Photographing Subway Trains: The Shinjuku Line

A Toei 10-300 series EMU emerging from a tunnel

This is the eighth installment in my “Photographing Subway Trains” series. You're getting quite familiar with it by now, aren't you? Today, I'm featuring the Shinjuku Line. The theme is “A Subway Line That Crosses Rivers.” But before getting down to the main topic, let me give you the usual introduction.

・What’s the Shinjuku Line?

The Shinjuku Line is Tokyo’s ninth-oldest subway line. It opened in 1978 and is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Toei). The line is 23.5 km long, connecting Shinjuku and Motoyawata. The 2.5 km section between Higashi-ōjima and Funabori runs above ground. Shinjuku Line trains also run directly onto the Keio Line via Shinjuku Station.

The Shinjuku Line’s route number is 10, and its official line color is leaf green (yellowish green). The line uses a 1,500 V DC overhead power supply. One unusual feature of the Toei Shinjuku Line is its track gauge of 1,372 mm, whereas most railway lines in Japan use either 1,067 mm or 1,435 mm gauge. This unusual gauge is inherited from the existing Keio Line, which the Shinjuku Line connects with.

Toei currently operates 10-300 series EMUs on the line. Meanwhile, Keio’s 5000 and 9000 series EMUs also run directly onto the Shinjuku Line.

・A Train Emerging from a Tunnel

All right, please take a look at the photo above. It shows a Toei 10-300 series EMU emerging from a tunnel near Funabori Station.

Why does a subway train emerge from a tunnel and run above ground here?

The reason is that the line has to cross three rivers in succession in this area: the Kyu-Nakagawa, Arakawa and Nakagawa. As I mentioned in my previous post, building an underground section between Higashi-ōjima and Funabori was expected to be very expensive because of the poor ground conditions. Building an elevated section instead was a more economical option.

Thanks to these challenging construction conditions, railfans can now capture dramatic shots of subway trains emerging from tunnels.

The 10-300 series — so cool!

・A Train Crossing a River

Next, please take a look at the photo below. It shows a 10-300 series train leaving Higashi-ōjima Station and heading towards the Arakawa-Nakagawa Railway Bridge. I used a super-telephoto lens to capture the scene and highlight the bridge’s location in the distance. You can just make out the bridge as a small bump on the horizon.

The 10-300 series — over the river we go!

I thoroughly enjoyed photographing these unique features of the Shinjuku Line!

A Toei 10-300 series EMU heading towards the Arakawa-Nakagawa Railway Bridge

Related link:

・Official information from Toei (in Japanese; machine translation available)

The Nambu Line in Autumn

JR Freight’s petroleum train running on JR East’s Nambu Line

Autumn is in full swing in Tokyo. Autumn flowers are blooming here and there, and the trees are beginning to turn color. It’s the perfect season for a stroll. One day, I took JR East’s Nambu Line north with my family.

Since this was a family outing, and since I had already taken plenty of photos of commuter trains on the Nambu Line, I had been trying to resist the urge to do any trainspotting. However, when I spotted a freight train hauled by a blue locomotive at Bubaigawara Station, I couldn’t resist taking photos of it.

Please take a look at the photo above. It shows a JR Freight petroleum train heading south. That’s cool!

The blue locomotive at the head of the train is JR Freight’s Class EH200 electric locomotive. It entered service in 2001 and runs on a 1,500 V DC system. The locomotive consists of two permanently coupled units, giving it a UIC wheel arrangement of (Bo-Bo)+(Bo-Bo). It is equipped with eight 565 kW induction motors and uses an IGBT-VFD (insulated-gate bipolar transistor–variable-frequency drive) control system.

The green tank cars, on the other hand, are Class TaKi 1000 cars operated by Japan Oil Transportation Company. This class of tank car entered service in 1993. One of its most notable features is its maximum operating speed of 95 km/h. That may not sound particularly fast, but bear in mind that many conventional railway lines in Japan pass through mountainous terrain and use a narrow track gauge of just 1,067 mm.

After taking the photos, I came back to my senses and boarded a Nambu Line train. Our destination was Showa Kinen Park, near Tachikawa Station. Covering 165.3 hectares (408 acres), it is one of the largest parks in Tokyo.

We enjoyed strolling around the park, admiring the autumn flowers … and, of course, eating soft-serve ice cream!

Please take a look at the photo below. You can see colorful dahlias and kochia plants turning red. They look so vibrant!

And one more thing: there’s also a blue park train in the photo. After all, this is a railway blog!

I thoroughly enjoyed both the Nambu Line and the beautiful park along the line that day.

Showa Kinen Park near Tachikawa Station

Limited Express “Kinugawa” and “Nikko”: 2026 Update

JR East Series 253 EMU operating as the limited express “Kinugawa”

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!

Set OM-N02, a Series 253 EMU, after arriving at Shinjuku Station

Related link:

・Official information from JR East

Photographing Subway Trains: The Mita Line

A Toei Series 6300 EMU, Set 6326, arriving at Hakusan Station on the Mita Line

Photographing subway trains has become part of my routine. Today, I’d like to share the seventh installment in this series, featuring the Mita Line. The theme is “something unique about the Mita Line.” But before getting down to the main topic, let me go through the usual introduction.

・What’s the Mita Line?

The Mita Line is Tokyo’s sixth-oldest subway line. It opened in 1968 and is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Toei). The line is 26.5 km long, connecting Meguro and Nishi-takashimadaira. For your information, the 2.3 km section between Meguro and Shirokane-takanawa is shared with Tokyo Metro. Another 5.1 km of the line, mainly in the northwest, runs above ground.

The line has a track gauge of 1,067 mm and uses a 1,500 V DC overhead power supply. Its subway line number is “6,” and its line color is blue. Mita Line trains also run directly onto the Tokyu and Sotetsu lines.

Toei currently operates Series 6300 and 6500 EMUs on the line. Meanwhile, Tokyu’s Series 3000, 3020, and 5080 EMUs, along with Sotetsu’s Series 21000 trains, run directly onto the Mita Line from their respective lines.

・Something Unique: A Photo Spot at an Underground Station

All right, please take a look at the photo above. It shows a Toei Series 6300 EMU arriving at Hakusan Station, which is underground. Until recently, I had been photographing Mita Line trains mainly on above-ground sections. However, I recently discovered that this underground station also offers a good spot for train photography.

Here, we can photograph a train with its bogies clearly in the frame. Why is that possible? The station has separate side platforms, and there are no pillars between the two tracks. Thanks to Hakusan Station’s unusual layout, I was able to get the shot without much difficulty.

・Something Unique: A Railyard Directly Beneath an Apartment Complex

Next, please take a look at the photo below. It shows a blue Toei Series 6500 EMU standing on Siding No. 6 at Shimura Railyard. The Series 6500 is one of the newest train types on the Mita Line.

But what I’d like you to notice is the building immediately above the railyard—a large, older apartment complex! Here’s a little history behind it.

Shimura Railyard was built at ground level in 1968, when the Mita Line opened. At the time, Tokyo’s population was growing rapidly. To make effective use of the space above the railyard, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government built an artificial ground over it. A large Toei apartment complex was then constructed on this platform in 1970 to help address the housing shortage.

Looking at this structure, I got a sense of how hard Tokyo was struggling to accommodate its rapidly growing population more than a half century ago.

I thoroughly enjoyed discovering these “unique” features of the Mita Line!

Shimura Railyard, with Toei’s Nishidai Apartment complex directly above it

Tokyu Series 3000 EMUs (left and center), Toei Series 6500 EMU (right)

Related link:

・Official information from Toei

Stay Strong, Uchibo Line!

JR East Series 209-2100 EMU approaching Anegasaki Station on the Uchibo Line

(May 2024)

Are there many natural disasters in your country?

In Japan, unfortunately, yes. Japan is a disaster-prone country. We experience earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, heavy snow, and heavy rain, including typhoons.

In August and September, the Tokyo metropolitan area was hit by heavy rains three times. Chiba Prefecture, particularly the Boso Peninsula, suffered the most damage. The Boso Peninsula is located east of Tokyo, between Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

One of the major casualties was the JR East Uchibo Line. It is still closed due to landslides that occurred on September 21 along the tracks between Anegasaki and Nagaura stations. It is expected to take at least three months to restore train services. It was indeed a major disaster.

I can’t visit the Uchibo Line at the moment, so please take a look at the top photo, which I took two years ago. You can see a JR East Series 209-2100 EMU approaching Anegasaki Station, the station closest to the site of the landslides. The train, liveried in yellow and blue stripes, was shining in the spring sunlight. Unlike the disaster area, the surroundings here look flat, which may have helped keep them safe from landslides. I hope for the peace and well-being of the local people.

By the way, I have strong attachments to the Uchibo Line. They are its seasonal flowers, blue sea, and one more thing. Please take a look at the photo below. They are fossil shells found near Hota Station on the Uchibo Line.

As I have mentioned before, fossil collecting has been a lifelong hobby of mine, just like my enthusiasm for railways. The fossils in the photo are large marine bivalves called Ōhanegai (Acesta goliath), found in marine formation deposited about six million years ago. Their thin but large shells captivate me.

Stay strong, Uchibo Line! I’ll be right back as soon as train services resume.

Fossil Ōhanegai (Acesta goliath) found near Hota Station on the Uchibo Line

(Rock size: 20 cm)

Related link:

・Official railway map in the Boso area from JR East (in Japanese)

JR East’s “Magical Jubilee Shinkansen”

JR East Series E5 EMU, “Magical Jubilee Shinkansen,” at Tokyo Station

Following my visit to Tokyo Station to photograph JR Central’s anniversary train, I’d like to share another experience from Tokyo Station with you today.

Let’s take a look at the top photo first.

Just like the anniversary trains on the Disney Resort Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen, which I recently posted about, you can see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends featured on the trains.

Yes—this is JR East’s special wrapped train, the “Magical Jubilee Shinkansen,” on the Tohoku Shinkansen.

On June 19 this year, JR East put the “Magical Jubilee Shinkansen” into service. The special wrapped train celebrates the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea and promotes tourism to Tokyo Disney Resort.

The Magical Jubilee Shinkansen was the Series E5 EMU, Set U15. It was a 10-car train, and that day it was coupled with a seven-car train, the Series E8 EMU (see the photo below). Together, the two sets formed a 17-car train.

The two sets run together from Tokyo to Fukushima, where they are separated. The E5 then continues on its own to Sendai on the Tohoku Shinkansen. The E8 heads to Shinjo on the Yamagata Shinkansen.

Now, here’s something interesting I noticed about the nicknames of the three anniversary trains I’ve posted about so far.

- The Disney Resort Line: “Sparkling Jubilee” Liner

- JR Central: “Sparkling Dreams” Shinkansen

- JR East: “Magical Jubilee” Shinkansen

The names of these three trains are slightly different from one another. In other words, these three railway operators must have carefully coordinated their naming in advance.

That’s quite a discovery, isn’t it? Or maybe it’s just a trivial detail.

Finally, you may be wondering, “Have you ever been to Tokyo DisneySea recently?”

Unfortunately, not yet. I’m always busy, and my family is usually pressed for time, too. Lively and flashy places are not really my thing, as I’m a quiet nerd. The admission fee is a bit steep. And...

So many excuses, I know.

The Series E5, Set U15, “Magical Jubilee Shinkansen” (left), the Series E8 (right)

Related link:

・Official information from JR East (in Japanese)

Photographing Subway Trains: The Chiyoda Line

Tokyo Metro 16000 series EMU arriving at Shin-Ochanomizu Station

Photographing subway trains has become part of my routine. Today, I’d like to share the sixth post in this series—the Chiyoda Line. The theme is “a subway line with two faces.” But before getting down to the main topic, as usual…

・What’s the Chiyoda Line?

It is the seventh-oldest subway line in Tokyo. It opened in 1969 and is operated by Tokyo Metro. The line is 24.0 km long and connects Kita-Ayase and Yoyogi-Uehara. A 5.0-km section, 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 Chiyoda Line’s subway line number is “9,” and its line color is green.

Chiyoda Line trains run directly onto JR East’s Joban Line via Ayase and Odakyu’s Odawara Line via Yoyogi-Uehara. Tokyo Metro currently operates 16000 and 05 series EMUs on the line. Meanwhile, JR East’s E233-2000 series and Odakyu’s 4000 and 60000 series EMUs run directly onto the Chiyoda Line from their respective lines.

・A Train Operating in the City Center

All right then—please take a look at the photo above. You can see a green-striped, ten-car 16000 series EMU arriving at Shin-Ochanomizu Station in the city center. It wasn’t rush hour, but many passengers were waiting for the train, making the platform quite busy.

What a busy city Tokyo is!

・A Train Operating on the Local Section

Next, please take a look at the photo below. You can see a 05 series EMU arriving at Ayase Station. Doesn’t it look like a train on a local line? Furthermore, take another look at the photo. You can see the platform number for this local section—“0 (zero)!” What’s going on here?

Here’s the story behind it. The section between Ayase (this station) and Kita-Ayase Terminal (2.1 km) was originally a siding track. It was later converted into a revenue service track in 1979. Having said that, this section is treated as a branch line, so three-car 05 series trains mainly operate here.

The branch line’s new platform, Platform 0, was built adjacent to the existing Platform 1. To avoid changing the existing platform numbers (1 to 4), Platform 0 was assigned to the new platform.

A train had just arrived at Platform 0, but no passengers were waiting—so quiet.

I thoroughly enjoyed the two faces of the Chiyoda Line that day.

Tokyo Metro 05 series EMU arriving at Platform 0 at Ayase Station

Related link:

・Official information from Tokyo Metro

Spot the Difference: Keio's 1000 Series EMUs

Keio Series 1000, Set 1756 EMU at Fujimigaoka Railyard

It’s already October, and the weather is getting more comfortable in Tokyo. The best season for railfan activities is here.

I joined a Japan Railfan Club event held at Fujimigaoka Railyard on the Keio Inokashira Line last weekend. The theme was “Photographing Series 1000 EMUs.” Today, I’d like to share my experience at the event with you. But before getting down to the main topic, as usual…

・What’s the Inokashira Line and the Fujimigaoka Railyard?

The Inokashira Line is a commuter line in the western suburbs of Tokyo. The line is 12.7 km long and connects Shibuya and Kichijoji. Keio Corporation operates the line. One of the features of the trains on the Inokashira Line is that each trainset has a different color on its front mask and side stripes. Railfans call them “rainbow-colored trains.”

Fujimigaoka is the only railyard on the line. It’s located next to Fujimigaoka Station. I visited there for the first time in eight years (please see my previous post).

・Set 1756 and Set 1779 EMUs: Our Photographic Subjects

Keio kindly provided Sets 1756 and 1779 as photographic subjects. Let’s take a look at the photos.

You can see Set 1756 in the photo above. It’s standing on Siding No. 24, which is adjacent to the forest of Takaido Park. Set 1756 was built in 1997 as part of the second batch of Series 1000 trains. The color of its front mask and stripes is orange-beige.

On the other hand, you can see Set 1779 in the photo below. It’s standing on Siding No. 20, next to the factory. Set 1779 was built in 2009 as part of the sixth batch of Series 1000 trains. Set 1779 is a rather rare train on the line. It features a distinctive white front mask and rainbow-colored stripes along its sides. Set 1779 was modified last year in preparation for the introduction of Automatic Train Operation.

・Spot the Difference: Set 1756 and Set 1779

All right, then—please take another look at the photos and let’s enjoy a game of “spot the difference.” I found many differences between the two trainsets, apart from their coloring and stickers.

First, I spotted a difference in the shape of the destination indicators. Set 1756 has a box-shaped indicator on the front, while Set 1779 has a flush-mounted one. Was this one a piece of cake for you?

Second, I found a difference in the sides of the stainless-steel bodies. Set 1756 has beaded bodies, while Set 1779 has flat bodies without bead presses. Was this one not so difficult for you?

Third, the shapes of the radio antennas above the drivers’ cabs are different. Set 1756 has a simple stick-type antenna, while Set 1779 has an L-shaped one.

It’s getting harder and harder. There are various other differences, such as the shapes of the passenger doors… but let’s call it a day.

I had a lot of laughs and fun photographing the trains with my railfan mates that weekend. I really appreciate Keio Corporation for holding this special event.

Keio Series 1000, Set 1779 EMU at Fujimigaoka Railyard

Related link:

・Official information from Keio (in Japanese)

JR Central's "Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen" Train

"Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen" train arriving at Tokyo Station

You may remember that I wrote about the 25th anniversary train on the Disney Resort Line last month. Today, I’d like to share its sequel on a different line.

Let’s take a look at the photos right away. What’s the train in the photos?

It should be an easy question for an international train enthusiast like you. Yes, that’s a Tokaido Shinkansen train—a JR Central N700A series EMU, Set G47. Its nickname is “Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen.”

On June 19 this year, JR Central put the “Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen” into service on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Needless to say, this special wrapped train celebrates the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea and promotes tourism to Tokyo Disney Resort.

Just like the anniversary train on the Disney Resort Line, you can see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends featured on the train bodies. It’s such a fun design!

To photograph this special wrapped train, I checked the special timetable released by JR Central in advance and visited Tokyo Station. I saw many rail fans, families with small children, and inbound tourists taking photos on the platform.

“Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen”—you’re so popular!

For your information, the Tokaido Shinkansen is Japan’s iconic high-speed railway, which opened in 1964. The line is 515.4 km long and connects Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. It has a track gauge of 1,435 mm and uses a 25,000 V, 60 Hz AC overhead catenary system. JR Central operates the line.

The maximum operating speed of Tokaido Shinkansen trains is 285 km/h—not as fast as that of other Shinkansen lines, such as JR East’s Tohoku Shinkansen. One reason is the tight curves along the Tokaido Shinkansen. JR Central is currently constructing a next-generation high-speed railway, the Chuo Shinkansen, with a maximum operating speed of 500 km/h. It is often referred to as the “SCMAGLEV.”

The railway world is changing rapidly.

JR Central Series N700A, Set G47 EMU, Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen train

 

Related links:

・Official information about "Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen" from JR Central

・Official information about the Chuo Shinkansen from JR Central (in Japanese)

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 third visit there, three 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)