Hakobyun: A Freight-Only Shinkansen I Recently Found

JR East’s freight-only Shinkansen “Hakobyun” at Omiya Station

It might sound a bit sudden, but do you know the train in the photo at the top of this post?

If you are familiar with Japanese trains, maybe it’s easy. The front car has that cute, streamlined shape that almost looks like a smile. So yes, it is JR East’s E3-2000 series Shinkansen.

But still… something feels a little strange, doesn’t it?

There are no stripes on the front, and all the passenger windows are closed.

What kind of train is this?

Actually, this is a freight-only Shinkansen, Set L69 of the E3 series. It used to be a regular passenger train when it was introduced in 2009, but it was refurbished this January. All the seats were removed and the floors were made flat for cargo. The train has seven cars and can carry up to 17.4 tons of freight—about 1,000 boxes.

It started service on March 23, running between Morioka and Tokyo on the Tohoku Shinkansen line. Interestingly, it is coupled behind a normal 10-car E5 series passenger train. Thanks to this, JR East doesn’t have to add extra train slots on the already busy timetable.

The nickname of this freight-only Shinkansen is “Hakobyun.”

It comes from the Japanese words hako (box) and byun (a “whoosh” sound). Since it’s a very fast freight train, I think the name fits perfectly.

So, what does Hakobyun actually carry?

If you look at the photo below, you can see some examples: fresh fish, oysters, squid, sea urchins, and many other seafood items. It is also ideal for urgent items like blood products for transfusion, and for delicate precision machines that should not be shaken.

Hakobyun, thank you for your hard work. I’m cheering for your future success on the Shinkansen tracks!

Side view of Hakobyun

Related link:

・Official information from JR East (in Japanese):

Serving a Double Purpose on the Keiyo Line

JR East E257-500 series EMU, limited express “Wakashio”

It’s mid-spring in Tokyo, and daytime temperatures now exceed 20 degrees Celsius almost every day. The best season of the year has arrived! Lured by the pleasant spring weather, I recently visited Inage Beach in Chiba City, about 35 km east of Tokyo.

To get to this urban beach, the nearest station is Inage-kaigan (Inage Beach) on the JR East Keiyo Line. It’s been a long time since I last took this line, so I decided to take a quick train photo before heading to the beach.

Take a look at the photo above—the E257-500 series limited express “Wakashio,” running on the Keiyo Line in the morning sunlight. Beautiful!

As I’ve mentioned before, the E257-500 series is a 1,500 V DC EMU used for limited express services between Tokyo and the Boso Peninsula. Its nickname is the “Boso Express.” It entered service in 2004, and a total of 19 sets were built by Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, and Tokyu Sharyo (now J-TREC). Each trainset consists of three motor cars and two trailer cars. The leading car is equipped with a gangway door, allowing it to be coupled with another set during peak seasons.

It has already been 22 years since its debut. Ten sets are still in operation, while the other nine have been converted into the E257-2500 and E257-5500 series EMUs. Keep up the good work, E257-500 series!

After arriving at Inage Beach, I switched gears to another hobby of mine—fossil collecting. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s been a lifelong passion. This time, my hunting ground was this artificial sandy beach. In this area, we can sometimes find fossil-bearing rocks that were originally dredged from the floor of Tokyo Bay.

Take a look at the photo below—this was my find of the day: a fossilized large clam (Saxidomus purpuratus?). It is a large (11 cm long), thick, and hefty bivalve. The smaller bivalves beside it are fossils of dock cockles (Glycymeris yessoensis). Beautiful! Hello, fossils! Welcome back to the world above ground!

That day, I was able to serve a double purpose on the Keiyo Line.

Fossilized large clam (left) and dock cockles (right) found at Inage Beach

Related link:

・Official information from JR East (in Japanese) 

2026 Cherry Blossom Season: Nambu Line

JR East E233-8000 series EMU near Bubaigawara Station

After sharing the cherry blossoms along the Keio Inokashira Line, I would now like to introduce this year’s cherry blossoms in Tokyo from other viewpoints.

Please take a look at the top photo. A train is passing by cherry trees in full bloom. Can you guess which railway line it belongs to?

If you are familiar with Japanese rolling stock, the answer might come easily. It is JR East’s Nambu Line. The stainless-steel body with yellow, orange, and brown stripes is a distinctive feature of the trains on this line.

The Nambu Line is one of the main commuter lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It connects Tachikawa and Kawasaki, running approximately 45 km. The trains in operation include the E233-8000 and E233-8500 series EMUs.

Now, returning to the top photo: I took it from a road bridge near Bubaigawara Station. It was my first time visiting this location. Although a high safety net stood along the bridge, I was able to avoid it thanks to the stepladder I happened to bring with me. I had a good feeling that day, and the result was a beautiful scene. One interesting detail I captured was the roof of the leading car. You can see two digital-radio antennas. The reason for having two is to use a technique called diversity, which improves communication quality by automatically selecting the antenna with the stronger signal.

The photo below shows a train crossing a small bridge framed by cherry blossoms. I took this shot from the bank of a small stream near Shukugawara Station. The afternoon sunlight made both the blossoms and the train shine beautifully. It was also my first time visiting this spot. Although I thought it might be relatively unknown, I found several international rail fans photographing there. Their enthusiasm was impressive—railway fans truly share the same passion all over the world.

It was a delightful day, enjoying both the cherry blossoms and the trains.

JR East E233-8000 series EMU near Shukugawara Station

Hoshi-imo Train on the Minato Line

Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway KiHa100-40 “Hoshi-imo Train”

After enjoying the “Big Catch Cherry” blossoms at Nakane Station, I boarded the Minato Line once again. My next stop was Nakaminato, one of the best places for railfans to observe the diverse fleet of the Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway.

The moment I stepped off the train at Nakaminato Station, something unusual immediately caught my eye. Standing quietly in a corner of the station was a bright yellow diesel railcar that I had never seen before on this line. Take a look at the top photo. What could it be?

If you are thinking, “I’ve seen this railcar somewhere before on this blog,” you probably have a sharp eye for Japanese rolling stock. The answer is a KiHa100 series diesel railcar formerly operated by JR East.

Here is the story behind it. Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway recently acquired three second-hand diesel railcars from JR East. Two of them will replace aging vehicles currently in service. The third one, however, is destined for something more special — a new sightseeing train.

The bright yellow railcar in the photo is that very unit.

Its official designation is KiHa100-40, a member of the KiHa100 series. Interestingly, Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway decided to retain JR East’s original numbering. At the same time, the car received a new nickname:

“Wrapped Train of the Hoshi-imo Train Kingdom,” or simply the Hoshi-imo Train.

So what exactly is Hoshi-imo?

Hoshi-imo is a traditional local specialty made from steamed and dried sweet potatoes. With no artificial sweeteners, it is a simple yet naturally sweet and chewy snack that has long been popular in this region. In a fun touch, the side of the train even features the recipe for Hoshi-imo, complete with a short English explanation for visitors (see the photo below).

A train that teaches you how to make a local snack — how cool is that?

According to a station staff member, the Hoshi-imo Train will soon enter service as a sightseeing train on the Minato Line. Perhaps passengers will even be able to enjoy some freshly prepared Hoshi-imo on board. That would certainly make the ride even more memorable.

From a technical standpoint, the KiHa100 series is a compact 16.5-meter diesel hydraulic railcar that first appeared on JR East lines in 1990. A total of 64 cars were built by Niigata Tekko and Fuji Heavy Industries, each powered by a 243 kW diesel engine.

The particular unit seen here, KiHa100-40, was built in 1991 and transferred to Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway in 2024.

I’m already looking forward to riding the Hoshi-imo Train on my next visit to Nakaminato.

Hoshi-imo themed design on the side of the train

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 5

Abukuma Express AB900 series EMU (Set AB-7) approaching

Let’s pick up where we left off.

After enjoying the snow-covered landscape along the Tsugaru Railway Line, we went to Hirosaki Station in Aomori Prefecture, where the Train Suite Shiki-shima cruise train was waiting for us. This winter journey was full of unforgettable moments—beautiful scenery, local culture, and regional cuisine—but I’ll save those stories for another time. For now, let’s get back to the railway highlights.

On the return run to Tokyo, I spent quite a bit of time enjoying the forward view. The observation car was nearly empty, so I practically had the place to myself. For railfans, this spot is pure heaven.

One particularly memorable moment occurred near Tsukinoki Station in Miyagi Prefecture. Take a look at the top photo first. A green train was approaching in the distance. Any guesses?

It turned out to be a train of the Abukuma Express. As mentioned in my post from 2024, Abukuma Express is a regional railway operating between Fukushima and Tsukinoki, with a total route length of 54.9 km.

Interestingly, the tracks of Abukuma Express and JR East’s Tohoku Main Line run parallel for only about one kilometer near Tsukinoki Station. Despite that short shared stretch, Shiki-shima happened to meet an Abukuma Express train right there. Even better, it was the green AB900 series trainset (Set AB-7), which I had never seen before. What a lucky encounter!

Before wrapping up this post, let me share one more highlight from the journey. After departing Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture, passengers were treated to a live jazz performance in the lounge car (see the photo below).

Utsunomiya is known in Japan as a “city of jazz,” and the musicians actually boarded the train at Utsunomiya Station. Their performance created a wonderful atmosphere on board. It was a refreshing and memorable way to end the day’s journey.

Live jazz performance in the lounge car of the Train Suite Shiki-shima

Related link:

・JR East official video: Making movie of the Shiki-shima theme music

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 3

JR East E751 series arriving at snow-covered Aomori Station

Let’s pick up where we left off.

After enjoying our first lunch aboard the Shiki-shima cruise train, we got off at Mizusawa Station in Iwate Prefecture and visited the factory of a local foundry company, OIGEN. It was a fascinating visit—but since this is a railway blog, let’s get back to the trains.

On the second morning, we rolled into Aomori Station. Everything was covered in snow—it felt like we had stepped into a winter postcard.

Just after stepping off the train, I spotted a sleek-looking train gliding into the opposite platform. Of course, I had to take a photo. That’s the “Tsugaru” in the top picture!

The Tsugaru is a limited express service operated by JR East, running between Akita and Aomori—two prefectural capitals in Japan’s snowy north. It uses the E751 series AC EMU.

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might be thinking, “Wait, haven’t I seen this train before?”

Good eye! The E751 series does look quite similar to the E653-1000 series that I wrote about 12 years ago. But look a little closer and you’ll notice the differences—especially in the headlights and the color scheme.

There’s also a technical distinction: the E751 is a single-system AC train, while the E653-1000 series is a dual-system AC/DC train.

The E751 series entered service in 2000, replacing the older 485-3000 series. A total of 18 cars were built, and today 12 of them remain in service, operating as 4-car sets.

E751 series—thanks for braving the northern winter!

Since this was a group tour, I couldn’t spend as much time observing the train as I would have liked.

Before wrapping up this post, let me share something special: a Suite Room on the Shiki-shima cruise train. The photo below shows the room after the beds had been made. I couldn’t find any pictures of this setup on JR East’s official website, so I hope this gives you a better idea of what it looks like at night.

More coming soon…

Suite Room on the Shiki-shima cruise train after the beds were prepared

Related link:

・Official video on the 5th anniversary of the Shiki-shima cruise train by JR East 

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 2

JR East Series 701-100 AC EMU approaching

Let me pick up where I left off in my last post. And here’s a quick question for you:

When do you really feel like you’ve traveled far from home?

Is it when the scenery suddenly looks completely different? When you try a local dish you’ve never tasted before? Or when you hear a dialect that makes you think, “Wow, I’m not in my hometown anymore”?

For me—as a rail fan—it’s simple. It’s when I see a train I’ve never seen before.

Right after departing Kuroiso Station in Tochigi Prefecture at 11:48 a.m., something interesting happens. The Tohoku Main Line switches its power system from 1,500V DC to 20,000V 50Hz AC. From that point on, the trains are AC-powered. As a train enthusiast, that’s exciting enough already.

Before long, I spotted a train approaching. Take a look at the top photo. It’s a 701 series AC EMU—a type you won’t normally see in Tokyo. But wait… it wasn’t just any 701 series. It was the rarer 701-100 series!

How could I tell?

Believe it or not, the giveaway was the gangway door. The standard 701 series in this area has a green door, while the older 701-100 series features a silver one. Such a tiny detail—but noticing it made my day. Moments like this remind me why I love being a rail fan.

By the way, both the driver of the Shiki-shima train and the driver of the 701-100 series raised their hands in greeting as they passed each other. I love those small, human moments on the rails.

Around 12:45 p.m., my stomach suddenly reminded me that it was lunchtime. So off we went to the dining car for our first meal aboard the Shiki-shima.

Today’s special? A Chinese-style seafood course lunch (see the photo below). Beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Travel really does taste better on a train like this.

To be continued…

Chinese-style seafood course lunch in the Shiki-shima dining car

Related link:

・Official video on the “Shiki-shima” cruise train by Prime Minister's Office of Japan

Winter Travel to the Tohoku Region: Part 1

JR East’s cruise train, Series E001 EDC “Shiki-shima,” at Ueno Station

The day had finally come. When I arrived at the exclusive lounge “Prologue Shiki-shima” inside Ueno Station in Tokyo, the Series E001 train, “Shiki-shima,” slowly pulled into Track 13 (see the top photo). My long-awaited winter journey was about to begin.

But first—what exactly is “Shiki-shima”?

Last year, I introduced JR East’s luxury cruise train “Shiki-shima” on this blog. At that time, I only visited the station to photograph it. However, this time, I finally had the opportunity to board it with my family.

Operated by JR East, one of Japan’s major railway operators, “Shiki-shima” is a high-end sightseeing train that offers multi-day journeys through eastern Japan. Its name means “Island of Four Seasons,” reflecting Japan’s strong appreciation for seasonal beauty.

Our destination was the Tohoku region, located in the northern part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Tohoku is known for its hot springs, traditional culture, and breathtaking winter landscapes. While it is less visited than cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, it offers a more tranquil and authentic experience of Japan.

The train itself is officially designated as the Series E001 EDC (electric/diesel hybrid cars) and began operation in 2017. One train set consists of six motor cars and four trailer cars. Cars 1 and 10 are equipped with diesel engines for running on non-electrified railway lines, and they also function as observation cars. Car 5 serves as a lounge, Car 6 as a dining car, and the remaining cars are private sleeper suites. The train is designed to provide not only transportation, but a luxury hotel-like experience on rails.

At 9:25 a.m., Shiki-shima departed quietly from Ueno Station, one of Tokyo’s historic railway terminals, as the station master and staff waved us off.

After settling into the train, there was only one thing I had to do as a railway enthusiast: head straight to the observation car. Take a look at the photo below. This is “View Terrace Ibuki” in Car 10, the leading car. From here, you can see the tracks of the Tohoku Main Line stretching northward, guiding us toward snow-covered landscapes.

Are you ready to travel with me?

To be continued…

“View Terrace Ibuki” on the cruise train “Shiki-shima”

Related link:

・Official information on the “Shiki-shima” cruise train by JR East

“Dream Space” in Kiyose City

Unit OShi 25 901 of Series 24 dining car preserved in Kiyose Chuo Park

Great news for rail fans — Yumekukan is finally back after nearly two years and is now open to the public again!

For those who may not know, Yumekukan (“Dream Space”) was a luxury train operated by JR East. It consisted of three beautifully designed cars and first entered service in 1989, mainly for charter and special runs. Since it didn’t have its own power supply car, it was always coupled with standard 24 Series passenger cars and hauled by a locomotive.

After 19 years in service, the train was retired in 2008. Two of the three cars were preserved in front of a shopping mall in Misato City, Saitama, but unfortunately they were closed to visitors in 2024 due to deterioration. Thankfully, Kiyose City in Tokyo stepped in and took over the cars. They were carefully relocated to Kiyose Chuo Park and, after restoration work, reopened to the public on February 1.

When I visited the park, I was immediately struck by how stunning the cars looked. Please check out the photos! The green one is the dining car, OShi 25 901 of the 24 Series. The red one is the lounge car, OHafu 25 901. What impressed me most was how faithfully they have been restored. I even spotted a small freshly painted notice on the underfloor equipment reading “Push, automatic water supply” and “Drain cock for air control” — such a wonderfully detailed touch!

The interior isn’t open yet, but I’ve heard it may be used as a restaurant in the near future. I’m really looking forward to that day.

Under the winter sunlight, Yumekukan was shining beautifully. Kiyose Chuo Park truly feels like a dream space now.

Unit OHafu 25 901 of Series 24 lounge car preserved in Kiyose Chuo Park

The Opening of a New Era—Indonesian Trains

Set 4 of KCI’s CLI-225 series EMU (Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Let me pick up where I left off in my last post.

My friend, Faris Fadhli, kindly shared the latest photos from Indonesia. New Indonesian-made EMUs have been introduced in the Jakarta area. Once again, my thanks go to Faris Fadhli for sharing his recent photos with me.

Please take a look at the photo above—yes, that’s an Indonesian-made EMU, KCI (PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia) CLI-225 series, which entered service on December 16, 2025. This new model was built by the Indonesian rolling stock manufacturer INKA in cooperation with Japanese companies. For example, the basic carbody design was transferred from J-TREC, and the VVVF traction control system was manufactured by Toyo Denki.

A total of 16 sets (192 cars) have been ordered by KCI, and four sets (48 cars) are already in operation.

What is my impression of the CLI-225 series as a rail fan? From what I can see in the photos, it looks sturdy. Its front design somewhat resembles JR East’s E235 series EMU in Japan. However, I actually like the CLI-225 series better, as it features several distinctive accents, such as the linear light on the lower front.

I know that INKA began manufacturing EMUs in 2001—nearly a quarter-century ago. That first model was the European-style KRL-I series. To accommodate low platforms, retractable steps could be deployed in synchronization with the automatic doors. It was quite charming, but only two sets (eight cars) were introduced.

Sorry—I’ve done it again, talking about the old days. I think I’ll stop here for today.

Congratulations on the dawn of a new era for Indonesian trains!

Ex-JR East 205 series EMU (left) and CLI-225 series EMU (right)

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

New Hybrid Train on the Hachiko Line

JR East's HB-E220 series hybrid train arriving at Komagawa Station

I’m happy to introduce a brand-new train that has joined the metropolitan area fleet. Please take a look at the photo above. Here it is—JR East’s HB-E220 series hybrid train on the Hachiko Line. This new train debuted last December, replacing the older KiHa 110 series DMUs.

What’s new about the HB-E220 series?

First, the power transmission system has been completely redesigned. On the older KiHa 110 series, the engine’s rotational force was sent to the wheels through a torque converter (a hydraulic transmission) and a reduction gear. In contrast, the HB-E220 series uses diesel–electric propulsion. Power generated from the engine and rechargeable batteries is fed to the traction motors via a main converter. In addition, during braking, the motors act as generators and recharge the batteries.

Second, the carbody material has changed from steel to stainless steel to reduce weight. The number of passenger doors has also increased from two to three per side on each car, allowing smoother boarding and alighting. Inside, the seats have been changed from semi-cross seating to longitudinal benches (see the photo below).

What was my impression?

The train stood out with its silver body accented by green stripes. When it departed, it was as quiet as an EMU. About five seconds later, the diesel engine kicked in—just like a DMU. It felt a little strange, in a fun way.

As for the interior, I was impressed by the spacious, wheelchair-accessible restroom. On the other hand, I was a bit disappointed that there were fewer passenger windows, because machine rooms occupy space inside the cars. And more importantly for someone who enjoys traveling by train, I was shocked to find no cross seats at all. As the saying goes, when you gain something, you lose something.

Incidentally, if you have time, please check out my previous posts on other JR East hybrid trains—the KiHa E200 series, the HB-E210 series, and the HB-E300 series as well.

Interior of the HB-E220 series

・Official information by JR East (in Japanese)

Arigato, My Memorable Trains in Indonesia

The 8500 series (left) and 203 series (right) EMUs exhibited at Jakarta Kota Station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I recently received some news from an Indonesian railfan. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me his recent photos.

On November 11th, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) held a farewell event for the 8500 series, 7000 series, and 203 series EMUs at Jakarta Kota Station.

I knew this day would come sooner or later, but it has finally arrived. These EMUs are unforgettable trains for me—both in Indonesia and in Japan. The 8500 series is the former Tokyu 8500 series, the 7000 series is the former Tokyo Metro 7000 series, and the 203 series is the former JR East 203 series. They were transferred from Japan to Indonesia between 2006 and 2011. After nearly 20 years of service in Indonesia, they have now reached their final chapter.

As I have written several times, I was stationed in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011 as an exploration geologist for a petroleum and natural gas company, living away from my family. Even when work was tough, nothing made me happier than spending weekends enjoying the railways with local railfans. These trains truly gave me energy. Thank you. Terima kasih. Arigato!

I also would like to express my gratitude to Indonesian railway employees and railfans. I was moved to see the EMUs beautifully decorated with farewell stickers. On top of that, I was surprised and touched that the above railfan, Faris Fadhli, and his friend Adam held an exhibition inside an 8500 series EMU. Their enthusiasm really impressed me.

From the next post, I will introduce the trains that were exhibited, along with my own memories. To be continued…

A precious historical photo taken by Faris Fadhli, exhibited inside the 8500 series

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

The 100th Anniversary of the Circular Operation

Set 39 of the JR East EMU E235 series, designed like the EMU 103 series

Are there any loop lines in your country? In Japan, there are a few. For example, the Osaka Loop Line is a well-known circular line in the western part of the country. The Meijo Line in Nagoya is the only subway loop line with continuous circular operation, and the Disney Resort Line in Chiba Prefecture is the only monorail loop line in Japan.

Thank you for waiting. Here comes the headliner! Japan’s most famous loop line is none other than JR East’s Yamanote Line. It loops through several central areas of Tokyo. The line is double-tracked, and each train keeps running in the same direction throughout the day—either clockwise or counterclockwise.

On November 1st, 2025, JR East will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line’s circular operation. The line originally opened as part of the Nippon Railway’s Shinagawa Line and was gradually extended. In 1925, it was finally connected into a loop, and circular operation began under the Japanese Government Railways.

To commemorate this remarkable milestone, JR East is operating special trains using Sets 39 and 44 of the EMU E235 series. Set 39 features the nostalgic face of the former EMU 103 series, which ran on the line between 1963 and 1988, while Set 44 is designed in the style of the EMU 205 series, which was in service from 1985 to 2005.

Recently, I’ve often seen many railway fans gathering along the Yamanote Line to celebrate this special event. Of course, I’m one of them too.

Happy 100th anniversary of circular operation to the Yamanote Line!

Set 44 of the JR East EMU E235 series, designed like the EMU 205 series

Official video, "the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line's circular operation", by JR East:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuhCtUo74jQ

Official information, "the 100th anniversary of the Yamanote Line's circular operation", by JR East (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/tokyomovinground/exhibition/yamaf,es/

The Subway Above the JR East Line

Yotsuya Station: The “subway” Marunouchi Line (left) and the JR East Line (right)

As I mentioned before, Yotsuya, located in central Tokyo, is a complicated station shared by the JR East Chuo Line and the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. For example, JR East’s Yotsuya Station is situated in a valley, with a railway tunnel located just beside it. On the other hand, although the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a “subway,” its Yotsuya Station is on an elevated track rather than underground. It’s quite confusing—so how are these two stations positioned relative to each other?

I recently captured a photo that clearly explains the mystery. In the top image, you can see a Tokyo Metro Series 2000 EMU on the left and a JR East Series E231 EMU on the right. Notice how the 2000 series rides above the E231 series—literally placing the “subway” above the JR East Line. This curious structure has a fascinating backstory.

The history begins in 1894, when the Kobu Railway (now JR East) built Yotsuya Station in the bottom of a valley. Over half a century later, in the 1950s, Eidan (now Tokyo Metro) began planning the Marunouchi Line as part of Tokyo’s growing subway network. They faced a major challenge: the line was too deep to tunnel beneath the Chuo Line. The solution was unexpected—the Marunouchi Line would be built as an elevated track directly above the Chuo Line, creating this unusual vertical layout.

Today, Yotsuya Station remains a rare example of Tokyo’s intricate railway history—a place where “subway” really means above rather than below.

To close, here’s one more photo showing the Marunouchi Line track as it emerges from a tunnel and approaches its elevated Yotsuya Station. This is a unique feature in Tokyo—a singularity in a city of wonders.

Marunouchi Line track approaching Yotsuya Station

Nippori after a Long Time

A train view from Shimogoindenbashi (the EMU JR East E7 series)

Do you have a tradition of visiting ancestral graves in your country? In Japan, yes. Many people do it twice a year in spring and autumn honoring their ancestors. From our perspective, it is not so much a religious activity as a custom. Anyway, I recently visited my maternal ancestors’ grave in Yanaka of Tokyo Metropolis. Yanaka is famous for many cemeteries.

After updating my ancestors on how things are going, I enjoyed strolling around. First, I found myself drawn to Shimogoindenbashi (Shimogoinden Bridge) in front of Nippori Station for the first time in ten years. As I posted before, Shimogoindenbashi is well known as a train viewing spot. JR East’s 12 tracks are seen from the bridge. A total of 2,500 trains run under the bridge per day, so, we can enjoy train viewing continuously there. The bridge was crowded with railfans, families and inbound tourists. Please take a look at the top photo. I shot the JR East’s E7 series shinkansen train running under the bridge. I've been taking pictures of the E7 series repeatedly, but there's something special about a long-distance train approaching its goal, Tokyo Terminal. The E7 series… thank you for your hard work.

Another spot I visited was a scenic cemetery on a hill near Nippori Station. I could see an airport access train, EMU AE series “Skyliner” traveling on the elevated track of the Keisei Line (see the photo below). I have passed through this cemetery many times, but this was the first time for viewing trains. Was it a guidance from my ancestors as a token of their appreciation?

The EMU Keisei AE series Skyliner traveling on the elevated track

Official information, ”Shimogoindenbashi Train Museum" by Arakawa Ward, Tokyo Metropolis (in Japanese):

https://www.city.arakawa.tokyo.jp/a022/shisetsuannai/kankouspot/nippori006.html

The 100th Anniversary of the Itsukaichi Line

EMU JR East E233 series train with the Itsukaichi Line 100th-anniversary plate

On April 21, 2025, JR East celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Itsukaichi Line. To commemorate the milestone, the company held several special events.

Let’s start with a quick overview of the Itsukaichi Line. This commuter line runs through the western part of Tokyo Metropolis. It was originally opened by the former Itsukaichi Railway Company in 1925. Connecting Haijima Station on the Ōme Line with Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, the route is 11.1 kilometers long. Trains operate every 20 to 30 minutes and are E233 series EMUs made up of six or four cars. Many trains run through onto the Ōme Line to reach Tachikawa Station.

My favorite spot along the Itsukaichi Line is Ryūshūin Temple during cherry blossom season. Located near Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, it’s a dreamlike place. Please check out my previous post on the Itsukaichi Line as well, if you have time.

One of the 100th-anniversary highlights is a special commemorative plate mounted on the front of trainset Ao660 of the EMU E233 series (see the top photo). In addition, several anniversary stickers featuring mascots from cities along the line are displayed on the train’s sides. For example, Akishima City created Chikappa (see the photo below), a name combining chikasui (groundwater) and kappa (a mythical river creature). Akishima is known for its clean, delicious water, so Chikappa sports a plate of water on its head, green skin, and webbed hands and feet. If this creature really existed, would you find it cute—or a little scary?

100th-anniversary plate designed by Akishima City

2025 Summer Scenery in Gyoda City

EMU JR East E231 series, suburban-type train

I visited Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture for the first time in four years. So, what’s new in my favorite city?

First, let’s take a quick look at Gyoda itself. Located about 60 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, it’s known for its unique attractions. One of the most popular in recent years is the rice paddy art. Actual rice fields are used as giant canvases, where pictures are “painted” using different varieties of rice that produce various colors. The “artists” are local farmers and residents, who plant the rice in June. This year’s theme is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. You can see a huge image of Kamado Tanjiro in the fields (see the photo below).

Of course, I can’t stop there—this is a railway blog, after all. On my way home, I boarded a train at Gyoda Station on JR East’s Takasaki Line and did a bit of trainspotting at Omiya Station. Take a look at the top photo: it shows the EMU E231 series, which I’ve posted about many times before. If I were to add one detail, it would be about the space between the train’s front end and the driver’s cab door. That area is quite wide, and it serves as a crush zone to protect the driver in case of a collision. This crush zone is noticeably wider on the suburban-type of the E231 series (pictured above) than on the commuter-type, since the suburban version is designed for higher-speed operations. Topics like these never run out when train enthusiasts get together. I’m sure you feel the same, don’t you?

Rice paddy art, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle"

Official information on Gyoda’s 2025 Rice Paddy Art: City of Gyoda – Event Page

B.B.Base: The Unique Train for Cyclists

"Trainset J1 of the JR East EMU 209-2200 series, “B.B.Base”

I recently had the chance to ride the JR East Sōbu Line. As the train was leaving Makuhari-Hongō Station in Chiba City, I spotted a super-rare sight—the “B.B.Base” stopping in the railyard. Without a second thought, I hopped off at the next station and headed back to Makuhari-Hongō to photograph it.

B.B.Base is a one-of-a-kind train designed specifically for cyclists. Passengers can bring their bicycles onboard and secure them on dedicated racks. The service runs on weekends between Ryōgoku in central Tokyo and the Bōsō Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Its official name is trainset J1 of the JR East EMU 209-2200 series, nicknamed “Bōsō Bicycle Base.” The six-car set (four motor cars and two trailers) has space in every car except Car 4, which serves as an open lounge where passengers can relax and interact. Long benches are provided, while the other cars can each hold 19 or 20 passengers along with the same number of bicycles.

Originally built as a commuter train, this set operated on the Keihin-Tōhoku and Nambu Lines before being rebuilt as B.B.Base in 2017. Technically, its specifications are the same as other 209-2200 series trains—it’s the interior and purpose that make it stand out.

Now, you might be wondering: “Have you ever actually ridden B.B.Base?” or “Why not photograph it during regular service?” Well… that’s a tough one. The train leaves Ryōgoku terminal early in the morning, and I’m not exactly a morning person. On top of that, I’m not into heavy exercise like cycling, and my weekends have been pretty busy lately. Excuses, excuses—I know.

Close-up of B.B.Base

Official JR East information: JR East – B.B.Base