Cat Whiskers in the Tobu Museum

Electric car MoHa 5701 of the EMU 5700 series in the Tobu Museum near Higashi-Mukojima Sta.

As I mentioned in my previous articles, there are several railway museums in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. They are the Railway Museum (see my blog on April 11th, 2011), the Subway Museum (see my blog on September 10th, 2011), Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park (see my blog on December 31st, 2011) and so on.

Today, I would like to introduce the other one, the Tobu Museum. This museum is located next to Higashi-Mukojima Station on the Tobu Line, in the eastern part of downtown Tokyo. It is operated by Tobu Railway Company, and displays historical trains, locomotives, buses and other precious heritages.

My favorite exhibit is an old electric car, MoHa 5701 of the EMU 5700 series. The 5700 series is the first generation of resort trains from downtown Tokyo to Nikko National Park. It was launched in 1951 as express train, Kegon (the name of a famous fall in the Nikko area).

After 40 year's operation on the line, the 5700 series retired in 1991. Then, it was moved to the present location, when the museum was opened. The most peculiar point of this train is its front face (see the top photo). Because of its unique design, it is called "Neko-hige (cat whiskers)" among rail fans. Thankfully, the interior of the train is also open to the public. So, we can see the train as it was.

Neko-hige, I want you to live a long time.

Interior of the electric car MoHa 5701 of the EMU 5700 series in the Tobu Museum

More information about theTobu Museum (in Japanese): http://www.tobu.co.jp/museum/

Nippori-Toneri Liner, Escape from the Lonely Island

EMU Toei 300 series arrives at Adachi-odai Station on the Nippori-Toneri Liner

Up to four years ago, the northern part of Sumida and the main part of Adachi Ward in Tokyo were isolated from the railway network. The local people were using bus services, but they were very slow due to traffic jams. Construction of a new railway line was essential for the residents.

In the mid 1980s, the government planned to construct a new subway line there, but it was deemed unprofitable. After long discussions, AGT was adopted as the system of the new line. As I mentioned before, AGT is an abbreviation for Automated Guide way Transit. It is a small sized train with rubber-tires instead of steel bogies.

In 2008, a new AGT line, Toei (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) Nippori-Toneri Liner was opened. It connects Nippori, in downtown Tokyo, and Minumadai-shinsuikouen, near to the boundary of Saitama Prefecture. The total operation length is 9.7km.

Currently, a 5-car EMU 300 series operates every 3.5 minutes in the week day morning, and every 7.5 to 10 minutes at other times of the day. All trains are fully automated, therefore, drivers and conductors are not on board. As a railfan, it is very attractive that passengers can secure a superb view from the train windows, because of the elevated track and no driving cabin at the front.

After opening the new line, the average number of passengers has grown steadily. It reached 59,034 persons per day in 2011, in excess of the target. The residents finally could escape from their onshore lonely island.

Platform of Adachi-Odai Station on the Toei Nippori-Toneri Liner

More information about Nippori-Toneri Liner:

http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/services/liner.html

Shinkansen in Spring Attire

Set number R20 of the Shinkansen E3 series decorated with Sakura design at Tokyo Station

In this season, the weather forecast informs us where the "front line" of the Sakura (cherry blossoms) is. Although Sakura blooming season has passed in Tokyo, the front line is still traveling up the northern part of Japan. A person traveling to the north with the "Sakura front" would be able to enjoy the blossoms for nearly three months.

To push the Sakura front up to the north, Shinkansen trains are now dressed in the spring fashion. They are the EMU JR East E2 and E3 series, decorated with Sakura designs, four sets each.

The E2 series was launched in 1997. Total 53 sets, 502 cars have been manufactured. They operate on the Tohoku Shinkansen with a maximum speed of 275km/hour, meanwhile 260km/hour on the Nagano Shinkansen.

The E3 series was also launched in 1997, when the Akita Shinkansen was opened. A total of 20 sets, 261 cars, have been manufactured. They are so called Mini-shinkansen, with a car length of 20m, whilst the standard full-sized shinkansen length is 25m. They operate with a maximum speed of 275km/hour on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, and 130km/hour on the Akita Shinkansen line.

The EMU E3 series operation is often coupled with the E2 series trains. We can see that the E3 series, Komachi, which leaves Tokyo, is often coupled with the E2 series, Hayate. Then, Komachi is detached after arriving at Morioka Station, and runs by itself to Akita, because the route between Morioka and Akita is constructed as a so-called Mini-shinkansen.

Set number J59 of the Shinkansen E2 series decorated with Sakura design at Tokyo Station

Start of Operation, Retro-EMU on the Metro Line

Set number 1 of the new EMU Tokyo Metro 1000 series on the Subway Ginza Line

As I introduced in my blog on February 4th, the Ginza Line is the oldest subway in Japan. It was partially opened between Ueno and Asakusa (2.2km) in 1927. Then, the entire route, between Shibuya and Asakusa (14.3km), was fully opened in 1934 by Tokyo Subway Company (present Tokyo Metro). Today, the Ginza Line has grown to become one of Japan's representative commuter lines.

On April 11th, a new EMU, the 1000 series opened a new era on this historical subway line (see the above photo). It has a retro-flavored designed similar to that of the original Type 1000 electric car, which is currently on display in the Subway Museum (see my blog on September 10th, 2011).

Although the exterior of the new 1000 series reminds us of a retro style, the performance and the facilities of this train are leading-edge. For example, all of the illumination lamps are LEDs, and it has achieved a reduction in its consumption of electricity.

Amazingly, Tokyo Metro had released the operation schedule of the new train on their company website. For sightseeing companies this may be possible, but it is unusual and pleasantly surprising that a commuter railway company would release such kind of information to the public. The company expects to increase its income through the opportunity of operating the new train. Times have changed.

Needless to say, by looking at the website, plenty of rail-fans are flocking to the stations on the Ginza Line to ride the new train. Of course, I am one of those who love trains.

Town scenery near Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

(EMU Shinkansen 700 series is pictured center)

New promotion video of Tokyo Metro including the EMU 1000 series operation:

http://www.tokyometro.jp/corporate/ad/campaign_01/index.html

Special video of the new EMU 1000 series:

http://www.tokyometro.jp/series1000/movie/index.html

EMU E257 Series, Kaiji on the JR East Chuo Line

EMU JR East E257 series, Limited Express Kaiji runs by full blooming peach trees

As I introduced in my blog on October 1st, 2011, the EMU E351 series, Azusa, represents a train on the JR East Chuo Line. It is certainly a super-star with a tilting system for passing through tight curves in mountain ranges at high speed, but another star, the EMU E257 series, Kaiji, is also popular among travelers on the Chuo Line.

The E257 series has been manufactured since 2001 to replace decrepit express trains such as the EMU 165, 183 and 189 series. While the technical performance of the E257 series is below that of the E351 series, the E257 series has many attractive points for passengers. For example, its large windows, to enjoy gorgeous sceneries, result in satisfied railway travelers. Speaking as a passenger, between the two trains, I prefer the E257 series.

In the meantime, Yamanashi Prefecture on the Chuo Line is in the middle of spring. In addition to Sakura (cherry), now is the best time to view Momo (peach) blossoms (see the following photo). We can see delicate flowers of pink and pearl here and there. Of course, in the autumn, we will be able to enjoy the sweet and rich fruit.

In April, the E257 series, Limited Express Kaiji, runs by beautiful Momo blossoms (see the top photo). Passengers can enjoy looking at splendid clear streams and beautiful mountain ranges as well. Mt. Fuji also rises from the mountain ranges on a clear day. There must be something to excite the emotions of railway travelers.

Peach field near Kasugai Station on the JR East Chuo Line