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

Shooting the Cruise Train, "Shiki-shima": Part 2

JR East's cruise train, the E001 series "Shiki-shima", approaching Odawara station

Continuing from last time, I’m going to show you more about JR East’s E001 series, Shiki-shima.

After photographing Shiki-shima at Kozu Station yard, I returned to Odawara Station to catch its arrival again. At 10:40, Shiki-shima returned from Kozu to pick up passengers. Let me explain the train’s composition: it has 10 cars. The first and last are observation cars; the remaining eight include six sleeping cars (Cars 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9), a lounge car (Car 5), and a dining car (Car 6). Car 7 is the top-tier sleeping car, featuring the Shiki-shima Suite and Deluxe Suite, both with cypress baths. Everything is truly top-notch!

After picking up passengers, Shiki-shima departed Odawara Station at 10:50. Two local “samurais” in armor and kabuto (decorative helmets) saw it off—a thoughtful gesture for the passengers. According to JR East, passengers and crew celebrated together upon arriving at Ueno Terminal in Tokyo. The crew clearly went above and beyond what the passengers expected.

You might ask, “Don’t you ever ride this luxury cruise train?” Good question! I would love to travel on Shiki-shima someday—but I’m always busy. It’s extremely popular, reservations are hard to get, and it’s very expensive… so, lots of excuses!

Local "samurais" (right) sending off Shiki-shima cruise train from Odawara station

Official product descriptions about the E001 series, Shiki-shima, by J-TREC (in Japanese):

https://www.j-trec.co.jp/company/070/06/jtr06_088-093.pdf

Shooting the Cruise Train, "Shiki-shima"

JR East's cruise train, the E001 series "Shiki-shima", standing at Kozu station yard

Do you remember when I introduced JR West’s sleeper train, “Sunrise Express” last year? That’s the only “regular” sleeper train left in Japan. But are there any others? Yes—there are the so-called “cruise trains.” Today, I’m going to show you one of these luxury sleeper trains.

The Shiki-shima (“Four Seasons Island”) is JR East’s cruise train, officially named the E001 series. Only one set was built, jointly by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and J-TREC, and it debuted in 2017. The E001 series consists of 10 cars. It uses an EDC (electric/diesel hybrid) propulsion system: on electrified tracks, it runs as an EMU (electric multiple unit), while on non-electrified tracks, two diesel generators—located in the first and last cars—power the traction motors.

JR East does not publish the detailed timetable for Shiki-shima, because it operates as a special group tour train. As a rail fan, it’s not easy to photograph. Recently, I found some hints about the train’s schedule online and visited Odawara Station on the Tokaido Main Line—but I couldn’t find it! Why? According to a station attendant, Shiki-shima is temporarily housed in the Kozu Station yard, about 6 kilometers east of Odawara. Oh my goodness!

I rushed to Kozu Station and just barely managed to photograph Shiki-shima on the detention track. Look at the photos—Shiki-shima was shining brilliantly. Mission accomplished!... but I was completely exhausted. To be continued… 

Shiki-shima approaching Kozu station yard

Official information about "Shiki-shima" by JR East:

https://www.jreast.co.jp/shiki-shima/en/

Short Trip to Shimane Prefecture by Sunrise Express

EMU 285 series, Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto, standing at Tokyo Station

I recently took the Sunrise Express for the first time in my life and visited Shimane Prefecture. Today, I’d like to share some photos of this train with you.

Let me start by briefly reviewing Shimane Prefecture and the Sunrise Express. Shimane is located in the western part of Japan, facing the Sea of Japan. Its population is about 0.7 million, making it the second least populous prefecture in the country. To travel from Tokyo to Shimane, one of the most convenient means of transportation is the Sunrise Express. It is an overnight sleeper train with comfortable berths. Connecting Tokyo and Izumo-shi, the train travels across three JR companies: JR East, JR Central, and JR West.

The 14-car EMU 285 series operates as both Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto from Tokyo to Okayama. After arriving at Okayama station, the train is split in two. The Sunrise Izumo (a 7-car set) continues to Izumoshi in Shimane Prefecture, while the other 7-car set heads to Takamatsu as the Sunrise Seto.

The EMU 285 series is owned by JR West and JR Central. A total of five sets—35 cars—were built in 1998 by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. I think that sleeper EMUs like this are quite unique. I used a B-class (standard-class) single room. Its window was very large, allowing me to fully enjoy the night view of downtown Tokyo before I eventually drifted off to sleep.

To be continued…

Interior of the single room in the B-class (standard-class) sleeping car

Related link:

・Official information about Sunrise Express by JR West (in Japanese)

Preserved Sleeper EMU on Kyushu Island

KuHaNe581-8 of the EMU 581 series is exhibited in the Kyushu Railway History Museum

Following the preserved electric locomotive named Class ED72, I am going to continue to show you a unique exhibition in Kyushu Railway History Museum today.

KuHaNe581-8 of the 581 series was the world's first sleeper electric multiple unit (EMU). The 581 series is AC-DC dual electric system EMU, specifically for 60Hz-AC electric system tracks. It was launched in 1967 by Japanese National Railways. A total of 434 units (including its brother EMU, the 583 series for 50Hz/60Hz - dual AC electric systems), were built by Hitachi, Nippon Sharyo and others. As you may know, there were many sleeper coaches pulled by locomotives in the world; however, sleeper EMU had not existed until then. The 581 series was also commissioned as a standard seat train in the daytime.

Gekko (moonlight) was the representative overnight sleeper train operated by the 581 series between Shin-Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen and Hakata on Kyushu Island. It was debuted in 1967 and abolished in 1975, when the parallel Sanyo Shinkansen route was opened. Since then, the 581 series appeared significantly less often. Eventually, the 581 series disappeared from the track in 2015.

I have no experience in using the EMU 581 series overnight sleeper train, but I once used it when it was operated as a daytime seat train from Ogori to Okayama on the Sanyo Main Line. It was a limited express, Shioji (tideway). It was in 1973, when I was a boy. The time really flies.

Close up of the display of KuHaNe 581-8

Sayonara Cassiopeia, the Premium Sleeper Train

Overnight sleeper train, "Cassiopeia", stands at Ueno Station (August, 2013)

Along with Super-Hakucho, another limited express train, Cassiopeia, was abolished on the Tsugaru Kaikyo (Seikan subsea tunnel) Line on March 21st. Cassiopeia was the premier overnight sleeper train operated between Ueno, a subcenter of Tokyo, and Sapporo, the main city of Hokkaido.

Cassiopeia was launched in 1999 by JR East and JR Hokkaido. It was a 12-car train pulled by an electric locomotive, Class EF510 (Ueno - Aomori), Class ED79 (Aomori - Hakodate) and the diesel locomotive Class DD51 (Hakodate -Sapporo). Cassiopeia had not only sleeping beds, but also showers, a dining car and a lounge car. To book the seats was very difficult specifically in long holiday seasons, as it was very popular among travelers. During its seventeen hour journey between Ueno and Sapporo, the passengers boarding on Cassiopeia could enjoy many things. They could enjoy luxury dinners in the dining car. Passing through the world's longest subsea tunnel on the Tsugaru Kaikyo Line was a big event. The beautiful scenery of sunset and sunrise from the lounge cars was also a big hit.

Corresponding to the inauguration of Hokkaido Shinkansen, Cassiopeia was abolished. I had been thinking that someday I would travel by Cassiopeia, but it had not come about due to being busy everyday. JR East plans to continue to operate Cassiopeia, as a special train only for peak seasons and/or a group tour train, but it has not yet been officially announced. Sayonara (good-bye) Cassiopeia. See you sometime again.

 

Side view of KaHaFu 26-1, the overnight sleeper train, "Cassiopeia" (August, 2013)

2015 "Sunrise" Summer in Himeji Station

EMU JR West 285 series, sleeper train, "Sunrise Izumo No.92", stands at Himeji Station

"Obon" is a Buddhist festival to recognize ancestral spirits. The souls of the dead are believed to return to their families during the festival in the middle of August. It is an occasion for people to visit their ancestors' graves to pray and make offerings of food and flowers. So, many people take holidays, and go back to their hometowns.

Although my hometown is Tokyo, I had an opportunity to go outside Tokyo during the obon season, as something came up. My destination was Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, some 640 km west of Tokyo. After finishing my meeting, I came across an extra overnight sleeper train, the EMU 285 series, "Sunrise Izumo No.92", at Himeji Station. Connecting Izumo-shi in Shimane Prefecture and Tokyo, its operating length is 954 km.

The 285 series was launched in 1998. It is not a series of passenger cars pulled by a locomotive, but an EMU. A total of 5 sets of 7-car trains have been built so far by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Three sets belong to JR West, while the other two sets are owned by JR Central.

Sunrise Izumo No.92 made a 10-minute stop at Himeji Station, so I could secure enough time to shoot this unique sleeper EMU. It then departed for Tokyo at 21.00 on schedule. I saw many families with children in the special train of the peak tourist season. Everyone looked to be having fun.

Have a good dream!
 

"Sunrise Izumo No.92", stands at Himeji Station on the Sanyo Main Line

 

Official information about the EMU 285 series (in Japanese):

https://www.jr-odekake.net/train/sunriseseto_izumo/ 

The Setting of the Big Dipper: Part 2

Overnight sleeper train, Hokutosei (the DD51 and the 24 series) stands at Hakodate Station 

 

Following my previous post, I am going to show you the operation of Hokutosei after arriving at Hakodate Station.

Hakodate was opened as a trading port by Tokugawa Shogunate in 1859. Hakodate Station has four bay platforms (dead-end platforms) in front of Hakodate Port, which is located near the head of Hakodate Peninsula. Thanks to its structure, the passengers, who came from Honshu (the main island of Japan) by a railway ferry boat, could transfer to a train in Hokkaido Island smoothly at this station. Today, the ferry is no longer operated, as the Seikan Submarine Tunnel was opened, but the scenery of the Hakodate Station is still the same as it was.

After arriving at the historical platform, Hokutosei releases the electric locomotive, Type ED79, from the dead-end side. It, then, receives the diesel locomotive (DL), Type DD51, on the other end of the train. This is because the track from Hakodate to the Sapporo Terminal is mainly non-electrified.

The DL, Type DD51, was launched in 1962 to replace steam locomotives on the trunk lines of Japanese National Railways (JNR). A total of 649 units were manufactured over 16 years. Currently, JR Hokkaido, which has taken over the role of JNR in Hokkaido Island, owns 13 units of Type DD51. The vigorous double-heading operation of the Hokutosei train is seen in the northern steep track between Hakodate and Sapporo.

The Big Dipper will go below the horizon soon. Ride it while you still can.

 

Hokutosei (the Big Dipper) leaves Hakodate Station, and heads to Sapporo Terminal

The Setting of the Big Dipper

Over night sleeper train "Hokutosei" pulled by the EL, Type  EF510, stands at Ueno Station

 

On December 19th last year, JR East made a press release, announcing that the regular operation of the overnight sleeper train, "Hokutosei (the Big Dipper)" will be discontinued after March 15th this year.

Hokutosei is operated between Ueno in Tokyo Metropolis and Sapporo in Hokkaido Prefecture, passing through the Seikan Submarine Tunnel. It covers a distance of 1214.7 km in about 16 hours. This train was launched in 1988, when the Seikan Submarine Tunnel was opened. Although the luxury of the interior doesn't come up to that of Cassiopeia, Hokutosei is also very popular among tourists.

JR East's electric locomotive (EL), the Type EF510 pulls the blue-colored passenger cars (the 24 series), between Ueno and Aomori. The EF510 is, then, switched to the special EL, Type ED79, at Aomori Station to pass through the Seikan Submarine Tunnel because it is a steep track with a unique signal system.

JR East explains that the operation of Hokutosei train stands in the way of the test run train for the Hokkaido Shinkansen in the Seikan Submarine Tunnel. As you may know, commercial trains of Hokkaido Shinkansen will also use the Seikan Submarine Tunnel (1,067 and 1,435mm-size dual gauge) from March, 2016.

According to JR East, Hokutosei will continue to run as a special train during the peak season; however, many rail fans believe that it will be abolished before the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen.

The Big Dipper will go below the horizon soon.

 

Side view of the electric locomotive (EL), JR East EF510-508

Sunrise Express in the Volkerwanderung Season

EMU JR Central 285 series, overnight sleeper train, "Sunrise Express" enters Tokyo Station

Along with "Obon (a Buddhist festival)", Year-end and New Year is the largest holiday season for Japanese people. Many people take holidays, and go back to their hometown to visit their parents, relatives and friends. One day in this "volkerwandering season", I visited Tokyo Station to see what was going on. It was hustle-bustle on platform number 9. Most people were families, who would go back to their hometowns, boarding on the Sunrise Express.

What is the Sunrise Express? It is an overnight sleeper train that has comfortable berthing. Connecting Tokyo, Takamatsu and Izumo-shi, it travels on four JR group railways, namely JR East, JR Central, JR West and JR Shikoku. A 14-car train, the EMU 285 series is operated as the "Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo Express", from Tokyo to Okayama. This train is detached after arriving at Okayama Station. The Sunrise Seto Express (a 7-car train) then runs to Takamatsu; meanwhile, another 7-car train is operated to Izumo-shi as the Sunrise Izumo Express.

For your information, the EMU 285 series is a 1,067 mm gauge size and 1,500 V DC sleeper train owned by JR West and JR Central. A total of 5 sets, 35 units were manufactured in 1998 by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. I think that the sleeper EMU, the 285 series, is quite unique. So, I hope that the 285 series will continue to be operated the same as it has been till now.

Boarding on the Sunrise Express, have a nice dream!

The Sunrise Express (Sunrise Seto & Sunrise Izumo) stands at platform number 9 in Tokyo Station

Route map of Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo Express (in Japanese):

http://www.jr-odekake.net/train/sunriseseto_izumo/section.html

More photos of the Sunrise Express:

http://www.jr-odekake.net/train/sunriseseto_izumo/gallery.html

More information about Sunrise Express (Interior photos with captions in Japanese):

http://www.jr-odekake.net/train/sunriseseto_izumo/accommo.html

Dawn on the Northern Track

Being pulled by EF64-1031, overnight sleeper train, "Akebono", stands at Ueno Terminal

 

On December 20th, 2013, JR East made a press release, in which they announced that a new timetable would begin on March 15th, 2014. At the same time, they announced that the overnight sleeper train, "Akebono" would be retired from being a regular train when the timetable is changed.

Akebono (dawn) is operated from the Ueno Terminal of Tokyo, to Aomori, the northernmost major city in Honshu Island, every day. It debuted in 1970, and covers a distance of 772.8km in about twelve and a half hours via Joetsu, Uetsu and Oou lines. The passenger cars are the blue colored 24 series, which are composed of A-sleepers (first class), B-sleepers (standard class), an open coach and a power-supply car. Although the luxury of the interior doesn't come up to that of Cassiopeia, Akebono has been popular among tourists to and from the area along the Japan Sea coast in the Tohoku District. The pulling locomotives are types EF64-1000 and the EF81, which are switched at Nagaoka Station in Niigata Prefecture.

In the 1970s, overnight sleepers were star trains on the trunk lines in Japan; but today, many sleeper trains have been abolished, because passengers have transferred to other vehicles such as Shinkansen or air carriers. Consequently, only three JR East's overnight sleeper trains survive on the northern tracks in Japan.

After March 15th, Akebono will be operated only in the peak seasons such as summer and New Year vacations. Everything flows, nothing stands still.

 

Passenger carriage, JR East 24 series, overnight sleeper train, "Akebono" 

EF510-510: Superstar EL on the Northern Track

Electric locomotive EF510-510 is exhibited in Uchihara Rail Yard near Uchihara Station

 

One of the eye-catching exhibits at the festival site of Mito Railway Communication Day was an electric locomotive (EL), unit number 510 of the type JR East EF510 (EF510-510). Along with EF510-509, this EL was manufactured in 2010 by Mitsubishi Electric and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Currently, it belongs to Tabata Operation Office (Tabata Rail Yard) in Tokyo.

Type EF510 is an AC-DC dual current narrow gauge EL operated by JR Freight and JR East. It debuted in 2002 to replace the old EL, type EF81. The EF510 is a Bo-Bo-Bo (UIC notation) type EL that has six 565kW traction motors. IGBT-VVVF (variable frequency drive) is adopted as an electric control system. The nickname is "Eco-power Red Thunder".

The main assignment of EF510-510 is to pull an overnight sleeper train, "Cassiopeia". As I mentioned before, Cassiopeia is the most reputable sleeper train in Japan. Connecting Ueno and Sapporo, it is directly operated from the Tokyo metropolitan area to the northern island of Japan, namely Hokkaido, passing through the 53.85-kilometer-long Seikan Submarine Tunnel. It takes about 17 hours to get to Sapporo from Ueno.

For that purpose, EF510-510 has a silver metallic body, which coordinates with Cassiopeia passenger coaches, namely the E26 series. It was sparkling in the late autumn morning sun in Uchihara Rail Yard... very beautiful. A meteor-like yellow star on the side of the body also provides a good snap for rail fans.

EF510-510... it is a superstar EL on the northern track.
 

Front view of the electric locomotive EF510-510

Cassiopeia Summer 2013

Electric locomotive EF510-509 for the overnight sleeper train, "Cassiopeia", stands at Ueno Station

 

As I mentioned before, Cassiopeia is the most reputable sleeper train in Japan. Connecting Ueno and Sapporo, Cassiopeia is directly operated from the Tokyo metropolitan area to Hokkaido Island passing through the 53.85-kilometer-long Seikan Submarine Tunnel. It takes about 17 hours to get to Sapporo from Ueno.

To book the seats is very difficult, as it is very popular among travelers. Especially, in the summer holiday season, it is called a "platinum ticket". As you may know, it is cool even in summer in Hokkaido, since it is located in the northernmost part of the Japanese archipelago.

One day, I visited Ueno Station to see Cassiopeia in the summer season. It was hustle-bustle on platform number 13. Most passengers were families, who would spend their vacations on Hokkaido Island. They were taking pictures of Cassiopeia train before leaving the station.

Cassiopeia is a 12-car train pulled by an electric locomotive (EL), type EF510-500. The EL of the day was the silver-colored EF510-509 of the Tabata Rail Yard (see the top photo). Having displayed the plate of "Cassiopeia", the shining body was very cool. This locomotive would be switched to type ED79 to pass through the Seikan Tunnel. It would be, then, switched again to the diesel locomotive, type DD51 on the un-electrified route on Hokkaido Island.

At 4.20pm, Cassiopeia left for Sapporo right on schedule. Many passengers waved their hands smiling and relaxing. Enjoy the ride and journey to Hokkaido. Next time it is my turn.

 

SuRoNeFu E26-1 of the carriage JR East E26 series, overnight sleeper train, "Cassiopeia"

Hokutosei, Another Overnight Sleeper to Hokkaido

Overnight sleeper train, Hokutosei (the Big Dipper) arrives at Hakodate Station
 

Along with Cassiopeia (see my blog on 25th June), I am going to show another overnight sleeper train from Tokyo to Hokkaido Island: "Hokutosei (the Big Dipper)".

Hokutosei is operated from Ueno, a suberb of Tokyo, and Sapporo, the main city of Hokkaido Island, everyday. It was launched in 1988, when Seikan Submarine Tunnel was opened. It covers a distance of 1214.7km in about 16 hours.

The passenger cars are blue colored 24 series, which are composed of A-sleepers (first class), B-sleepers (standard class), a power-supply car and a dining car (see the following picture). A mini-lobby and shower rooms are also supplied. Although the luxury of the interior doesn't come up to that of Cassiopeia, Hokutosei is also very popular among tourists.

I have been thinking for a long time that I would get on this train, but, it has not been realized due to professional commitments and a consequent lack of time. A 16-hour trip is a bit too long for me.

 

Instead, I could take a picture of this popular train arriving at Hakodate, the gateway station of Hokkaido Island. It was an early morning in August, when I visited Hokkaido on vacation. Hokutosei appeared at platform number 8 on time after a long overnight trip from Ueno (see the top photo). It was a 12-car train pulled by an altered current electric locomotive, the type ED79.

I felt that someday I will travel by Hokutosei.

 

Dining car Type SuShi 24 of the carriage 24 series, sleeper train, Hokutosei at Ueno station

More information about Hokutosei:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/cassiopeia_hokutosei.html
Detailed information about Hokutosei (in Japanese):
http://www.jreast.co.jp/cassiopeia/hokutosei/

Cassiopeia, Japan's Premier Overnight Sleeper Train

Overnight sleeper train, Cassiopeia makes its final approach to Ueno Terminal in Tokyo

I would like to take a leisurely trip somewhere with my family once in a while. Hokkaido is where I want to go. Located in the northernmost part of the Japanese archipelago, Hokkaido is the second largest island. While cool there in summer, it is better known as a heartland for winter sports, featuring an abundance of natural scenery, hot springs and delicious seafood.

Although, it is convenient to take a flight from Tokyo International Airport, an amusing train journey is more attractive. Especially, taking an overnight sleeper train sounds very attractive to me. Connecting Ueno, a northern terminal in Tokyo and Sapporo, the main city of Hokkaido, Cassiopeia is the most reputable sleeper train in Japan. This train is directly operated from the Tokyo metropolitan area into Hokkaido Island passing through Seikan Tunnel (a 53.85km long subsea tunnel). It takes about 17 hours.

The photos show the gorgeous train, Cassiopeia. To book the seats is very difficult in long holiday seasons, as it is very popular among travelers. It is called a "platinum ticket". Cassiopeia is a 12-car train pulled by the colorful dedicated electric locomotive, type EF510-500. This locomotive is switched to type ED79 on the Tsugaru Kaikyo (subsea tunnel) Line. Then, it is switched to the diesel locomotive, type DD51 on the unelectrified line in Hokkaido Island. The train is equipped with sleeping beds, toilets, showers, a dining car and lounge cars making it a train hotel.

At some point, I would like to ride it and visit Hokkaido Island on holiday.
 

Lounge car, Type KaHaFu E26 is attached at the end of the train 

More information about Cassiopeia: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/cassiopeia_hokutosei.html

Detailed information about Cassiopeia (in Japanese): http://www.jreast.co.jp/cassiopeia/

The Last of Overnight Sleeper Train on the Tokaido Line

EMU JR West 285 series, overnight sleeper train, "Sunrise Express" arrives at Tokyo Terminal

As we move forward in the twenty-first century, all of the time people manage to save is actually making their lives more hectic. A typical example is the decline of overnight sleeper trains.

In the 1970s, overnight sleepers were star trains on the trunk lines in Japan. Many reputable trains, such as Fuji (the highest mountain in Japan), Sakura (a cherry blossom) and Asakaze (morning breeze), were operated with high occupancy rate. Some of the tickets were called as "platinum tickets" due to the difficulty of reservation.

But now, almost all sleeper trains have been abolished because people have transferred to other transportations such as the Shinkansen or air carriers. Certainly, they are faster and more convenient than those of sleeper trains; however, people are busier than ever. Consequently, there is only one overnight sleeper train on the Tokaido Main Line; "Sunrise Express" (see the top photo).

Sunrise Express is an EMU that has comfortable berthing. Connecting Tokyo, Takamatsu (the gate city of Shikoku Island) and Izumo-shi (a historical city in San-in Region), it travels through the night on the Tokaido and other branch lines. When the train bound for Takamatsu crosses the Seto-oohashi Bridge, which links Honshu and Shikoku islands, the passengers can see the beautiful sunrise on the Sea of Seto-naikai.

Although comfortable and scenic travel is provided, it has not been possible to put a stop to its long-term decline of passengers. I think that it is now literally in danger of being abolished.

Sunrise Express; it should be designated as an endangered species.

Side view of EMU JR West KuHaNe 285-1, the top number car of 285 series at Tokyo Station

More information about Sunrise Express (Interior photos with captions in Japanese):

http://www.jr-odekake.net/train/sunriseseto_izumo/accommo.html