Like a Snake: Point Switches on the Tama Monorail Line

A point switch on the Tama Monorail Line (straight-running configuration)

Let me pick up where I left off in my last post. After taking photos of the Pom Poko–wrapped train, I continued enjoying the Tama Monorail Line. My next focus was the point switches of this straddle-beam monorail. Since I observed dual-gauge track point switches on the Hakone Tozan Line last month, I wanted to see monorail point switches with my own eyes as well.

My target was a point switch near Tama Center Terminal.

First, I rode in the rear car of the train and observed the point switch in one state. Please take a look at the top photo. Yes—this is the configuration for straight running. Unlike standard railways, you can see many components and pieces of equipment along the track. It looks more complex than that of the Tokyo Monorail Line, which I posted about 13 years ago.

After that, I moved to the front car and observed the point switch in another state. Please take a look at the photo below. This is the configuration for branch running. What a twisty structure it is! I could hardly believe that this point switch is made of iron and concrete. It is composed of many short rails connected by flexible joints. The way it moves is just like a snake.

For a rail fan like me, small scenes like these always feel like hidden treasures. I can’t help but stop and watch for a moment. Perhaps you can feel a bit of that excitement too? Rail fans are happy creatures, aren’t they?

A point switch on the Tama Monorail Line (branch-running configuration)

Autumn Visit to the Silent Tracks of the Ahina Line

An abandoned track of the former Seibu-Ahina Line

Are there any ruin enthusiasts in your country? In Japan, there are quite a few. They love exploring deserted towns, mines, factories, and things like that. I’m not exactly a ruin enthusiast, but I’m at least fond of abandoned railway tracks. Let me share one of my memorable abandoned tracks with you today. My thanks go to the Chairperson of the KuHa 703 Preservation Society, who kindly told me about this heartfelt ruin.

The Ahina Line was opened in 1925 as a branch line of what is now the Seibu-Shinjuku Line. The route originally functioned to transport gravel from the Iruma River riverbed to large cities for construction. Connecting Minami-Ōtsuka and Ahina, the route length was 3.2 kilometers. The track was single and electrified. After 38 years of operation, the Ahina Line was closed in 1963.

Please take a look at the photo above. This is the former Seibu-Ahina Line. The track has been left untouched for a long time, and in this season it was covered with fallen leaves. It would be impossible to revive it now. I felt sad as a rail fan, but at the same time, the abandoned track looked beautiful and somehow made me feel calm. It was different from other abolished tracks I have visited in urban areas, such as the Sagami Branch Line, parts of the Toyoko Line, and the Yokohama Harbor Line.

Finally, I have to say that ruin enthusiasts must follow rules when visiting abandoned tracks. Many dangerous spots lie in prohibited or private areas. Please be careful.

The former Ahina Line (left, a green area) and the Shinjuku Line (right) at Minami-Ōtsuka Sta.

Yo5000 Series: A Preserved Caboose Car

Unit Yo14740 of the Yo5000 series caboose preserved in Setagaya Park

Today, I’d like to share a quiet, low-key topic. Do caboose cars still run on railways in your country? In Japan, they are extremely rare. They remained in operation until 1984, but today they have almost completely disappeared.

Take a look at the photo above. Here it is—Unit Yo14740 of the Yo5000 series caboose. It was originally built in the 1950s as part of the Japanese National Railways’ Yo3500 series. In the 1960s, it was modified into the Yo5000 series, featuring a two-stage link-type suspension system designed for smoother, faster operation. After roughly 30 years of service, it was retired around 1984, when caboose cars were largely abolished. Today, Yo14740 is preserved in Setagaya Park, Tokyo.

When I was a child, I often saw cabooses on the Tokaido Line, coupled to the end of freight trains. The job of conductors aboard these cars might have seemed easy—they didn’t have to operate passenger doors or make announcements. In reality, they were kept busy ordering the coupling and uncoupling of each freight car at stations and writing reports while on the move. A potbelly coal stove was installed, but it must still have been cold in winter (see the photo below). It looks like it was an uncomfortable ride.

The Japanese freight system has changed significantly. Before 1984, freight trains often stopped at stations to couple and uncouple cars. Today, freight trains mostly run directly between terminals, improving efficiency.

Yo14740—thank you for your decades of service. Now you rest, preserved as a silent witness to Japan’s railway history.

Interior of Yo14740

The 60th Anniversary of Hakone Soba

60th anniversary special menu item of Hakone Soba Restaurant: “Mocoron Soba”

Do railway companies in your country diversify their businesses? In Japan, they certainly do. For instance, many railway companies operate their own department stores along their lines. Another example is the real estate business. The residents living in their housing developments are expected to take the company’s trains to go shopping, commute, and attend school.

This diversification also extends to smaller ventures. Take a look at the photo above — it shows a bowl of Japanese noodles from Hakone Soba, a modest restaurant located inside Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line. Operated by Odakyu Restaurant System Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Odakyu Group, Hakone Soba has grown to more than 40 locations along the line. I love this style of noodles — they’re served quickly, reasonably priced, and, of course, delicious. It’s the perfect stop when I’m in a hurry.

In August this year, Odakyu celebrated the 60th anniversary of Hakone Soba. To mark the occasion, a special menu item was introduced. Look again at the top photo — you’ll notice a semicircular fish cake sitting on the noodles. What’s that? It’s Mocoron!

Mocoron, as you may know, is Odakyu’s cheerful blue rabbit mascot. I was pleasantly surprised to find Mocoron appearing as a topping in this commemorative dish. It was as tasty as it was charming.

And there’s more. The Odakyu Romancecar is also joining the celebration. I spotted a commemorative sticker on the side of Set 30255 of the EMU 30000 series. The entire Odakyu Group seems to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of Hakone Soba together — truly, an “all hands on deck” moment for this beloved brand.

Commemorative sticker on the side of Odakyu Romancecar, EMU 30000 series

Two Locomotives in Warabi City

Unit 304 of the Class C11 locomotive preserved in Ooarata Traffic Playground

Do you have a place you’ve always wanted to check out? For example, somewhere you often pass by on the train but have never actually visited. Ooarata Traffic Playground in Warabi City was one such place for me. I had sometimes passed it by on JR East’s Keihin-Tohoku Line, but I had never stopped there until recently. One day, I got off at Warabi Station and walked along the track. About ten minutes later, what caught my eye was a preserved steam locomotive surrounded by a chain-link fence. This is it!

The preserved locomotive was Unit 304 of the Class C11. This model debuted in 1932 to reinforce the transportation capacity of the Japanese Government Railways’ local lines. It’s a small 2-6-4 type tank locomotive (Whyte notation). A total of 381 units were built. Unit 304 was manufactured in 1945 by Nippon Sharyo as part of the fourth production batch of the Class C11. After mainly operating on the Sagami Line, it was retired in 1965 and has since been preserved in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture.

You can see the box-shaped steam and sand “domes” on the top center of the boiler, can’t you? They look different from those on earlier Class C11s such as Unit 227 and 245. This design change came in the last days of WWII. At that time, these box-shaped domes were adopted to simplify the manufacturing process under urgent wartime conditions. The war had even influenced locomotive design — how sad.

Incidentally, I found another C11 steam locomotive in the playground. Please take a look at the photo below — it’s for kids! How nice it is to live in peace.

Another "Class C11 steam locomotive (playground equipment)”

A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design: Part 2

Mocoron-themed hanging strap in the Odakyu Mocoron Train

I was very surprised when I checked the “Popular Posts of the Last Month” section on this blog. To my surprise, “A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design” was ranked number one. As I mentioned in that post, it was just a “trivial topic” for me, so I was amazed by the result. I always post about what I find interesting, without thinking much about popularity. Even so, it still feels a little strange to me.

Now, this is the second post about the “hanging strap with a unique design". Please take a look at the top photo. I found this strap inside Set 5055 of the EMU 5000 series on the Odakyu Line. It has two small, ear-like protrusions on the top of the ring. Doesn’t it look like someone? … It’s Mocoron!

What is Mocoron?

Mocoron is the mascot character of Odakyu Electric Railway. He (or she) is a blue rabbit who helps promote child-friendly services on the Odakyu Line. Mocoron likes riding trains and is always looking for something fun. Please take a look at the photo below. You can see a stuffed Mocoron sitting in the driver’s cab of Set 5055, which is called the “Mocoron Train”. So cute, isn’t it?

By the way, Odakyu has not officially announced where the Mocoron-themed hanging straps are installed. As far as I know, there is at least one strap in each car of the Mocoron Train. I also found some in a few sets of the EMU 8000 series. In addition to taking photos of trains or observing their bodies, it might be enjoyable to look for Mocoron straps when you ride Odakyu trains. Trainspotting has many small pleasures, doesn’t it?

Stuffed Mocoron sitting in the driver’s cab of the Odakyu Mocoron Train

Graffiti? A Surprising Truth

“Graffiti?” on the doors of the Tokyu 6020-6050 series EMU

(Note: Photographed in the rain)

On September 8, rail fans were shocked on social media. Graffiti was spotted on a Tokyu train. And not just one or two marks—there were several all along the sides of the 6020-6050 series (6020 series, type 6050) EMU operating on the Ōimachi Line. What happened? Was it some kind of nasty prank?

Thankfully, ITmedia interviewed Tokyu Railways, and a surprising truth came to light. These weren’t graffiti at all, but part of a formal installation by Tokyu. Why? To improve the sensitivity of the automatic platform gate sensors! As I wrote before, the 6020-6050 series only debuted this May. Their bodies were still sparkling new… but apparently the shiny finish reduced the sensors’ accuracy. Of course, safe train operation is essential for any railway company, but it was still shocking to learn that spray left visible marks on the train’s exterior. According to Tokyu, they will work to make the residues less noticeable.

That’s reassuring. But I still have a question. The 6020-6050 series is the “little brother” of the 6020 series. As far as I know, no such issue has occurred with the older 6020 series. The only difference is the train formation: the 6020-6050 series is a five-car set, while the 6020 series is a seven-car set. That’s it. For an ordinary rail fan like me, it’s a difficult mystery to understand. To the engineers of Tokyu Railways… please restore the 6020–6050 series to its beautiful original state. I’m rooting for you!

An automatic platform gate at Ōimachi Station, the Tokyu-Ōimachi Line

A Hanging Strap with a Unique Design

Sounyan-themed hanging strap, Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series

Sorry for the trivial topic today, but let me start with a question: Are there any hanging straps on commuter trains in your country? In Japan, yes, there are. Commuter trains in major cities are always crowded, so hanging straps are essential to keep passengers safe and prevent accidents. Here’s another question: Have you ever seen a hanging strap with a unique design in your country? In Japan, we have!

They say “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so please take a look at the top photo. I found this strap inside Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series. It has two ear-like protrusions on top of the ring. Doesn’t it look like someone? ...It’s Sounyan! As I mentioned before, Sounyan is Sagami Railway’s (Sotetsu’s) mascot character. He helps create a friendly image for the railway and adds value to the Sotetsu Line. Sounyan is a cat and an official “employee” of Sotetsu, working in public relations. On this train, a Sounyan-themed strap is installed in part of one car. Isn’t that cute?

Incidentally, the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series was introduced in 1990. A total of 13 sets (130 cars) were built by Hitachi. Currently, six sets (60 cars) are still in service after undergoing refurbishments. For example, the headlights of Set 8713 have been relocated to the top of the cab, as seen in the photo below. I hope Set 8713, with its Sounyan-themed hanging strap, continues to operate for years to come.

Set 8713 of the Sotetsu EMU 8000 series on the Izumino Line

Rotating and Lifting Observation Tower on Mt. Yahiko

Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower

Let me pick up where I left off in my last post. After getting off the Yahiko-yama Climbing Car at the summit park, I enjoyed a superb view for a while. It was a precious time for me, but there was another spectacular lookout on this mountain. Please look at the top photo: you can see a tall column with a cylindrical observation deck. What is it?

The answer is the Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower. This is a rotating and lifting observation tower located right beside the climbing car. The cylindrical deck slowly rotates as it ascends the central column. The tower stands 85 meters high, with the top reaching about 605 meters above sea level—higher than the top of the climbing car track. The Panorama Tower was built in 1970, at the same time as the climbing car, by the Yahiko-yama Ropeway Company. It is the oldest rotating and lifting tower in Japan. The deck accommodates up to 52 passengers, operates every 15 minutes, and each ride lasts about eight minutes. Pets are even welcome at no extra charge—what a wonderful offer!

Now please look at the photo below. I’m really fond of this retro atmosphere. On top of that, the operating sound of the rotating deck somehow feels nostalgic, with its unique rattling noise. The seats inside the cabin are covered with red moquette fabric, reminding me of old commuter trains in Tokyo. From there I fully enjoyed the breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Niigata Plain, Sado Island, and the Sea of Japan. Time really does fly when you’re having fun—eight minutes passed by in the blink of an eye.

Interior of the observation deck, Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower

Official website, Yahiko-yama Ropeway (in Japanese):

https://www.hotel-juraku.co.jp/yahiko/

Retro Climbing Car in Niigata Prefecture

Yahiko-yama Climbing Car in Niigata Prefecture

After returning from my trip to Miyazaki Prefecture, I visited Niigata Prefecture. It was family time, so I had temporarily put my trainspotting activities on hold—but I was soon drawn to a retro climbing car on Mt. Yahiko.

Let me start with a quick overview of Mt. Yahiko. It’s a sheer mountain with a great view in Niigata Prefecture, about 300 kilometers north of Tokyo. The summit rises 634 meters above sea level. The easiest way to reach the summit is by gondola, called the Yahiko-yama Ropeway. I first rode it eleven years ago—please check my previous post.

So, what’s new in this post? To be honest, the “Sancho (summit) Station” of the gondola is not at the actual summit of Mt. Yahiko. You can reach a higher spot using a climbing car. Please look at the top photo: you can see the retro vehicle, the Yahiko-yama Climbing Car, on the mountainside. The climbing car was built in 1970 by the Yahiko-yama Ropeway Company. It’s neither a funicular nor a monorail—it’s an inclined elevator. Connecting the parking lot and the mountain park, its route is 62.4 meters long with a 50-degree incline. The vehicle accommodates 30 passengers and operates at a speed of 0.75 meters per second, taking about one minute to reach the mountain park.

Next, please look at the photo below. Aren’t you curious about the camera angle? It looks like the photo was taken from above the climbing car. Could there be a higher vantage point? To be continued…

The vehicle of the Yahiko-yama Climbing Car arriving at the mountain park

Timetable Disruption on the Odakyu Line

Platform display at Chitose-Funabashi station on the Odakyu line

The other day, I headed to Shinjuku to take care of some personal business. When I arrived at my nearest station on the Odakyu Line, I immediately noticed something unusual. Many passengers were standing around the concourse, looking puzzled. Was something wrong?

When I looked up at the platform display, I finally understood the reason. Please take a look at the top photo. The trains were heavily delayed. It was already past 11 o’clock, yet the train scheduled to leave at 9:43 had not even arrived at the station. To make matters worse, the next train’s destination wasn’t Shinjuku but Kyodo — just one station away. Due to a signal system malfunction, train service between Kyodo Station and Shinjuku Terminal had been suspended.

But please don’t worry — railfans are always optimistic! I’m one of them, too. I quickly changed my mindset and decided to make the best of the situation. First, I took a photo of the platform display showing the rare destination “Kyodo.” Then I moved on to Kyodo Station, looking for more unusual scenes. Please take a look at the photo below. It might look ordinary at first glance — an Odakyu 3000 series EMU running on the track — but for me, it was a little treasure. The train was switching from the express track (on the left) to the local track (on the right), a sight I rarely see at this station.

I couldn’t finish my personal business as planned that day, but I was satisfied — after all, I got to witness some rare and fascinating railway scenes.

Odakyu 3000 series EMU changing tracks at Kyodo station

Steep Monorail Line to the Old House

Monorail line to Kobayashi Family House

What comes to your mind when you hear Tokyo? Most of you probably think of it as a big city and the center of economics in Japan. That’s true, but there’s more. Please visit Hinohara Village in the western part of Tokyo Metropolis. You will find a different Tokyo there.

Please look at the top photo. It’s a monorail line constructed by Hinohara Village. There are a total of six lines in the village. They are important transportation means, as the road network is still not very developed. Most of the routes are only for local people, but holidaymakers are allowed to take the monorail line in the top photo, because it’s an access mean to a sightseeing spot, Kobayashi Family House. This monorail line is 450-meters-long. The maximum inclination of the track is 43 degrees. Passenger capacity of the vehicle is 8. The operating interval is 40 minutes. It takes 15 minutes for going up and 10 minutes for going down. You need to make a reservation in advance, but there is no charge... thank you!

After arriving at the summit station located at 750 meters above sea level, you will find an old house there. Please look at the photo below. That’s Kobayashi Family House. It’s a wooden house with a thatched roof, built in the early 18th centuries. Kobayashi Family House in Tokyo Metropolis… it’s not a famous sightseeing spot, but has a very relaxing atmosphere.

Please check out my previous post about the mini-slope car in the plum grove as well.

Kobayashi Family House

Official information about Kobayashi Family House by HInohara Village (in Japanese):

https://kobayashike.tokyo/

Official information about the monorail line to Kobayashi Family House by HInohara Village (in Japanese):

https://kobayashike.tokyo/access/

Super Rail Cargo: Extra Rare Freight Train

EMU JR Freight M250 series stands at Tokyo Freight Terminal

It's very hot in Tokyo. The maximum daytime temperature is often over 35 degrees Celsius. This heat is killing me, but the hot summer is still better than the rainy season, because, I can at least go out to observe trains without an umbrella. My destination was JR Freight's Tokyo Freight Terminal, about 10 kilometers south of the city center. Although this terminal is for employees only, we can survey the inside of the railyard from an overpass road. And then, I found an extra rare train.

Please look at the top photo... JR Freight's EMU (Electric Multiple-unit), the M250 series. It's not an electric locomotive, but an EMU. The blue-colored two motorcars can accommodate containers in the center of the vehicles. In addition, many flat-shaped trailers, which are coupled behind the blue-colored motorcars, can also accommodate containers. When we see the overall train, one set is formally composed of two top motorcars, 12 trailers and two last motorcars (4M12T). In the photo below, the trainset is unfortunately taken apart.

The EMU M250 series is commissioned under the name of Super Rail Cargo. It's operated between Tokyo Freight Terminal and Ajikawaguchi station in Osaka Prefecture. Why is it an EMU? The major reason is its speed. In fact, the maximum speed of Super Rail Cargo is 130 kilometers per hour, which is 20 kilometers per hour faster than that of freight trains pulled by locomotives. Super Rail Cargo is exclusively contracted by a transportation company, Sagawa Express.

Please check out my previous post about JR Freight's another terminal in Tokyo as well.

Distant view of Tokyo Freight Terminal

Official informartion about Super Rail Cargo by JR Freight (in Japanese):

https://www.jrfreight.co.jp/service/improvement/development.html

A Small Topic on the Yokosuka Line

Automatic ticket gate number 4 is temporarily closed at Kamakura station

I recently visited Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture with my family. I was supposed to enjoy some pure sightseeing without any activities as a rail-fan, if I hadn't found that. What's "that"?

To start, let me quickly review Kamakura City. It's located about 50 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, and a historic city where the Shogunate government was located from 1185 to 1333. There are many old shrines and temples in the city, so, a lot of holidaymakers including inbound tourists flock to the historic areas. The starting point for sightseers is Kamakura station on the JR East-Yokosuka line.

Let's get down to the main topic. When we were just about to pass through the automatic ticket gates at Kamakura station, I found that one of the gates was temporarily closed. What had happened? There was a notice in front of the gate, saying both in Japanese and English... "Swallows are raising children. Watch over them warmly until they leave the nest". There were illustrations of swallows as well in the notice. I then looked up at the ceiling of the station building, and found a swallow nest and a family! The father bird often took off for food hunting. What a hard-working bird it is! I understood that the station attendants worried that the swallows might crap on passengers' heads. What kind station attendants they are! The swallows' father and mother... good luck parenting!

Before I realized it, an hour had passed at the railway station. Was it an activity as a rail-fan?

A swallow's nest just above the automatic ticket gate

Official information about the Kamakura station building (in Japanese):

https://www.jred.co.jp/projects/p031.html

Small Topics on the Chuo Rapid LIne

Nursery school children observe the EMU JR East E233 series

It is said that there are 2 million rail-fans in Japan, according to sociological research. It's 1.6 percent of the total population. They are ride-on rail fans, train spotters, rail photo lovers, model train lovers, ticket collectors, sound rail fans, timetable rail fans, train lunch lovers, train driving simulator lovers and so on. This is just out of curiosity, but... "What was the catalyst for them to start enjoying railways?"

I recently found a root of rail-fans. Please look at the top photo. Local nursery school children on the JR East Chuo Rapid line are observing trains accompanied by their teachers. That's one of the important events during strolling. When I pricked up my ears, I could hear children's conversation. "The E233 series is coming." "That's a rapid train bound for Tokyo." Exactly! That's great! Where did you learn that? I am convinced that they are potential rail-fans either way. Their future looks bright.

You may feel like something is missing from this post, so, I'm going to show you one more topic on the Chuo Rapid line. JR East and Ibaraki Prefecture are jointly promoting a regional tourism campaign named Ibaraki Destination Campaign. As a part of this campaign, a train with special plates on the front and back was operated on the Chuo Rapid line from October to December, 2023. After coming across this train, I visited Ibaraki Prefecture, and enjoyed amazing anglerfish hot pot, dried sweet potatoes, fragrant strawberries and rich plum wines. I only talked about foods. Sorry!

Set T25 displays "the Ibaraki Destination Campaign" plate on the front  

Deja Vu on the Odakyu Line

EMU Odakyu 70000 series passes through the Second Shobu Tunnel

The Second Shobu Tunnel is the shortest tunnel on the Odakyu line. It's only 60.3 meters long. Almost all the Odakyu trains are longer than 60.3 meters, so, even when the top car passes through the tunnel, the very last car hasn't entered it yet. What makes the story of the Second Shobu Tunnel even more interesting is that this tunnel is located on a gently curved track. As a result, we can take a unique photo in this spot. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Please look at the top photo. You can see the EMU Odakyu 70000 series, which is bisected by the tunnel. Isn't it unique? Isn't it interesting?

I know that nobody likes my bragging, so, I would like to move on to the next topic. When I shot the Odakyu train and the Second Shobu Tunnel, I had a strange feeling. I felt that I've seen this scenery before. Is this deja vu? I wonder what caused it. Three days later, I abruptly remembered it. Evidence is better than debate. Please look at the photo below. It was shot near Meidaimae station on the Keio-Inokashira line. You can see the EMU Keio 1000 series, which is bisected by the bridge of National Route 20. The structure is not a tunnel but a road bridge; however, you can see similar scenery in both photos. Two obtained images are very similar, aren't they?

EMU Keio 1000 series passes through the bridge of National Route 20

Hansha-tetsu: A New Trend of Rail-fans, Part 2

EMU Odakyu 8000 series travels on the Odawara line

Three months have already passed since I introduced you to a new trend of rail-fans namely "hansha-tetsu". Do you still remember this strange Japanese coined word? Let me report my 2nd activity as a "hansha-tetsu" today.

Please look at the top photo. When I took the Odakyu line the other day, I found that a white colored train, the EMU Odakyu 8000 series, was accompanying my train on another track. This urban section is a double-double track, so, I sometimes see accompanying trains; however, something strange at that time. For example, the accompanying train was being operated perfectly at the same speed as my train. More surprisingly, the blue-colored "Odakyu" logo on the accompanying train seemed like a flipped image. To make matters worse, the accompanying train had a dent on the side of the body! It was dangerous! What was happening?

Now you get it, don't you? The gimmick is in the photo below. You can see the reflection image of the train on the windows of the building! "Hansha-tetsu" means a rail-fan who loves reflection images of trains. Incidentally, "hansha-tetsu" might have originated from "mizu-kagami (water mirror)", which is one of the traditional techniques of railway photography. It's a train image reflected on the smooth water surface, such as a quiet lake without ripples or a paddy field before rice planting. Railway photographers love shooting both a real train and a reflected one in the same image. I'll show you an example of mizu-kagami one day.

Gimmick of the top photo

Revisit to the Train Viewing Spot in Shinagawa Ward

EMU Keikyu 1000-1500 series passes by the train viewing spot, Shinagawa Shrine

I visited a nice train viewing spot on the Keikyu line for the first time in ten years. It's located in the precinct of an old shrine in Shinagawa Ward. The name is also Shinagawa Shrine.

Shinagawa Shrine was opened in 1187 by Minamoto Yoritomo who was the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate. The purpose of the shrine was to pray for maritime transportation safety. As you know, Shinagawa is located near the coast of Tokyo Bay. To get to the train viewing spot, you have to climb up a hill surrounded by trees near the main shrine. Local people call it "Shinagawa Fuji", because the profile is similar to that of Mt. Fuji.

After climbing up Shinagawa Fuji, I found the nostalgic scenery, which is almost the same as that of ten years ago. The number of apartments might have increased. One minute later, a red colored train, the EMU Keikyu 1000-1500 series passed by me. The 1000-1500 series is the newest model on the line. It was commissioned last month as the 22nd batch of the 1000 series trains. One set is composed of six cars including four motorcars. The train bodies are similar to the 1000-1890 series, "Le Ciel". They are stainless-steel made and the side bodies are flat and smooth. You can see a slit glass just behind the driver's door on the side body of the top car. The red-colored train stood out against the background buildings and the blue sky.

Train viewing spot of Shinagawa Shrine near Shinbanba station on the Keikyu line

The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Hachiko

Memorial plate of "the 100th anniversary of the birth of Hachiko"

Hachiko statue is a famous landmark in front of Shibuya station, located in a subcenter of Tokyo. Any Tokyoite knows the history of Hachiko. It was a male dog born in Odate City, Akita Prefecture in 1923. Hachiko was then adopted by Ueno Hidesaburo, who was a university professor in Tokyo. Ueno and Hachiko had a close bond with each other. Every morning, they walked together to Shibuya station, where Ueno got on a train to work. Hachiko then spent the day waiting for Ueno to come back. This routine continued until Ueno suffered a brain hemorrhage and abruptly died in 1925. Even after Ueno died, Hachiko continued waiting for him every day at the station exit for a decade. Hachiko died in 1935. Local people were moved by the faithful dog, and erected the statue of Hachiko. Today, Hachiko statue is a famous meeting spot among Tokyoites.

Well, I can't be written off here as this is a railway blog. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Hachiko, a special plate is being displayed on the front of train set 5158 of the EMU 5050 series on the Tokyu-Toyoko line. As you know, the Toyoko line is one of the main transportation arteries connecting Shibuya and Yokohama. The trains on the Toyoko line are directly operated onto the Tokyo Metro-Fukutoshin line via Shibuya Station, and the Yokohama Minatomirai Railway via Yokohama Station. Displaying the memorial plate of Hachiko will be a good memento for Tokyoites.

Statue of Hachiko in front of Shibuya station 

Hansha-tetsu: A New Trend of Rail Fans

EMU E233 series travels on the elevated track just above the Chinese restaurant

When I was a boy, rail fans were not that common. They were talked about behind their backs to be unsociable, nerds, weirdos and not fashionable. That was terrible, but the situation has totally changed these days. According to sociological research, there are 2 million rail fans in Japan. It's 1.6 percent of the total population. They are no longer just weirdos, but are very diverse. There are ride-on rail fans, train spotters, rail photo lovers, model train lovers, ticket collectors, sound rail fans, timetable rail fans, train lunch lovers, train driving simulator lovers and so on. Today, I'm going to show you a new trend, "Hansha-tetsu".

Please look at the top photo. A commuter train travels on an elevated track. That's the EMU E233 series on the JR East Chuo Rapid line. It was shot near Kanda station in downtown Tokyo. The stainless-steel train is beautiful reflecting the sunlight. You can see a black-colored signboard of a Chinese restaurant just below the elevated track. The land use is very efficient, isn't it? Wait a moment! Please look at the overhead wire pole just above the train. They're broken... very dangerous! You can also see a strange phenomenon; the white-colored logo of the "JR" group on the train seems like a flipped image.

Now you get it, don't you? The gimmick is the photo below. You can see the reflection of the train on the windows of the building! "Hansha-tetsu" means a rail fan who loves reflection images of trains. I'm also one of them.

Gimmick of the top photo