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

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

Photographing Subway Trains: The Hibiya Line

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

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

What’s the Hibiya Line?

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

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

Sorry for the long introduction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Hibiya Line is indeed the Miracle Line for me!

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

Photographing Subway Trains: The Ginza Line

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

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

・What’s the Ginza Line?

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

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

・Set 40 at Omotesando Station

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

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

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

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

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

・The Shibuya Siding Track

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

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

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

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

The Ginza Line is indeed changing day by day.

Series 1000 EMU leaving Shibuya Depot

Photographing Subway Trains: The Marunouchi Line

Tokyo Metro’s 2000 Series EMU approaching Myogadani Station

Are you good at photographing subway trains?

Me? No, I’m not. As I’ve mentioned in several previous posts, subway trains can be a real challenge for railfans.

The biggest problem is the dark and narrow environment in which they run. So, many railfans look for opportunities to photograph subway trains in the following situations:

1. Surface sections during the daytime (e.g. near Ochanomizu Station): But such above-ground sections of subway lines are limited in Tokyo.

2. Surface sections of lines that connect with subway lines (e.g. the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, which connects with the Hanzomon Line): But again, such lines are limited in Tokyo.

3. Underground stations with separate platforms and no pillars between the two tracks (e.g. Shintomicho Station): But such stations are quite rare.

4. Yami-tetsu—photographing trains in the dark (e.g. the end of Daimon Station): But it’s technically difficult.

In conclusion, I still think there’s no easy solution.

Well, sorry for all the excuses. But I’ve started taking photos of subway trains again. Let me share a few of them with you today.

They are Tokyo Metro’s 2000 Series EMUs running on the Marunouchi Line. I’ve already posted several photos of the Marunouchi Line, but this time, I took them from different locations. They may look like ordinary photos, but each one required a little ingenuity.

First, the top photo was taken from a road bridge near Myogadani Station. At first glance, it seemed like an ideal photo spot, but there was a challenge—a fine-mesh safety fence. Using a large-aperture lens was virtually impossible. So I pulled out my smartphone and concentrated on getting the timing right. I just managed to get the shot—and I was delighted with the result.

Next, the bottom photo was taken at Korakuen Station. It also looked like a good spot for photographing trains, but the track curved away from me. So I couldn’t capture the whole train. Instead, I tried shooting from a little farther away. Although several trackside facilities were blocking my view, I managed to capture the front four cars. Not bad.

I’m running out of space here, so I’ll save the other subway train photos for a future post. Railfanning is a very particular hobby, isn’t it?

Tokyo Metro’s 2000 Series EMU arriving at Korakuen Station

Final Chapter of the 6000 Series EMU in Indonesia

Set 6117 of the 6000 series EMU in Jakarta, Indonesia

Photo: Faris Fadhli (2026)

Today, I’d like to share a little story about Indonesia’s railways.

Not long ago, I received a heartwarming message from an Indonesian railfan. My friend, Faris Fadhli, sent me some updates along with his latest photos. I always enjoy hearing from him—his messages make me feel closer to Indonesia’s railway scene. After reading his note, I felt inspired to write about an “endangered species” that has long fascinated me.

Please take a look at the photo above. It shows the endangered ex–Tokyo Metro 6000 series EMU running in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 6000 series is a 1,500 V DC commuter EMU that first entered service in Tokyo in 1968. In total, 36 sets—353 cars—were built through 1990. Its technology was considered advanced at the time, equipped with an armature-chopper traction system and regenerative braking. Many sets were later upgraded with a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive=VVVF) traction system and induction motors.

After 43 years of service in Tokyo, 27 sets were transferred to Jakarta starting in 2011, helping modernize the commuter lines operated by PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia.

Now, let’s take another look at the recent photo. A red-striped 6000 series train stands out under the tropical sunlight, framed by lush greenery. Beautiful! I instantly recognized the spot—Universitas Indonesia Station, a classic place for train photography. Faris’s photo brought back many memories from the time I was stationed in Indonesia.

I also vividly remember the excitement in 2011, when the 6000 series first arrived in Jakarta. I was extremely busy with work then, so Indonesian railfans, including Faris, visited Bukit Duri Railyard and kindly shared their photos of the newly arrived trains with me (see the photo below). It’s hard to believe that fifteen years have passed. Time truly flies.

I’m glad the 6000 series is still active in Jakarta. However, according to Faris, the trains are now being gradually phased out as the new Indonesian-built CLI-225 series enters service. Panta rhei—everything is constantly changing.

The final chapter of the 6000 series has already begun.

Set 6126 of the 6000 series EMU (right) upon arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia

Photo: Faris Fadhli (March, 2011)

A Railroad Speeder on Tokyo Metro’s Marunouchi Line

Tokyo Metro railroad speeder, Unit 1 (MJK Type MR2618)

Do you remember my post about Yotsuya Station last year? Today, I’d like to share a small but interesting discovery I made there afterward.

While photographing a Marunouchi Line train emerging from a tunnel and approaching the elevated Yotsuya Station, I noticed something unusual beside the track—a small yellow vehicle (please see the bottom photo in my blog post from October 16, 2025).

It was a railroad speeder, a type of small maintenance vehicle used on railways.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have a telephoto lens with me that day, so I couldn’t get a clear shot.

After that, I returned to the same spot, determined to try again. This time, I succeeded. Please take a look at the top photo. Yes—this is Tokyo Metro’s railroad speeder, Unit 1, used on the Marunouchi Line. It is a diesel-powered maintenance vehicle built by Matsuyama Jyusharyo Kogyo (MJK), known as Type MR2618.

According to MJK’s catalogue, the MR2618 is designed to transport track maintenance staff. It is about 3 meters long, weighs 4.2 tons, and can carry up to eight people. With a work basket installed on the roof, it can also be used for overhead catenary maintenance. However, the Marunouchi Line uses a third-rail power system instead of overhead wires, so this function is not actually needed here.

Now, here’s something I found particularly interesting. Did you notice the angle at which the speeder is parked? If you look closely at the photos, you’ll see that Unit 1 is placed on a stabling track that crosses the main line at a right angle. There is no switch connecting the two tracks. So how does the speeder get onto the main line?

The answer is surprisingly clever. The vehicle is equipped with its own turntable, allowing it to rotate and align with the main track. I would love to see this process in action, but that’s very difficult—because Unit 1 is usually operated only after the last train of the day has finished running.

A bit frustrating for a railfan, isn’t it?

Side view of Unit 1 (left)

Related link:

・Official information from Matsuyama Jyusharyo Kogyo (in Japanese)

Arigato, the 7000 Series EMU in Indonesia

Set 7123 of the 7000 Series EMU exhibited at Jakarta Kota Station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

This post is a continuation of my previous one. Once again, my thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly shared his recent photos with me.

Please take a look at the photo above. One of the trains exhibited at the farewell event for former Japanese rolling stock in Jakarta was Set 7123 of the 7000 series EMU. Its red, white, and dark blue stripes are visually striking. You can also see a special round headmark on the front reading “ARIGATO, TERIMA KASIH, 2010–2025”—beautiful!

Set 7123 was built in 1983 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The 7000 series is an EMU designed for 1,500 V DC and a 1,067-millimeter gauge. In Japan, it was operated as a 10-car train with six motorcars (6M4T). The electric control system was an armature chopper combined with regenerative braking. Air conditioners were not equipped at first, but were later installed in 1988.

After nearly 27 years of service on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Set 7123 was transferred to Indonesia in 2010 along with its comrades—Sets 7117, 7121, and 7122. In Indonesia, the 7000 series began service as 8-car trains with four motorcars (4M4T). As of 2011, the 7000 series including Set 7123 carried red, yellow, and white stripes (see the photo below). It was very eye-catching. I also remember that one women-only car was provided on this series. Trains in Jakarta during rush hours were just as crowded as those in Tokyo.

Set 7123 and the 7000 series EMUs… thank you, terima kasih, and arigato. I will never forget you all.

Set 7123 of the 7000 Series EMU arriving at Gambir Station in Jakarta, Indonesia

(February 12, 2011)

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 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

Yamitetsu Part 2: Shinkiba Railyard

Night view of Shinkiba Railyard, with Set 6102 on the right

Do you remember my post about “yamitetsu” last month? Today, I’d like to share an update on my activities.

Let’s start with a quick overview. Yamitetsu refers to a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. The word is a blend of “yami” (meaning “darkness”) and “tetsu” (meaning “iron”). In Japanese, we call a railway "tetsudō", which literally means “iron road". Without realizing it, I’ve long enjoyed taking photos at underground stations, at night on the surface, and in other low-light settings. Still, I think of myself as just a beginner yamitetsu.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. I recently stopped by Tokyo Metro’s Shinkiba Railyard on the Yurakucho Line for a yamitetsu outing. I chose this spot because there’s a pedestrian bridge crossing the yard. On the bridge, a pleasant evening breeze made the air feel refreshing. Below, I saw many trains being readied for service. Under the yard lights, they gleamed beautifully—the Tokyo Metro 10000 and 17000 series EMUs, as well as the Seibu 40000 series, which directly operates onto the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line.

And one more… Set 6102 of the Tokyo Metro 6000 series! As you know, all 6000 series EMUs have already disappeared from Japanese tracks, but Set 6102 is still preserved here at the yard. Its interior lights were off, but its aluminum alloy body shone faintly under the floodlights. Set 6102, it’s been a while! How have you been?

View from a different angle, with Set 6102 in the right corner

Yamitetsu: Photographing in the Dark

EMU Tokyo Metro 2000 series arrives at Yotsuya station

Are there any slang words that only railfans understand in your country? In Japan, there definitely are. For example, I’ve previously introduced the term “hansha-tetsu”, which refers to a railfan who loves taking photos of trains reflected in water, glass, or other surfaces. Today, I’d like to introduce another fun piece of railfan slang "yamitetsu".

Yamitetsu describes a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. In fact, I’m just a beginner yamitetsu myself.

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so please take a look at the top photo. This is one of the typical yamitetsu-style images. You can see a striking, red-colored train—the Tokyo Metro 2000 series—standing out against the darkness. Although this photo looks “simple”, it was actually taken by thinking outside the box. The EMU Tokyo Metro 2000 series is a subway train, and as I’ve mentioned before, subway trains are often frustrating subjects for photographers because they run underground in dimly lit tunnels. That’s why Yotsuya Station is so special. It’s one of the rare subway stations built above ground, making it bright and easy to shoot trains during the day. But I deliberately went out in the evening to shoot it in the dark—and unexpectedly captured this mystical, atmospheric image.

The second photo below is another example. This one was taken underground at Shinyokohama Station yard, one of my recommended spots for yami-tetsu fans. The tunnel there is illuminated by colorful lights, which created a stunning backdrop for this Tokyo Metro 9000 series train operating on the Tokyu Line.

EMU Tokyo Metro 9000 series leaves Shinyokohama station on the Tokyu line

Seijo Corty: My Neaby Train Observation Deck

View from the train observation deck at Seijo Corty Shopping Mall

I am not a native English speaker, so posting blogs in English is a good opportunity for me to learn a foreign language. I recently learned a proverb: "It’s hard to see what is right under your nose." I’d like to remember this proverb by using a real example.

Last week, I went shopping in Seijo-gakuenmae, my neighborhood. After that, I stopped by the roof garden of the Seijo Corty Shopping Mall. It’s close to my house, but it was actually my first visit. As soon as I arrived at the garden, I found a wonderful train observation deck. I hadn’t realized there was such a nice spot so close to home. “It’s hard to see what is right under your nose.” That’s exactly how it felt.

Enough with the preamble—please look at the top photo. You can see a straight quadruple track on the Odakyu Line. Two trains are running side by side: the EMU Tokyo Metro 16000 series (left) and the Odakyu 8000 series (right). The former is on the express track, while the latter is on the local track. Both shine beautifully in the afternoon sun. Doesn’t it make you excited? Even better, there are comfortable benches surrounded by trees on this deck. Sitting on one of them, I was able to enjoy a relaxing time.

Incidentally, if you have time, please also check out my previous posts about other train observation decks in the Tokyo metropolitan　area: Shimogoindenbashi, Kitatopia, Shibuya Hikarie, Horinouchi, Fuefuki, and so on.

 The roof garden of Seijo Corty Shopping Mall, surrounded by trees

Extra Rare Train on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line

Set 9109 (8-car train) of the Tokyo Metro 9000 series 

As a trainspotter, it’s always fun for me to come across rare trains on the tracks. No matter what troubles I face, spotting a rare train instantly lifts my spirits. Trainspotters are carefree people, aren’t we? Today, I’d like to introduce a surefire topic for old-school trainspotters like me.

The subway Tokyo Metro Namboku Line penetrates Tokyo Metropolis from south to north. Connecting Meguro and Akabane-Iwabuchi, the total operating length is 21.3 kilometers. Many trains run through onto the Tokyu Meguro Line, the Saitama Railway Line, and other lines. In addition, the section between Meguro and Shirokane-Takanawa is shared with the Toei Mita line.

To keep the Namboku Line service on schedule, Tokyo Metro operates a total of 23 trainsets. They all appear to be 6-car trains, but there is one exception if you look closely. That’s Set 9109 of the EMU 9000 series, which is composed of 8 cars. You can confirm it simply by counting the air-conditioning units on the train’s roof (see the photo below). Set 9109 was originally built in 1995 as a 6-car train. Two new cars were added later, making it an 8-car train in 2023.

According to Tokyo Metro, 14 more trainsets are planned to be lengthened from 6 to 8 cars to increase transport capacity; however, I haven’t heard any updates recently. As a result, Set 9109 remains an extra rare 8-car trainset for now. It’s really enjoyable for me to notice such subtle differences among these trains.

Set 9109 (8-car train) traveling on the Tokyu Meguro Line

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 Series in Indonesia

05-110F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series in Jakarta, Inodonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I know I’ve been jumping from one topic to another lately, but allow me to stay in Jakarta just a little longer. After writing about the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series on November 14th, I couldn’t help introducing another “endangered species” that continues to fascinate railfans. As always, my heartfelt thanks go to Faris Fadhli for sharing his wonderful photos.

Take a look at the top picture. This is set 05-110 (hereafter 05-110F) of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series, now running quietly in Indonesia. The 05 series made its debut on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line back in 1988. A total of 240 cars were produced by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, and several other manufacturers. Over the years, 130 of them retired from the Tozai Line, 12 cars found a new role on the Kita-Ayase branch line after modification, and 80 cars crossed the sea to Indonesia to begin their second life. According to Faris, only two sets—05-108F and 05-110F—are still bravely holding on.

I still remember the excitement as if it were yesterday. When the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series arrived in Indonesia in 2010, I visited the Port of Tanjung Priok with several passionate Indonesian railfans. Together we watched the freshly arrived 05 series being unloaded, feeling as though we were welcoming an old friend to its new home (see the photo below).

Just like the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, the 05 series is now approaching the final chapter of its long journey. Even so, two sets continue to run firmly on Indonesian soil. I’m deeply grateful to the local railway engineers who have supported these trains for so many years, and I sincerely hope the 05 series will keep running for as long as possible.

05-107F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series just after arriving at Tanjung. Priok Port

(August 14th, 2010)

Extra Rare Subway Spot on the Ginza Line: Part 2

EMU Tokyo Metro 1000 series leaves Shibuya Depot on the Ginza line

Do you remember when I introduced you to an extra rare subway spot on the Ginza line two years ago. That was a railway crossing on the "subway" Tokyo Metro-Ginza line. It's located on the siding track between the underground main track and Ueno Depot on the ground. Today, I'm going to introduce you to another extra rare spot on the Ginza line. That's an "elevated track" of the Ginza line.

You may want to say, "An elevated track... so what? It's not rare at all!" OK. I can provide you more details. There certainly are several elevated tracks on the "subway" lines in Tokyo. Higashi-Ojima on the subway Toei-Shinjuku line, which I posted two years ago, is a good example, but what about the Ginza line? Please look at the top photo. That's the only one elevated track section on the Ginza line. Moreover, it's not a main track, but a siding track between Shibuya Depot and Shibuya terminal. Is it easy to see a train passing through this elevated track? No, it isn't. Firstly, we have to look for a train viewing spot. I found it on the 8th floor of a shopping building, named "Hikarie". Secondly, the timetable of deadhead trains to and from Shibuya Depot are not made public. I eventually found that a deadhead train leaves the depot, and passes through this elevated track at 4.26pm on weekdays.

Please enjoy the subway Ginza line train traveling on the extra rare elevated track.

Distant view of the elevated track, subway Tokyo Metro-Ginza line 

The 40th Anniversary of the Seibu-Yurakucho Line

Set 6017 of the EMU Seibu 6000 series with yellow-colored stripes

On October 1st, 2023, Seibu Railway celebrated the 40th anniversary of their Seibu-Yurakucho line. In commemoration, Seibu will operate an anniversary train until March, 2024.

Let me review the Seibu-Yurakucho line to start. It's a connecting line between the Seibu-Ikebukuro line and the Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho line. Connecting Nerima on the Seibu-Ikebukuro line and Kotake-Mukaihara on the Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho line, its route length is 2.6 kilometers. The track is underground and double. There is an intermediate station, Shin-Sakuradai on the line. 8-car or 10-car trains are operated every 5 to 10 minutes. The line name is "Seibu-Yurakucho line", but the route doesn't pass through "Yurakucho" in the central part of Tokyo. Why? Because, the Seibu-Yurakucho line was initially planned as a part of Subway Line 8, namely the Yurakucho line, by Transport Council of the Japanese government in 1970. It's integrated with the Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho line, which passes through "Yurakucho". As you know, the trains on the Seibu-Yurakusho line are currently operated onto the Tokyo Metro-Fukutoshin line as well, so, the situation has changed.

The anniversary train is set 6017 of the EMU Seibu 6000 series. It has yellow-colored special stripes on the bodies. As you know, yellow is the line color of the Tokyo-Metro Yurakucho line; meanwhile, the standard Seibu 6000 series trains have blue-colored stripes. The anniversary train also has a special plate on the front celebrating the 40th anniversary. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the Seibu-Yurakucho line! It's the short connecting line, but the great transportation artery in the western part of Tokyo.

Special plate of "the 40th anniversary of the Seibu-Yurakucho line"

Official information about the memorial train (in Japanese):

https://www.seiburailway.jp/file.jsp?newsroom/news/file/20230928_seibuyurakucho40.pdf

Green Garden in the City Center

New Shibuya terminal on the subway (Tokyo Metro) Ginza line 

The rainy season continues in Tokyo. From early June to mid-July, Tokyo has a hot and humid rainy season, called Tsuyu. It's a gloomy period before midsummer, but Tokyoites can enjoy that the trees have gotten greener and greener each day.

I recently visited Nezu Museum in the city center of Tokyo. This museum is famous for exhibiting antiques of Japan and Asia, but it's not only that. Another pleasure of visiting Nezu Museum is to stroll through the garden, which is said to be an urban oasis. After viewing the museum, visitors can enjoy the changing seasons in the lush garden. The garden is filled with so many greens in this season. It was incredible for me that I was in the city center of Tokyo.

To get to Nezu Museum, the nearest station is Omotesando on the subway Ginza line. Taking this opportunity, I'm going to show you the new Shibuya terminal on the Ginza line. In January, 2021, the subway operator, namely Tokyo Metro, moved their Shibuya terminal 130 meters eastward as part of the urban infrastructure project in the Shibuya area. The new terminal has an island platform with M-shaped arches. It's cleaner and brighter than before. The appearance of the new Shibuya terminal is of course my favorite, but the problem is its location. It became far from Shibuya terminal of the Keio-Inokashira line. It became inconvenient to transfer to the Ginza line for the Inokashira line users like me. You can't make everybody happy.

The garden of Nezu Museum near Omotesando station on the subway Ginza line