rinkai Line train.

The Rinkai Line is a commuter railway serving the waterfront area of Tokyo. It is operated by Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR), a public-private joint venture. The line stretches 12.2 km and connects Shin-Kiba and Ōsaki. It has eight stations.

Rinkaru is the Rinkai Line’s mascot character. He is a dolphin boy who appeared in Tokyo Bay in 2007. He always wears a railway cap, which was given to him by the stationmaster of Tokyo Teleport Station. He is said to never grow old. Rinkaru’s hanging strap—it’s super cute, isn’t it?

Finally, I have to tell you about the train equipped with Rinkaru’s hanging strap. Please see the photo below. This is the train—Set Z3 of the TWR Series 70-000 EMU. I was pleased to see Rinkaru featured prominently on the exterior. The train is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Rinkai Line.

I enjoyed both the unique hanging strap and the 30th-anniversary posters on the Rinkai Line train that day.

TWR Series 70-000 Set Z3 leaving Shinonome Station

Related link:

・Official information from TWR (in Japanese)

The 25th Anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea

“Sparkling Jubilee Liner” running on the Disney Resort Line

I recently visited the Disney Resort Line for the first time in a year and three months. What’s new with this monorail line, which runs through the resort “where dreams come true”? But before that…

・What’s the Disney Resort Line?

It is a straddle-beam monorail that opened in 2001. The route is a single-track loop connecting Disney theme parks, official hotels, and JR East’s Maihama Station. It is a form of public transportation covered by the Railway Business Act, rather than an attraction inside the resort. You can use rechargeable smart cards, such as Suica and PASMO, on the line.

The line is electrified at 1,500 V DC. There are four stations along its 5.0-kilometer route. All trains run counterclockwise throughout the day. The trains use an ATO (automatic train operation) system and operate without drivers. Meanwhile, a conductor is on board to operate the doors and make announcements to passengers.

・Trains on the Disney Resort Line

Currently, the 100 series EMU (Type C) is the only train type operated on the line. It entered service in 2020 to replace the older 10 series EMU (Type X). A total of five sets were built by Hitachi. Each set has a different livery.

Each trainset is 84.9 meters long and consists of four intermediate motorcars and two control trailers (4M2Tc). It features aluminum-alloy bodies, a VFD control system with 100 kW induction motors, and so on.

・What’s New with the Disney Resort Line?

Well, that’s enough technical detail. Let’s take a look at the photos.

I spotted a specially wrapped train called the “Sparkling Jubilee Liner,” celebrating the 25th anniversary of DisneySea, on the line. DisneySea is one of the theme parks at the resort. It opened in 2001 as the second theme park of Tokyo Disney Resort. Its slogan is “Where Adventure and Imagination Set Sail.”

As its slogan suggests, the anniversary train is finished in ocean blue both inside and out. This is Type C, Set 105. Its original color was green.

I think it is the most beautiful wrapped train on the Disney Resort Line I have ever seen. Of course, the exterior features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends. It’s such a fun design!

Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea!

Interior of the “Sparkling Jubilee Liner”

Related link:

・Official information from the Disney Resort Line

Photographing Subway Trains: The Asakusa Line

Toei 5500 series EMU leaving Takanawadai Station in a shield tunnel

Before I knew it, photographing subway trains had become a routine for me. Today, I would like to share my fourth post about photographing subway trains—the Asakusa Line—with you. The theme is “Yamitetsu on the Asakusa Line.” But before that…

・What’s the Asakusa Line?

The Asakusa Line is the third-oldest subway line in Tokyo. It opened in 1960 and is operated by the Bureau of Transportation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei). The line is 18.3 km long and connects Nishi-magome and Oshiage. The track gauge is 1,435 mm, and the line uses a 1,500 V DC overhead catenary system. Asakusa Line trains run directly onto the Keikyu, Keisei, and other lines.

There is a wide variety of EMUs operating on the Asakusa Line, since many types of trains run directly onto the line from connecting lines. However, Toei itself currently operates only the 5500 series EMU as a regular train.

・What’s Yamitetsu?

As I mentioned in my previous posts, “yamitetsu” is a Japanese slang term among railfans for photographing trains in the dark, and also for people who enjoy doing so. I’m still a beginner at yamitetsu myself. But this time, I made a detour to the Asakusa Line.

・Yamitetsu’s Activity in a Shield Tunnel

Alright then—it’s time for yamitetsu! Please take a look at the photo above. I took it in a shield tunnel at Takanawadai Station. A Toei 5500 series EMU was leaving the station.

To be honest, it was difficult, since the tunnel was darker than I had expected. The pictures easily came out blurry, and the lights tended to bleed into the surrounding areas. It was a bit disappointing. But, on the other hand, I was captivated by the tunnel walls illuminated by the green and red signals. That’s not so bad, is it?

・Yamitetsu’s Activity in a Rail Yard

Next, please take a look at the photo below. I visited Magome Rail Yard near Nishi-magome Station. It shows a Toei 5500 series EMU leaving Magome Rail Yard to provide additional service during rush hour.

You may be thinking, “I’ve seen this rail yard in your previous post.”

But take another look at the photo. It was taken in the evening, not during the daytime. The train was gleaming brightly under the yard lights. The inspection building was empty, but the lights were still on as if it were alive. Even the green grass beside the tracks was shining. Beautiful!

I thoroughly enjoyed my yamitetsu adventure on the Asakusa Line.

Toei 5500 series EMU leaving Magome Rail Yard in the evening

Related link:

・Official information from Toei (in Japanese with a machine translation system)

The 3rd Anniversary of Mocoron

Odakyu Series 60000 EMU with a “3rd Anniversary of Mocoron” headmark

I imagine there are many mascot characters in your country, too.

There are also many in Japan. For example, many local governments have their own mascot characters, such as “Kumamon” of Kumamoto Prefecture. Railway companies have their own mascot characters, too. For example, my favorite one is “Sounyan” of Sagami Railway. Keisei Electric Railway’s “Keisei Panda” is also quite unique and appealing.

Other than that… Mocoron!

・What’s Mocoron?

As I’ve mentioned several times, Mocoron is Odakyu Electric Railway’s mascot character. It debuted in August 2023. According to Odakyu’s website, Mocoron is a blue rabbit who helps promote child-friendly services on the Odakyu Line. Mocoron likes riding trains and is always looking for something fun.

In fact, we can see a large Mocoron stuffed toy sitting in the driver’s cab of the Mocoron train, a specially wrapped train promoting the Odakyu Line (see my previous post). So cute, isn’t it?

・The 3rd Anniversary of Mocoron

In August this year, Odakyu celebrated Mocoron’s third anniversary. Three years have already passed since its debut. Time really flies.

As part of the third-anniversary celebrations, commemorative headmarks were placed on the Series 60000 EMUs, Romancecar MSE (see the photo above). In the photo below, you can see a close-up of the headmark on the front of the cab. The design is modest, but charming in its own way.

・Background of Mocoron’s Activities

For your information, Odakyu places a strong emphasis on supporting families with children. For instance, elementary school students pay a flat fare of only 50 yen (US$0.33) for any journey.

As I’ve mentioned several times, Japan’s population has been declining. Railway companies cannot simply sit back and do nothing in this situation. They are competing to attract passengers and have to enhance the appeal of their lines. Otherwise, families may move to more popular areas along other railway lines.

Odakyu’s strategy is to attract families with children.

Congratulations on the 3rd anniversary of Mocoron!

The commemorative headmark celebrating the 3rd anniversary of Mocoron

Related link:

・Official information from Odakyu (in Japanese)

Photographing Subway Trains: The Hibiya Line

Tokyo Metro’s Series 13000 EMU at Minami-senju Station

I started photographing subway trains again one month ago. Following my posts on the Marunouchi and Ginza Lines, today I’d like to share some recent photos of the Hibiya Line. The theme is the “Miracle Hibiya Line.” But before that…

What’s the Hibiya Line?

The Hibiya Line is the fourth-oldest subway line in Tokyo. It opened in 1961 and is operated by Tokyo Metro, just like the Ginza and Marunouchi Lines. The line is 20.3 km long and connects Kita-senju and Naka-meguro. Its track gauge is 1,067 mm, and it uses 1,500 V DC with overhead catenaries. Many Hibiya Line trains run directly onto the Tobu Isesaki Line.

Currently, three types of EMUs operate on the Hibiya Line: Tokyo Metro’s Series 13000 and Tobu’s Series 70000 and 70090. To improve operational efficiency, all trainsets consist of seven 20-meter-long cars.

Sorry for the long introduction.

I chose Minami-senju Station on the Hibiya Line as my place to photograph trains. It was my first time taking pictures there. Why Minami-senju?

First, I wanted to photograph trains on the surface during the daytime. Second, I wanted to choose a Tokyo Metro station rather than one shared with another railway company, such as the terminals at Kita-senju and Naka-meguro. In other words, I wanted to soak up the Tokyo Metro atmosphere.

Now, please look at the photo above. It shows a southbound Series 13000 EMU at Minami-senju Station. You may be thinking, “Just a nondescript scene.” But it was a miracle indeed.

In fact, when I arrived at Minami-senju, I noticed that northbound and southbound trains were leaving at the same time, at five-minute intervals. That meant that whenever I tried to photograph a northbound train from the opposite, southbound platform, a southbound train arriving at the same time always blocked my view.

Then the miracle happened. An extra out-of-service southbound train came into view. I ran up the stairs to the opposite platform and made it just in time. I did it!

Next, please see the photo below. I managed to capture two types of trains in a single photograph: Tobu’s Series 70000 (left) and Tokyo Metro’s Series 13000 (right) EMUs. Another miracle happened at Minami-senju Station when the two trains arrived and departed at the exact same time. Lucky!

The Hibiya Line is indeed the Miracle Line for me!

Tobu’s Series 70000 EMU (left) and Tokyo Metro’s Series 13000 EMU (right)

“Nothing Changes” in Yamagata Prefecture

The KiHa101 series diesel railcar, FRUIT LINER, standing at Yamagata Station

Today, I'd like to return to my recent family trip to Yamagata Prefecture and share one more highlight from the trip.

I think there are many things in your country that have remained unchanged for a long time.

There are also many such things in Japan. For example, the five-story pagoda at Horyu-ji Temple in Nara Prefecture has stood unchanged for more than 1,300 years. My favorite five-story pagoda at Muro-ji Temple has remained unchanged for 1,232 years since it was built.

A pagoda that has stood unchanged for centuries can be found in Yamagata Prefecture as well. Please take a look at the photo below—the five-story pagoda of Haguro-san. It was reconstructed in 1372 and has remained unchanged ever since, for 654 years. During our trip to Yamagata Prefecture, I enjoyed taking a close look at this timeless pagoda.

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

After visiting Haguro-san, we returned to JR East’s Yamagata Station. When we arrived there, what caught my eye was the “FRUIT LINER” train (see the photo above).

You may have forgotten that I introduced this train on my blog fifteen years ago. FRUIT LINER is a local commuter train operating on JR East’s Aterazawa Line. As you know, Yamagata Prefecture is well known as the “Kingdom of Fruit.” In fact, there are many orchards along the Aterazawa Line. That’s why the train running on this line came to be known as the Fruit Liner. You can see its beautiful two-tone white-and-blue body. The blue represents the waters of the Mogami River, which flows along the line.

The official designation of the FRUIT LINER is the KiHa 101 series. It is a 17-meter-long diesel railcar powered by a 243 kW diesel engine. It entered service in 1993, and a total of thirteen cars were built by Niigata Engineering.

I was very happy to see the FRUIT LINER again for the first time in fifteen years. It hadn’t changed at all and was still shining beautifully, just as it had fifteen years ago.

Always-changing urban scenery and trains are certainly attractive. But, like the historical pagoda and the train, … “Nothing changes” in Yamagata Prefecture also drew me in.

The five-story pagoda of Haguro-san in Yamagata Prefecture

The 30th Anniversary of the Rinkai Line

Series 71-000 Set Z11 with a “30th Anniversary of the Rinkai Line” headmark

On March 30 this year, Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Company (TWR) celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Rinkai Line. Today, I’d like to share a few thoughts about this milestone. But before that…

That’s weird. I still remember that TWR celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Rinkai Line four years ago. So why is TWR celebrating its 30th anniversary this year?

You may be wondering the same thing as I was, so let me start with a brief overview of the Rinkai Line.

・What Is the Rinkai Line?

The Rinkai Line is a commuter railway serving the waterfront area of Tokyo. It is operated by TWR, a public-private joint venture. The entire line is double-tracked, and trains run on a 1,500 V DC system. Most of the line runs underground, but it is not classified as a subway line. Rinkai Line trains also run directly onto JR East lines.

・History of the Rinkai Line

The Rinkai Line initially opened between Shin-Kiba and Tokyo Teleport (4.9 km) in 1996. It was then fully opened between Ōsaki and Shin-Kiba (12.2 km) in 2002.

In short, TWR celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Rinkai Line’s full opening in 2022. On the other hand, it is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the line’s initial, partial opening this year. Does that clear things up for you?

・The 30th Anniversary Headmark

Let’s move on. One of the events marking the 30th anniversary is the application of a commemorative headmark to Set Z11 of the Series 71-000 EMU (see the photo above).

In the photo below, you can see a close-up of another headmark on the other cab front. The Series 70-000 and Series 71-000 EMUs are featured on the headmark. The design is modest, but charming in its own way.

・Final Thoughts

Finally, I tried to look back on the days of the Rinkai Line’s “20th anniversary” in 2022. I remembered that the anniversary train was the older Series 70-000. Four years later, the “30th anniversary” train is the latest Series 71-000 EMU.

As far as I know, a total of five sets of the Series 71-000 have already entered service. I could really feel how quickly this urban railway is changing.

Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the Rinkai Line!

The commemorative headmark celebrating the 30th anniversary

Related link:

・Official information from TWR (in Japanese)

Photographing Subway Trains: The Ginza Line

Series 1000, Set 40, the special-edition train, at Omotesando Station

I’ve started taking photos of subway trains again. Continuing from the Marunouchi Line, today I’d like to share some recent photos of the Ginza Line. The theme is “the changing Ginza Line.” But before that…

・What’s the Ginza Line?

The Ginza Line is Japan’s oldest subway line. It opened in 1927. The track gauge is 1,435 mm, and the electric system is 600 V DC. It uses a third-rail system for power collection, so there are no pantographs.

Currently, the Series 1000 is the only train type operated on the line. It is known for its high-tech features, including single-axle steering trucks designed to reduce noise and vibration on sharp curves.

・Set 40 at Omotesando Station

First, take a look at the photo above. You can see a Series 1000 train standing at Omotesando Station.

You may be thinking, “Just a nondescript scene. I saw the same thing in my 2018 post, too.”

But take a look at the side of the train. Platform screen doors have been installed.

Taking photos of subway trains is difficult enough as it is, but platform screen doors make it even more difficult. Of course, I know they are essential for preventing passengers from falling off the platform…

There’s no use complaining. Instead, let’s add a little spice to the photo. Take another look at the top photo. That’s Set 40, a special-edition Series 1000 train. Its classic body design was inspired by Japan’s first subway electric train, which was built in 1927.

・The Shibuya Siding Track

Next, take a look at the photo below. You can see an extra-rare elevated siding track between Shibuya Depot and Shibuya Station on the Ginza Line.

You may be thinking, “I saw this in your previous post in 2024, too.”

But take another look at the photo. The track has been moved to the left.

As you know, major redevelopment work is still underway around Shibuya Station. In the future, this precious elevated track will be covered by a roof. So this photo captures a precious moment in the ever-changing landscape of Shibuya Station.

The Ginza Line is indeed changing day by day.

Series 1000 EMU leaving Shibuya Depot

Tobu Series 10000 EMU: The “Ibushigin” Train

Tobu’s Series 10000 EMU, Set 11601

To begin with, I have a question.

Do you know the Japanese word “ibushigin”?

Its literal meaning is something like “oxidized silver,” but it has a deeper meaning. To me, “ibushigin” describes someone who has stood the test of time and has a quiet, understated charm. In English, it is close to the idea of a “seasoned veteran”—an accomplished player, actor, or craftsman, for example.

Here’s my next question: Is there any train like “ibushigin” in your country?

Japan certainly does! We have many trains that I would describe as “ibushigin.” But if I have to choose one, I’ll go with Tobu’s Series 10000 EMU!

That’s what today’s post is about. It’s been thirteen years since I last featured this train.

Seeing is believing. So, take a look at the photos.

There it is: the Series 10000—the “Ibushigin Train.”

So, why do I think of the Series 10000 as an “ibushigin” train?

First, it looks rather old, but its stainless-steel body still has a distinctive, subdued shine.

Second, its frontal design looks sturdy. The Series 10000 is quite different from the earlier Series 9000, which has a simpler “flat face.”

Third, the corrugated panels on its sides also give the train a solid, sturdy appearance. They were originally designed to cover the welded plates and hide uneven areas. You don’t see these corrugated panels on the latest stainless-steel trains anymore, thanks to advances in technology.

Fourth, its rooftops are lined with many air-conditioning units. As you know, modern trains generally have just one large, simple air-conditioning unit on each car.

Of course, modern trains are beautiful, too. But I’m more drawn to the “Ibushigin Train,” whose appearance reflects its long history. Its long history seems to show in every detail.

And for those of you who enjoy the technical side of railways, here are a few details about the Series 10000

The Series 10000 EMU is Tobu Railway’s 1,500 V DC commuter train, developed in 1983 as a successor to the Series 8000 EMU. A total of 118 units were built by Tokyu Sharyo, Alna Sharyo, and Fuji Heavy Industries. It features a 20-meter-long stainless-steel body, a field chopper control system, regenerative braking, and so on. Regenerative braking is particularly useful when descending the steep gradients on the Nikko Line.

I sincerely hope this Ibushigin Train will continue running safely for as long as possible.

Tobu’s Series 10000 EMU, Set 11603

Related link:

・Official information from Tobu (in Japanese)

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)