November 27, 2015, 7:03 am
EMU Joshin 6000 series travels between Sano-no-watashi and Negoya stations
Along with subways, some of the railways are annoying for rail photo lovers in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Joshin Line of Joshin Electric Railway is a typical example. Joshin is a small private railway company in Gumma Prefecture, some 100 km north of Tokyo. Connecting Takasaki on the Joetsu Shinkansen and Shimonita, a mountainfoot town of Mt. Myogi, the route penetrates some beautiful countryside in the northern part of Kanto Plain.
What are the problems of the Joshin Line for rail photo lovers?
Firstly, there are very few separate platforms in the stations on the line. A separate platform is an idealized condition, because we can shoot the whole train from the opposite platform. As far as I know, only Joshu-Tomioka Station has a separate platform, but that place is in the shade all day long.
Secondly, almost all overhead wire polls stand on the southern side of the single track on the line. It means that the photo images of trains on the sunny side are interrupted by overhead wire poles and their shadows.
After exploring the whole route, I have eventually found the best photogenic spot on the line. It is a gentle curve located between Sano-no-watashi and Negoya stations. Although it takes about 20 minutes from Negoya Station by walking, the place is worth a visit. In the morning, we can obtain beautiful photo images of the whole trains in a direct light condition.
There is no stopping me taking railway photos. ![]()
EMU Joshin 200 series passes through the other photogenic spot in the afternoon
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November 30, 2015, 7:00 am
Hankyu Umeda Terminal
Hankyu is a major private railway company in the Kansai area including Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe cities. It has a total of a 140 km-long extensive line network centering on Umeda Terminal near JR Osaka Station. A total of 1.4 million passengers use it every day. The gauge size is 1,435 mm. All the route is electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC overhead.
If you want to see what Hankyu is, please visit their Umeda Terminal. Once you stand in the entrance of the platforms, you will see 43 automated ticket gates arranged side by side. After passing through the gate, you will then see ten bay platforms and nine tracks. Wax makes the platform floors shine. Except for JR group stations such as Tokyo and Osaka, Umeda is the largest private railway terminal in Japan. You can see the "Hankyu maroon" colored trains arrive and depart the terminal continuously.
Umeda Terminal was opened in 1910 by ex-Minoo-Arima Electric Light Railway. The present terminal was completed in 1973 as an elevated station. It is located on the 3rd floor of the Hankyu Terminal Building, where offices, shopping malls and restaurants are also located. The best place to look over the large terminal might be a coffee shop in the terminal. It is famous among rail fans, but all seats were taken when I visited there in summer this year. I think I am going to save it for later.
Umeda Terminal... it is a symbol of the Hankyu Kingdom. Platform 9 of Umeda Terminal
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December 3, 2015, 1:00 pm
EMU JR East E491 series, "East i-E" stands at Hachioji Station on the Yokohama Line
I am going to show you a very rare train today... JR East's inspection EMU, E491 series called "East i-E".
Along with the EMU E926 series, "East i", for the Shinkansen tracks (1,435 mm gauge size), the EMU E491 series, "East i-E", is an AC/DC inspection EMU for narrow gauge tracks (1,067 mm gauge size). The E491 series was launched in 2002 to replace old inspection trains, the 443 and the MaYa 34 series. Only one set, 3 units was built by Kinki Sharyo and Hitachi.
The mission of the E491 series is to inspect signals, overhead wires and tracks both for alternate and direct current sections. Car number KuMoYa E491-1 has a signal inspection system and a pantograph for measurement. Car number MoYa E490-1 has an overhead wire inspection system and a pantograph for power collection. KuMoYa E490-1 has a track inspection system and another pantograph for measurement.
JR East does not release the timetable of the E491 series, so, it is difficult to see and take pictures of this inspection train. Fortunately, I recently came across "East i-E" at Hachioji Station on the Yokohama Line. Needless to say, many rail-fans found this rare train, and clicked their camera shutters on the platform.
For your information, JR East also has an inspection train called "East i-D" for un-electrified tracks. It is also a very rare train. I am going to upload the photograph, if I come across it by good fortune. ![]()
KuYa E490-1
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December 6, 2015, 7:00 am
Takao-sabguchi new station building on the Keio-Takao Line,
Mt. Takao is a popular sightseeing spot in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In the Michelin Voyager Pratique issued in 2007, it was granted the highest rank of three stars. Since then, not only Japanese, but also foreign hikers have been flocking to this suburban mountain.
Takao-sanguchi on the Keio-Takao Line is the gateway station to Mt. Takao. It takes less than one hour from Shinjuku, a sub-center of Tokyo Metropolis. Recently, Keio Electric Railway has completed the renovation work of the station building as a part of passenger services. The new station building was designed by famous architect, Kuma Kengo. He excels at designing using natural materials. For instance, Hoshakuji Station on the JR East Utsunomiya Line is his reputable work. You can see a large roof made of timbers at Takao-sanguchi Station. It covers a large part of the station yard, and is beautifully illuminated after sunset.
A hot spring has also been opened recently in the station. Keio Electric Railway drilled a well in the station yard, and found the hot water bed in the subsurface. The hot spring is located next to the entrance of the station, so, you can visit there just before going back home. After enjoying hiking, you need to take a bath to relieve fatigue, don't you? The name of the hot spring is "Gokuraku-yu (Paradise Hot Spring)". As its name suggests, the hot spring will provide you with a relaxation like paradise.
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Platform of Takao-sanguchi Station on the Keio-Takao Line
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December 9, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU Seibu 10000 series, New Red Arrow (NRA), stands at Yokoze Station
Seibu Railway operates limited express trains using special EMUs, the 10000 series. It is Seibu's flagship model, and goes by the name of New Red Arrow (NRA). The NRA is a 7-car train, which was launched in 1993 to replace the old Red Arrow, EMU 5000 series. A total of 12 sets, 84 units, have been built by Hitachi, Ltd. The NRA is operated on the Ikebukuro and the Shinjuku lines every half an hour to one hour. I often use it to visit the Chichibu area, where we can enjoy beautiful countryside.
22 years have already passed since the NRA was launched. The NRA is a bit out-dated. For instance, the sound of DC motors is rather noisy as a limited express train. I look forward to hearing the company anouncement of a post-NRA debut.
On May 16th this year, Seibu Railway gave a press release announcing that a new sightseeing train will be launched in spring of next year. It won't be a new limited express train to replace NRA, but a "restaurant train" renovated from the exsisting 4000 series. According to the company, the new sightseeing train will be a 4-car train consisting of two dining cars, one kitchen car and one passenger car with a multipurpose space. Seibu is concentrating on the development of this sightseeing train at this moment. The new NRA will be launched in the next stage after the sightseeing train.
So, be patient!
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EMU Seibu 10000 (left) and 4000 (right) series stand at Seibu-Chichibu Station
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December 12, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU Keikyu 1000 series (stainless-steel made) stands at Shinmachi Rail Yard
Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan. This megacity is located about 20 km southwest of Tokyo, and has been developed as Tokyo's outport since the 19th century. Currently, it has an estimated population of 3.7 million. The downtown area is a concrete jungle. You can see skyscrapers such as the MM21 area, but you can still find nature even in the densely populated suburban areas.
I visited Yokohama last month, as something came up. After finishing my meeting, I stopped at a railway crossing nearby Shinmachi Rail Yard on the Keikyu Line to take train pictures. On the way back to Yokohama Station, I enjoyed walking along a small river. It was a typical densely built-up residential area. When I passed through a gentle curve of the stream, I found a big bird on a persimmon tree. It was not a crow. What was it?
It was a 50 cm-long night heron perching on a branch. The white spots on the wings showed that he (or she) was still young. I was surprised that such a big bird lives in the urban residential area. Neecless to say, I was absorbed in clicking my camera shutters to shoot this rare big bird. I hope that the environment for night herons is protected in the future.
In the meantime, I could shoot the stainless-steel made EMU, the 1000 series, stored in the Shinmachi Rail Yard. My favorite rare train was not there, but I found a rare bird on that day. A night heron perches on a persimmon tree near Kanagawa Station on the Keikyu Line
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December 15, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU Tobu 10030 series comes to across Sumida River backed by Tokyo Sky Tree
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a famous artist in the Edo Period (1603-1868). He was born in Edo (present Tokyo) and brought up there. He published more than 30,000 works in his life. Sumida River, which flows through his hometown from north to south, was one of the subjects of his works. He portrayed many bridges across Sumida River. They were arched and beautiful. Although all bridges have already been reconstructed, their names still carry on.
I sometimes enjoy a stroll on the bank of Sumida River. Whenever I visit there, I understand why Hokusai got absorbed in drawing this river. It flows through the crowded downtown area, but the river is broad and spacey in contrast. The bridges across the river are vivid and beautiful. Sumida River offers us some space and a relaxing time.
The contemporary scenery along Sumida River is also attractive. I could see a beautifully shining Tobu train coming across the bridge. It was a 6-car train, set number 11651 of the EMU 10030 series. The feature of the 10030 series is its stainless-steel body without corrugations on the side bodies.
For your information, I could also see the Tokyo Sky Tree (634 m) behind the railway track. The Tokyo Sky Tree was opened in 2012 as Tokyo's new TV broadcasting tower. It is a landmark in the downtown Tokyo area, and very popular among sightseers. To be honest, I have never been there, since it is always crowded. Am I contrary? ![]()
Kuramae Bridge across Sumida River near Asakusa Station on the Tobu Line
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December 18, 2015, 7:00 am
From left to right, EMU 350, 1800, 200 and 100 series, Tobu express trains
Following the Toyoda Train Festival held by JR East, I am going to show you the other event recently held for rail fans.
On December 6th, Tobu Railway held an annual event, the "2015 Tobu Fan Festa", in Minami-Kurihashi Rail Yard on the Nikko Line. I saw that several thousands of rail fans and families visited this event. Joining a photo session, I could get beautiful shots of Tobu train formations. One of them was a whole formation of the Tobu express trains, namely the EMU 350, 1800, 200 and 100 series. The other one was a commuter train formation including the EMU 8198F, 8111F and the latest model 60000 series.
Specifically, the revival colored train, 8198F of the EMU 8000 series, was dazzling. It was painted dark blue with a yellow stripe. This coloring was the revival of the "Flying Tojo" train, which was operated from 1949 to 1962 on the Tojo Line. As its name suggests, Flying Tojo was said to be named after the famous British express train, the Flying Scotsman.
In the meantime, do you know how to transport the Tojo Line train onto the Isesaki Line; nevertheless these two lines are separated? The gimmick is as follows. The two lines are connected via Chichibu Railway at Hanyu and Yorii stations. To pass through the Chichibu Railway, some Tobu trains have a special safety device for Chichibu Railways, namely the ATS-Chichibu-type. This special deadheaded operation is also very popular among rail photo lovers. ![]()
From left to right, EMU 8198F, 8111F and 60000 series, Tobu commuter trains
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December 21, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU Abukuma Express 8100 series arrives at Fukushima Station
Abukuma Express (Abukyu) is a local railway company in the Tohoku District. The route extends to the northern part of Fukushima and the southern part of Miyagi prefecture. Connecting Fukushima and Tsukinoki, its operating length is 54.9 km. The track is electrified and single. The gauge size is 1,067 mm. The electric system is 20,000 V – 50Hz AC overhead.
Abukyu Line was originally opened under the name of the Marumori Line between Tsukinoki and Marumori station by Japanese National Railways in 1968. The route was then transferred to the newly established Abukuma Express Company in 1986. This company had constructed the remaining route between Marumori and Fukushima. The route was fully opened in 1988. The trains are operated every half an hour to one hour. In the morning, some trains are directly operated into the JR East Tohoku Main Line to Sendai, which is the largest city in the Tohoku District.
Abukyu's main fleet is the EMU 8100 series, which is a 2-car train consisting of one motor car and one trailer. A total of 9 sets, 18 units, were built by Nippon Sharyo in 1988. This model is similar to the JR Kyushu's EMU 713 series, but I prefer the 8100 series, as the front design of the 8100 series is more stylish.
Abukyu shares the station with Fukushima Kotsu at Fukushima Terminal, so you can see both Abukyu and Fukushima Kotsu trains at the same platform. It is a great pleasure for rail fans. ![]()
EMU Fukushima Kotsu 7000 series (left) and Abukuma Express 8100 series (right)
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December 24, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU SAT 721 series stands at Sendai Station
Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku District, some 350 km north of Tokyo. It has a population of 1.05 million. JR East's Tohoku Shinkansen is the most convenient transportation from Tokyo to this large city, but an airplane must be more convenient from other areas such as Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo.
Sendai Airport is located 17 km south of the city center. If you arrive at Sendai Airport, you can access the downtown area by train, called Sendai Airport Access Railway. This railway consists of two sections. One of them is Sendai Airport Line of Sendai Airport Transit (SAT). The other is a part of JR East's Tohoku Main Line. The tracks are both electrified (20,000 V AC – 50Hz). The gauge size is 1,067mm, and the Sendai Airport Line is single, but the Tohoku Main Line is double. Both SAT and JR East operate their own trains alternately every half an hour on average.
SAT operates the EMU 721 series on this route. It is a sister train of the JR East 721 series. The SAT 721 series was launched in 2007, when the Sendai Airport Line was opened. Its sky blue colored body with a yellow stripe is vivid and is my favorite.
In the meantime, Sendai is known as the Green City. It is densely populated, but many green forests are preserved here and there. Zelkova tree-lined streets such as Jozenji and Aoba are also reputable and famous among Japanese people.
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Scenic view of Sendai City near Sendai Station
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December 27, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU Sanyo Electric Railway 5000 series arrives at Sanyo-Shioya Station
One of the features in urban railways in Japan is that many companies are in competition to attract passengers. It might be hard to imagine for foreigners, but it is caused by the high-density railway network in the urban areas. It allows the passengers to choose the best route to get to their destinations.
For instance, let's suppose that you live in Himeji City, and need to visit Osaka, which is the business center of the western part of Japan. You can choose from three routes... the Shinkansen, the Sanyo Main Line or Sanyo Electric Railway.
JR West's Sanyo Shinkansen is the fastest transportation from Himeji to Shin-Osaka. It covers 92 km in only 29 minutes. The problem is its high cost. Another problem is that you have to transfer to the Tokaido Main Line at Shin-Osaka to get to Osaka Station.
The second route is JR West's Sanyo Main Line. It takes about one hour from Himeji to Osaka Station without having to transfer. The other good news is that you can use the rapid-service train without an extra charge.
The third route is taking Sanyo Electric Railway. It is a second-tier local private railway company. The Sanyo trains are directly operated into Kobe Rapid Transit and Hanshin Electric Railway, and get to Osaka-Umeda Terminal. It takes more than one hour and a half, a bit slow; however, the Sanyo train is the cheapest transportation from Himeji to Osaka.
To be continued... ![]()
EMU Hanshin 8000 series arrives at Sanyo-Shioya Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway
More information about Sanyo Electric Railway:
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December 30, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU Sanyo Electric Railway 3000 series (steel body cars) arrives at Sanyo-Shioya Station
Following my previous post, I am going to continue to introduce Sanyo Electric Railway today.
Sanyo Electric Railway Line was partially opened between Hyogo and Suma in 1910. The route was then fully opened in 1941. The company started the mutual direct operation with Kobe Rapid Transit Line via Nishidai Station in 1968.
The route is composed of the Main Line (54.7 km-long double track between Nishidai and Sanyo-Himeji) and the Aboshi Line (8.5 km-long single track between Shikama and Sanyo-Aboshi). The whole route is electrified with a 1,500 V DC overhead electric system. The gauge size is 1,435 mm. Trains are operated every 7 to 8 minutes on average.
My favorite train is the oldest one, EMU 3000 series launched in 1964. A total of 133 units had been built for 21 years by Kawasaki Sharyo. The subject of rail fans' scrutiny is its variation. There are many kinds of the 3000 series such as steel body cars, aluminum body cars, 3-car trains, 4-car trains and so on.
The steel body train is my most favorite. Its specification is rather old, but the body is beautifully painted ecru with orange and dark brown colored stripes. The rounded double frontal lights and panoramic windows are very nostalgic. The aluminum body train is also attractive, as it has a modern and urban feel.
The EMU Sanyo Electric Railway 3000 series... it is an evergreen senior runner on the Seto Inland Sea Coast. ![]()
EMU Sanyo Electric Railway 3000 series (aluminum body cars) arrives at Sanyo-Shioya Station
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December 31, 2015, 7:00 am
EMU JR East E259 series, Narita Express (NEX), passes through Oosaki Station
Happy New Year! The year 2016 has begun. At the opening of New Year, I am going to show you the gateway city to Japan.Recently, the media reported that the number of inbound tourists reached 19 million this year. It was the highest ever, and showed a remarkable increase of 40 % on a year-to-year basis.
There are two international airports in the Tokyo metropolitan area, namely Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) and New Tokyo International Airport (Narita). If you arrive at the Narita airport, you can choose from two routes to get to the downtown Tokyo area. One of them is the JR East Line and another one is the Keisei Line. JR East operates Narita Express (NEX); meanwhile Keisei has its flagship model, Skyliner. It is hard to choose between the two, as both trains are fast and comfortable. In my opinion, NEX is more convenient to access many sub-centers of Tokyo; meanwhile, Skyliner is cheaper and faster.
Wait a moment! Before making a binary choice, why don't you stay in Narita City? You can then enjoy the suburban area. For instance, there is a notable Buddhist temple, Shinsho-ji in Narita City. In this season, many people visit this temple for Hatsumode. Hatsumode is an event to pray for safety and peace for the year by visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple for the first time since the start of a new year.
For your information, you can taste local food such as grilled eel, yokan (sweet bean jelly), senbei (rice cracker) and peanuts in Narita City, after visiting Shisho-ji temple. Don't miss it!
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Three-story pagoda in Shinsho-ji temple near Narita Station
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Ex-Takashimayama railway tunnel is preserved as a part of Toyoko Flower Greenway
Twelve years have passed since the Tokyu-Toyoko Line was taken underground at Yokohama Station and in neighboring areas. In February, 2004, the underground track was completed between Yokohama and Higashi-Hakuraku station (1.4 km). At the same time, Toyoko trains started direct operation into the newly inaugurated Yokohama Minatomirai Railway.
What did the abandoned surface track turn into later? I visited Higashi-Hakuraku to see what happened.
The outcome is the old railway track of the Toyoko Line has been regenerated to a pavement, named Toyoko Flower Ryokudo (Toyoko Flower Greenway). Local people use it as a walking course as well as a community road. One of the places of interest on the greenway is ex-Takashimayama Tunnel. This 172 m-long ex-railway tunnel is preserved as a part of the greenway. For safety reasons, it is closed from 9 pm to 6 am in the evening.
By the way, where is the present track of the Toyoko Line? It is just below Toyoko Flower Greenway. It means that Takashimayama Tunnel is two-storied now. The new railway tunnel is located under the greenway tunnel. The entrance of the new tunnel is located about 1 km north of the old tunnel. You can see the trains entering and coming out of the new tunnel continuously. They are the EMU Tokyu 500 and 5050 series, Yokohama Minatomirai, Tokyo Metro, Tobu and Seibu cars... a great variety of trains.
Toyoko Flower Greenway and the underground Toyoko Line... they are must see spots for rail fans.
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EMU Tokyu 5050 series comes out of new tunnel near Higashi-Hakuraku Station
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Electric car Hakone Tozan Railway 3000 series (Allegra) stands at Miyanosihta Station
On November 1st, 2014, Hakone Tozan Railway launched a new electric car, the 3000 series. It was a new model for the first time in 18 years.
The 3000 series is an electric car, which is coupled and operated with the 2-car train, the 2000 series. Its nickname is Allegra (Hello) in Rumantsch. Why does a Japanese railway company use Rumantsch to name the train? It is because Hakone Tozan Railway ties up with Ratische Railway in Switzerland. As you may know, Rutmantsch is a local language in the southern part of Switzerland. The greatest characteristic of Allegra is its large windows, which provide the passengers with the beautiful scenery of Hakone Mountain.
On the contrary, what is the oldest model on the Hakone Tozan Railway? The answer is the MoHa 1 series. This model was originally launched in 1919. 86 years have already passed. Although it was remodelled in 1950, the MoHa 1 series still retains its classic design such as a large rounded light on the top of the face. A total of 6 units were remodelled by Kisha Kaisha, and 4 units (103, 104, 106 and 107) are still operated.
Which do I like better, the new model (the 3000 series, Allegra) or the old model (MoHa 1 series)? It is a difficult question for me. I like both. New and old models on the Hakone Tozan Line... they are essential pleasures for sightseers who visit Hakone Mountain.
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Electric car Hakone Tozan Railway MoHa 1 series arrives at Miyanosihta Station
Official information about the electric car 3000 series, "Allegra" (in Japanese):Official information about the electric car MoHa 1 series (in Japanese)
http://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/train/
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Sherpa-kun (a diesel locomotive and two coarches) stands at Touge-no-yu Terminal
Isn't it a mild winter this year? The balmy weather prevails across the Tokyo metropolitan area. Because of the record warm, wintersweet has already been fully bloomed here and there. Wintersweet is a flowering plant, which has yellow colored blossoms with a sweet perfume.
Roubai-no-sato (Wintersweet Village), which has 12,000 wintersweet trees, is a good example. It is located in An-naka City, Gumma Prefecture, about 120 km north of Tokyo. Wintersweet has come into bloom in January in the past, but the full-blown wintersweet was seen when I visited there in December last year... one month earlier than usual.
Along with Roubai-no-sato, Usui-touge Tetsudo Bunka-mura (Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park) is the other place of interest in An-naka City. A torokko train (light railway), named Sherpa-kun, is operated between Bunka-mura (Heritage Park) and Touge-no-yu (Mountain Pass Hot Spring) station on the weekends of the high seasons. There are three stations over a total operating length of 2.6 km. Ex-Shinetsu Main Line is used for this sightseeing light railway. The track is single and un-electrified. The gauge size is 1,067 mm.
Sherpa-kun consists of a diesel locomotive (DL) and two coaches. The DL was built by Tsukasa Kikou in 2012. It is an 11 m-long locomotive powered by a 345-horsepower engine. The axis arrangement is Bo-Bo (UIC notation).
Please do not forget to stop at the hot spring in front of Touge-no-yu Terminal. It is heaven, specifically for people who are leading a life of hustle and bustle in the city. ![]()
Wintersweet blossoms are seen in Roubai-no-sato (Wintersweet Village)
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January 12, 2016, 7:00 am
EMU Keihan 800 series travels on the Keishin Line
Thank you for visiting Tokyo Railway Labyrinth. This is the 800th post in my blog. I hope that people all over the world will continue to enjoy my blog. In commemoration of the "800th" post, I am going to show you a train with the number "800" in the name. Is it a bit of a stretch?
The EMU Keihan 800 series is a small-sized train on the Keishin Line. It was launched in 1997, when the voltage of the Keishin Line was raised from 600 to 1,500 V DC. At the same time, the Keishin Line trains started to operate into the Kyoto municipal subway. A total of 8 sets, 32 units have been built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The Keishin Line track is double and the gauge size is 1,435mm.
It is said that the 800 series is Japan's most expensive train per unit length, because this train has a lot of functions. For instance, it is operated like a streetcar on the combined track near Hamaootsu Station. The 800 series then operated like a mountain railway on the section between Ootani and Kamisakaemachi station, as it has a steep incline of 61 per mil. Eventually, this train is operated as a subway train in the downtown Kyoto area. It is very unique, and attractive for rail fans. Its light blue-coloured body with a yellow stripe is cute and beautiful. The EMU Keihan 800 series is a must-ride train in Kyoto City.The other "800" series trains are here, here and here. ![]()
EMU Keihan 800 series leaves Keihan-Yamashina Station on the Keishin Line
Official information about the EMU Keihan 800 series (in Japanese):
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January 15, 2016, 7:00 am
EMU Tama Monorail 1000 series arrives at Takahatafudo Station
"Tama Newtown" is located in a south-western suburb of downtown Tokyo. The population is nearly 200,000. It was developed by the central and metropolitan governments in the 1960s to solve the explosion of the urban population. Tama Center is the central area of this new town.
"Tama Center Illuminations" is an annual event held in front of Tama Center Station from November to January. This year, 400,000 LED lights are used as the illuminants. Specifically, the blue lights in the illuminated tunnel are beautiful and dreamy. A glowing stature of Hello-Kitty is also beautiful as a symbol of Tama Center. As you may know, she is a mascot of Sanrio Puroland (an indoor theme park), which is located near Tama Center Station.
Three railways pull into Tama Center Station. They are the Keio, Odakyu and Tama Monorail. The Tama Monorail was opened in 1998 as the newest line in the new town area. It adopts a straddle-beam system. Connecting Tama Center and Kamikitadai, its operating length is 16.0 km. The track is double and the electric system is 1,500 V DC. Four-car trains, named the EMU 1000 series, are operated every 6 to 10 minutes.
Passengers can enjoy both urban and country views from the train windows. The only problem with the Tama Monorail is its train speed. The maximum operating speed is only 65 km per hour. To make matters worse, there are many curved sections on the line. The company should learn from Tokyo Monorail and Shonan Monorail, which conduct high speed operations. ![]()
"Tama Center Illuminations" is held in front of Tama Center Station on the Tama Monorail Line
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January 18, 2016, 7:00 am
EMU Keio 8013F of the 8000 series passes through Hachiman-yama Station
As I reported before, Keio Electric Railway has renovated its Takao-sanguchi Terminal to promote tourism to Mt. Takao, which was granted the highest rank of three stars in the Michelin Voyager Pratique issued in 2007. Following the station renovation, Keio launched a special poster train, 8013F of the EMU 8000 series, on September 30th, 2015. It is also a promotion for sightseeing to Mt. Takao.
Why is this poster train painted a green colour? It is because the green colour symbolizes the forest of Mt. Takao. The other reason is the revival of Keio's old train. According to the company's official announcement, the body colour of the 8013F has been taken from the EMU 2000 series. It was launched in 1957, and retired from the Keio Line in 1983. The 2000 series had a steel body with a green colour. Even now, you can still see it in Keio Rail-Land near Tama Zoological Park Station, since one unit of the 2000 series is preserved as an exhibition.
By the way, I found a pentagonal plate on the front of 8013F. What is it? It is a signboard used for an advertisement of the hot spring in the Takao-sanguchi station yard. Keio recently drilled a well in the station yard, and found a hot water bed in the subsurface. The hot spring will provide hikers, who enjoy strolling in the forest of Mt. Takao all day long, with the ultimate relaxation. ![]()
Unit number 2015 of the EMU Keio 2000 series (Type 2010) is preserved in Keio Rail-Land
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January 21, 2016, 7:00 am
Steam locomotive C12 67 is preserved in front of Chino Station on the Chuo Main Line
After one month and a half of mild winter, a cold wave has come to the Tokyo metropolitan area. The maximum daytime temperature was less than 10 degrees Celsius yesterday. I can hardly wait for spring. Before the exciting season, I am going to show you last year's spring scene on the Chuo Main Line.
Chino is an inland city in Nagano Prefecture, some 200 km west of Tokyo. It is surrounded by high mountains. At the end of April, this small city says goodbye to winter and says hello to spring. I visited this beautiful city with my family last year taking the JR East Chuo Main Line. Our purpose of this visit was to see the Katakuri flowers. Katakuri (Japanese Dogtooth Violet) produces lovely pale purple blossoms in early spring. The natural masses of Katakuri blossoms were found here and there in the forest. They were carefully protected by local people.
On the way to the Katakuri field from Chino Station, I came across a preserved steam locomotive (SL), C12 67, in front of the Chino Station. The SL Class C12 was launched in 1932 for the local lines throughout Japan. It is a 2-6-2 type (Whyte notation) small tank locomotive. A total of 282 units had been built for eight years. Unit number 67, namely C12 67, was built in 1933 by Hitachi. After her retirement from the track, she was moved to Chino City in 1973 to be preserved.
Travel sometimes has unexpected lucky accidents ![]()
Katakuri blossoms are seen near Chino Station on the Chuo Main Line
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