The Trains of Japan - A Photo Essay

by Bob Tomasko

JR West 100 series Shinkansen at Hakata Station.  Mar. 2003.

Japan is a railfan’s heaven – especially if you like electrically propelled passenger trains. You name it, and (except for mile-long freights) they have it. The photos that follow were taken by JRM member Bob Tomasko on six trips to Japan in 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2007. They illustrate the broad range of equipment you are likely to see on a visit:

  • Shinkansens (bullet trains) in a variety of styles
  • Limited express intercity trainsets (EMU and DMU)
  • Container freights and a (static display of a) steam locomotive
  • Airport-to-city express shuttles
  • Urban local commuter rakes
  • Trams, LRVs and mountain railways
  • Cable cars and monorails

Several types of Japanese trains were built with railfan riders and photographers in mind. They allow good over-the-shoulder-of-the-driver views of the track and scenery ahead. One type, the “Romance Cars” of the Odayku Railway in Tokyo, even goes one better. They’ve moved the driver to an elevated cab above the front car, allowing passengers in the first row of seats a completely unobstructed view out panoramic front windows. A number of the photos that follow are taken from these and other trains’ front car windows.

These photos are grouped roughly geographically, starting in Tokyo and then heading south and west through Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Takamatsu to Hakata and Kumamoto. Side trips through the Japanese Alps from Nagoya to Toyama, Kofu and Nagano also included, along with a jump north to Yamagata. Scenery varies from dense urban to mountain and seaside, and trains on three of Japan’s four main islands (Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku) are featured.

To orient yourself, go to:

http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en010.html

…and download a pdf map showing the major Japanese rail lines and the cities they connect.

And finally, if seeing these photos motivates you to do some personal railfanning in Japan, check out our travel tips here for training-riding in Japan.


Photo Galleries:

A-001
All Around Tokyo and Nearby Cities
Tokyo to Shinagawa Stations
Tokyo trams: Arakawa and Setagaya lines
     
Enoshima Railway
Shonan Monorail
Odayku Railway and Odawara Station
     

Hakone Tozan

Old Tokaido Line: Ofuna to Shizuoka

Chuo and Shinonoi Lines (Nagoya to Nagano; Shinjuku to Kofu)

     

Toyama/Takayama Line

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Suburbs and Nara (JR-West, Hankyu, Eiden and Keifku Railways)

     

Kyoto to Osaka/Kii-Katsuura - Nankai Railway

Takamatsu

Himeji, Hakata, and Kumamoto

     
 
 

Yamagata


Captions

All Around Tokyo and Nearby Cities
Series 231 Yamanote line train headed toward Shinjuku just before arriving at Mejiro Station. May 2007.
Shonan express preparing to depart from Ikebukuro Station. May 2007.
Super-View Odoriko Series preparing to depart Yokohama Station. May 2007.
View from front window of Super-View Odoriko. May 2007.
View of lower level Green car lounge of Super-View Odoriko. May 2007.
View from the front window in a in heavy morning downpour. May 2007.
Track maintenance equipment on siding at Ikebukuro. May 2007.
Entrance to Mejiro Station. Located between Shinjuku and Ikebukuro stations, this is one of the few Yamanote line stations where no connections to other rail lines can be made. May 2007.
View looking north toward Ikebukuro Station of southbound Saikyo Rapid train. Overpass in the distance is Seibu Ikebukuro line crossing the Yamanote and Saikyo tracks. Photo taken from the Hotel Mets Mejiro. May 2007.
Seibu Ikebukuro train crossing the Yamanote and Saikyo tracks. Photo taken from the Hotel Mets Mejiro. May 2007.

Seibu Ikebukuro train bound for Ikebukuro Station at grade crossing near Mejiro Garden. May 2007.

Series 183 train on JR East Sobu local line crossing Chuo Dori in Akihabara Electronic City. Mar. 2003.
Two JR East E4s coupled at Ueno station’s lower level. They made up a 16-car Hayate service from Morioka on the Tohoku Shinkansen. These trains are the world’s highest capacity (1634 passengers) high speed trains. Dec. 2006.
Ueno Station with train platforms stacked one on top of another. Upper level platform is track 12 (Joban rapid service) and lower level is track 15 (serving Tohoku, Takasaki and Joetsu lines). Mar. 2003.
JR east Joban line E653 series Fresh Hitachi and local trains at Ueno station. Dec. 2006.
View of bi-level tracks at Ueno station. Dec. 2006.
JR East refurbished Series 200 Shinkansen departing Omiya Station. Jan. 2001.
JR East Series 205 Yokohama line train at Shin-Yokohama station, passing under the JR Central Shinkansen station. Jan. 2001.
Track crossing gates at JR East Kita-Kamakura station of the Yokosuka line. The steps past the gates lead up to the Engaky-ji Zen Buddhist temple. Temple compounds are frequently entered by crossing a bridge over a pond or stream (in foreground of photo), symbolizing the crossing from an earthly world to that of Buddha. This is one of the few temples where railway tracks also serve as a symbolic boundary to be crossed by temple visitors. Mar. 2003.

JR-East Uchibo line train stopping at Hamakanaya Station. Aug. 2007.

Ropeway from Hamakanaya to Nokogin-yama. Aug. 2007.

Tokyo to Shinagawa Stations
Sunrise Express 14-car all sleeper Series 285 emu ready for its 10 PM daily departure from Tokyo Station. May 2007.
JR West 500 series Shinkansen departing Tokyo Station. Jan. 2001.
Two JR East Shinkansen (E4 and E3) coupled at Tokyo Station. Mar. 2003.
Calligraphy on side of an Akita Shinkansen E-3 train at Tokyo Station. Mar. 2003.
View from front of a Yamanote line series 231 stopped at Yurakucho Station. May 2007.
View from front of a Yamanote line series 231 stopped at Yurakucho Station. May 2007.
JR East Yamanote line train (Series 205) passing Tokyo International Forum as seen from upper deck of Series 100 Shinkansen approaching Tokyo Station. [Note: since this photo was taken all 205 series equipment on the Yamanote line has been replaced by Series 231 trains. Also, Series 100 equipment no longer serves Tokyo station on the Tokaido Shinkansen.] Jan. 2001.
JR East Yamanote line train (Series 205) near Tokyo International Forum. Jan. 2001.
JR East Yamanote line train (Series 205) at Shimbashi Station, from the Tokyo Station end of the platform looking south. Jan. 2001.
Steam locomotive on display outside Shimbashi Station. Jan. 2001.
Tail end of 100 series Shinkansen approaching Tokyo Station seen from front car of a Yurikamome car. Jan. 2001.
JR East Keihin-Tohoku line (Series 209) departing Tamachi Station in central Tokyo. Jan. 2001.
A rare sight - an almost empty concourse at Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station (6:05 AM). July 2001.
Poster showing the new Shinkansen station then under construction at Shinagawa. July 2001.
Outbound from Tokyo 300 series Shinkansen passing under Keihin Kyuko Railway tracks at Shinagawa. [Photo taken from Shinagawa Prince Hotel] July 2001.
Narita Express 253 series train headed toward Yokohama or Shinjuku. [Photo taken from Shinagawa Prince Hotel] July 2001.
Shinagawa Station platform level. May 2007.
Sunrise Express (two 7-car all-sleeper coupled Series 285 trainsets) on a service track at Tamachi yard just north of Shinagawa Station. May 2007.
Sunrise Express driving cab on a service track at Tamachi yard. May 2007.
View of the near-continuous train action at Shinagawa. Keikyu trains are above two JR-East emus. May 2007.

Tokyo Trams: Arakawa and Setagaya Lines
Night view of Toei Arakawa streetcar line looking toward Waseda from Mejiro-dori overpass. May 2007.
Arakawa 7030 at Waseda terminal. Aug. 2007.

Arakawa 9001 approaching Waseda terminal. Aug. 2007.

Arakawa cars bunched up. Aug. 2007.
View from front of Arakawa car. Aug 2007.
Illustration of Arakawa 6000 over entrance to cover shopping street at the line’s Minowabashi terminal. Aug. 2007.
Passengers lined up at Arakawa Minowabashi terminal awaiting inbound car disembarking passengers. Aug. 2007.
Arakawa 7513 at Minowabashi terminal disembarking platform. Aug. 2007.
Old Arakawa streetcars in a fenced-in exhibit area in front of depot near Arakawa-shakomae Station. Aug. 2007.
Arakawa 7004 at depot. Aug. 2007.
Arakawa 8505 Minowabashi-bound car departing Oji-ekimae Station. The Arakawa line connects with the JR-East Keihin-Tohoku line here. Its platform is in the upper right of the photo. Above the Arakawa tram is the viaduct structure holding the JR-East Shinkansen lines. Aug. 2007.
Several Tokyu Railway Setagaya line 300 series cars at the line’s maintenance depot. Mar. 2003.

Tokyu Railway Setagaya line 300 series car at Sangenjaya terminal. Mar. 2003.


Enoshima Railway
Enoshima Railway 1552 + 1001 at Kamakura terminal. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway view from 2000 series front car between Kamakura and Hase. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway view from 2000 series front car between Kamakura and Hase. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) series 1200 car approaching Hase Station on its way to Kamakura. Mar. 2003.
Enoshima Railway Kamakura-bound 1501 at Hase. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway 1001 at Hase station passing a waiting train. Dec. 2006.
Close-up view of painting on side of Enoshima Railway 1001. Dec. 2006.
View of Enoshima Railway “Kamakura” painted car (1001) taken through open door of another train across the island platform at Inamuragasaki station. Dec. 2006.

Enoshima Railway 1551 entering a passing siding adjacent to Sagami Bay between Shichirigahama and Kamakura High School stations. [Compare with older 1551 paint scheme on Photo D-010.] Dec. 2006.

Enoshima Railway 1551, oceanside, in a photo of a poster at Fujisawa station. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Enoshima Railway 2000 series car headed for Enoshima as it enters the line’s famous segment of street running. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway 354, in a photo of a poster at Fujisawa station. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway 1001 approaching Fujisawa station. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway 1001 (in “Kamakura” paint scheme) arriving at Fujisawa station. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Electric Railway train (1101+1151 in the foreground) at Fujisawa terminal. Mar. 2003.
Enoshima Railway 2001 being washed at siding at Enoshima station. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway 2001 on siding at Enoshima station. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway Kamakura-bound train arriving at Enoshima station. Dec. 2006.
View over Enoshima Railway 1552 driver’s shoulder while running along the coastline. Dec. 2006.

View over Enoshima Railway 1552 driver’s shoulder approaching the maintenance depot. 300 series car on the siding. Dec. 2006.

Bouncy view of the length of the Enoshima Railway tunnel. Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway sharp curve; view from the front (between tunnel and Kamakura). Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway crossing signal; view from the front (between tunnel and Kamakura). Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway view from the front (between tunnel and Kamakura). Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway view from the front (between tunnel and Kamakura). Dec. 2006.
Enoshima Railway view from the front as train approaches Kamakura). Dec. 2006.
300 series Enoshima Railway train at Kamakura station. Dec. 2006.

Shonan Monorail
Shonan monorail at Ofuna terminal. Mar. 2003.
View from front of Shonan monorail departing Ofuna station. Dec. 2006.
Shonan monorail approaching two-track station. Note approaching train in distance. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail waiting for approaching train to enter passing siding at station. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail hanging over congested road. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail approaching single-track station cantilevered over a highway. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail as its track is suspended over its own right-of-way. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail as it approaches tunnel. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail suspended over a concrete private-right-of-way. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail as it approaches Enoshima terminal. Dec. 2006.
View from Ofuna-bound Shonan monorail as Enoshima-bound train passes it. Dec. 2006.
View from front of Shonan monorail as it approaches Ofuna terminal. Dec. 2006.
Interior of Shonan monorail. Dec. 2006.
Shonan monorail ready to depart Ofuna terminal. Dec. 2006.
Shonan monorail emerging from Ofuna terminal building. Dec. 2006.
Shonan monorail departing Ofuna. Dec. 2006.

Odayku Railway and Odawara Station

Odayku Railway 7 000 series LSE (Luxury Super Express) Romance Car train at Shinjuku terminal. Jan. 2001.
Interior of Odayku Railway 7 000 series Romance Car. Note the folding steps for driver to get to his upper level seat. Jan. 2001.
View from front row passenger seat of Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. Jan. 2001.
Odayku Railway equipment at yard. July 2001.
Odayku Railway Romance Car at yard. July 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. Jan. 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. July 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. July 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. July 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. July 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. July 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. July 2001.
Approaching Mount Fuji: view from Odayku Railway 10 000 series Romance Car. July 2001.
Odayku Railway 7 000 series Romance Car approaching Hakone-Yumoto terminal. Jan. 2001.
Odayku Railway 7 000 series Romance Car approaching Hakone-Yumoto terminal. Jan. 2001.
Odayku Railway 10 000 series HiSE (High Super Express) Romance Car at Hakone-Yumoto terminal. Jan. 2001.
Odayku Railway 7000 series Romance Car at its Hakone Yumoto terminal. Hakone Tozan 107 in background deadheading to shops. Dec. 2006.
Back end of Odayku Railway 7000 series Romance Car bound for Hakone Yumoto at Odawara. JR Tokaido line 231 series train passing on the left. Dec. 2006.

Back end of Odayku Railway 50 000 series VSE (Vault Super Express) Romance Car bound for Hakone Yumoto at Odawara. JR Tokaido line platform is visible on the left. Dec. 2006.

 

Odayku Railway 50 000 series Romance Car at Hakone Yumoto. Dec. 2006.
Odayku Railway 50 000 series Romance Car preparing to depart Hakone Yumoto. Dec. 2006.
100 series JR- Central Shinkansen approaching Odawara bound for Tokyo. July 2001.
700 series Nozomi Shinkansen passing through Odawara at speed heading toward Osaka. Dec. 2006.
300 series Tokyo-bound Kodama Shinkansen stopping at Odawara. Dec. 2006.

300 series Tokyo-bound Kodama Shinkansen stopping at Odawara. Dec. 2006.


Hakone Tozan
Hakone Tozan 1000 series train at Odawara terminal; Shinkansen station at upper left. Photo taken from the front seat of a Shinjuku-bound Odayku 7 000 series Romance Car pulling into Odawara. This illustrates the dual gauge track work at that station. The track going off to the left is the 1067mm Odayku track to be used by the Romance Car (the next photo shows the view a few meters down) that is just leaving the dual gauge track section. The stub tracks directly ahead and to the right are 1435mm and used by the Hakone Tozan trains. The two tracks coming together to the far right are Odayku 1067 mm used by the trains from Shinjuku that are heading toward Hakone-Yumoto. This dual gauge rail is used from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto, though not at either of these station's platforms. [ Note: as of 2006 Hakone Tozan service between Hakone-Yumoto and Odawara was discontinued. Only Odayku trains connect these points, and the dual gauge rail between the Hakone shops and Odawara has been removed.] Jan. 2001.
Hakone Tozan 1000 series train at Odawara terminal. Jan. 2001.
Hakone Tozan train bound for Hakone Yumoto waiting at Tonosawa to pass a Gora-bound train. Dec. 2006.
Back end of Hakone Tozan train bound for Hakone Yumoto waiting at Tonosawa to pass a Gora-bound train. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Tozan’s terminal at Hakone Yumoto. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Tozan 110 heading a Gora-bound train at Hakone Yumoto. Dec. 2006.
3-car Hakone Tozan train awaiting passengers at Hakone Yumoto. Dec. 2006.
Miyanoshita station of Hakone Tozan in early morning rainy mist. Facing toward Gora. Dec. 2006.
Gora-bound 1000 series Hakone Tozan train approaching Miyanoshita. Dec. 2006.
Gora-bound Hakone Tozan train at Miyanoshita. Dec. 2006.
Gora-bound Hakone Tozan train departing Miyanoshita. Dec. 2006.
Miyanoshita platform sign. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Tozan 100 series train waiting at a passing siding on a rainy morning. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Tozan 2000 series train at Gora. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Tozan 100 series driver waiting signal to proceed at passing siding. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Yumoto bound Hakone Tozan 100 series train at Miyanoshita. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Tozan 100 series destination sign. Dec 2006.
Hakone Tozan 100 series destination sign (close-up). Dec 2006.

Hakone Yumoto-bound Hakone Tozan 100 series train ready to depart Miyanoshita. Dec. 2006.

Hakone Yumoto-bound Hakone Tozan 100 series train leaving Miyanoshita. Dec. 2006.
Hakone Tozan mountain railway switchback. Jan. 2001.
Gora-bound Hakone Tozan cable car (funicular) approaching passing loop halfway from Sounzan during a heavy rainstorm. Dec. 2006.
Hakone cable car overlooking Mount Fuji. Jan. 2001.

Old Tokaido Line: Ofuna to Shizuoka
Platform floor drawing of JR Central 373 series at Ofuna station showing passengers where to stand to board their assigned car. Dec. 2006.
Shizuoka-bound JR Central 373 emu arriving at Ofuna station. Dec. 2006.
View from front of JR Central 373 emu arriving at a Tokaido line station between Ofuna and Odawara. Dec. 2006.
View of JR Central 373 emu driver’s cab. Dec. 2006.
 
View of Mt. Fuji framed by Tokaido line catenary near Odawara. Dec. 2006.
View of Mt. Fuji through front of JR Central 373 emu near Odawara. Dec. 2006.
Cab view of a Tokaido line bridge. Dec. 2006.
Approaching a Tokaido line station (between Odawara and Atami). Dec. 2006.
Crew change at Atami station. Dec. 2006.
Shizuoka-bound JR Central 373 at Atami station. Dec. 2006.
Sign for Wide View Tokai limited express service on side of JR Central 373 series. Dec. 2006.
Izukyu Railway train (ex-Tokyu 8000 series commuter set) bound for Shimoda at Atami station. When these were purchased by Izukyu transverse seats replaced the longitudinal benches on the side of the train that faces the sea. The longitudinal seats that remain give their passengers a good view of the scenic coastline that this railway parallels. Dec. 2006.
JR Central 313 series emu train at Shizuoka bound toward Fuji adjacent to a poster advertising Shizuoka’s famous green tea. Aug. 2007.
JR Central 313 series emu train approaching Shizuoka from Fuji. Aug. 2007.
JR Central 313 series emu train approaching Shizuoka passed by a Tokyo-bound Shinkansen. Aug. 2007.

Chuo and Shinonoi Lines (Nagoya to Nagano; Shinjuku to Kofu)
Super Azusa E351 at Shinjuku station. Dec. 2006.
Roof top of Chuo Rapid at Tachikawa. Note Tama monorail track above. May 2007.
Tama monorail train passing over JR Tachikawa Station. May 2007.
Tama monorail train leaving JR Tachikawa Station. May 2007.
JR Central Minobu line local at its Kofu terminus. Dec. 2006
JR East Shinjuku-bound Azusa service E257 arriving at Kofu. Dec. 2006.
JR East Shinjuku-bound E257 at Kofu. Dec. 2006.
Back end of JR East E257 at Shinjuku. Dec. 2006.
JR Central 313 series emu train at Nagoya. Dec. 2006.
A deadheading JR Central 383 series emu tilting train arriving at Nagoya. Dec. 2006.
JR Central 383 series train ready to depart Nagoya for Nagano in Wide View Shinano service.. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano limited express. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano about to enter a tunnel. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano running through the Kiso Valley. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano running through the Kiso Valley. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano running through the Kiso Valley. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano running through a sharp curve in the Kiso Valley. Dec. 2006.

View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano running through snow covered higher elevation of the Kiso Valley. Dec. 2006.

View from front row seat of JR Central Wide View Shinano passing a Nagoya-bound 383 series train. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of a Nagano-bound JR Central Wide View Shinano running through snow covered higher elevation past Matsumoto. Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of a Nagano-bound JR Central Wide View Shinano of a switchback station between Matsumoto and Nagano (Shinonoi line). Dec. 2006.
View from front row seat of a Nagano-bound JR Central Wide View Shinano meeting a local train at a station near Nagano. Dec. 2006.
Green car interior of JR Central 383 series train after arrival at Nagano. Dec. 2006.
E2 Shinkansen at Nagano terminal. Dec. 2006.
JR Central 383 series train at Nagano preparing to depart for Nagoya. Dec. 2006.
View from rear Green car of a Nagoya-bound JR Central Wide View Shinano of a switchback station between Matsumoto and Nagano (Shinonoi line).. Dec. 2006.
View of the mountains near Nagano from the window of a JR Central Wide View Shinano. Dec. 2006.
View of a mountain village station near Nagano (Shinonoi line). from the rear window of a Nagoya-bound JR Central Wide View Shinano. Dec. 2006.
Station with overpass and old wooden structure between Nagano and Matsumoto (Shinonoi line).. Dec. 2006.
View of Mt. Fuji from window of E257 series train as it approaches Kofu from Matsumoto. Dec. 2006.
View of Mt. Fuji from window of E257 series train as it approaches Kofu from Matsumoto. Dec. 2006.
View of Mt. Fuji from window of E257 series train as it approaches Kofu from Matsumoto. Dec. 2006.

Toyama/Takayama Line
JR West 681 series Thunderbird at Toyama Station (Kanazawa-facing end). Jan. 2001.
JR West 681 series Thunderbird at Toyama Station (Toyama-facing end). Jan. 2001.
JR West 681 series Thunderbird at Toyama Station (Toyama-facing end). Mar. 2003.
JR Central 85 series DMU at Toyama Station. Jan. 2001.
View from front of JR Central 85 series DMU on Takayama Line. Jan. 2001.
View from front of JR Central 85 series DMU on Takayama Line. Mar. 2003.
View from front of JR Central 85 series DMU on Takayama Line. Mar. 2003.
View from front of JR Central 85 series DMU on Takayama Line. Mar. 2003.
View from front of JR Central 85 series DMU on Takayama Line. Mar 2003.
View from front of JR Central 85 series DMU at Takayama Station as this train arriving from Toyama couples with additional cars before going to Nagoya. Jan. 2001.
First JR Central 85 series dmu Wide View Hida limited express of the day ready to depart Nagoya. This Green car at the rear will become the front car after the train reverses direction at Gifu. Dec. 2006.

Kyoto Station
300 series Shinkansen leaving Kyoto for Osaka. A yellow and blue Shinkansen track inspection car is on a stub siding near platform.. Jan. 2001.
300 series Shinkansen leaving Kyoto for Osaka. Series 281 JR West Haruka behind it. Jan. 2001.
Kyoto Station. JR West 283 series Ocean Arrow limited express to left and local 117 series to Nara on right. Jan. 2001.
Kyoto Station. 281 series Haruka with JR West Osaka-Kyoto 201 series local train in front of it. Jan 2001.
300 series Shinkansen leaving Kyoto Station heading toward Tokyo. Jan. 2001.
Tokyo-bound 300 series Shinkansen enters Kyoto Station. The Kintetsu Railway’s Kyoto Station is located below the Shinkansen station. The large building directly behind the station is the New Miyako Hotel from which a number of the Kyoto Station photos were taken. Jan. 2001.
JR freight train pulled by an EF 66-100 locomotive passing through Kyoto Station on the express track that bypasses the passenger platforms. June 2001.
JR West 281 series Haruka (express service between Kansai Airport, Osaka and Kyoto) at its Kyoto terminal. Jan. 2001.

100 series Shinkansen leaving Kyoto Station toward Osaka. A Haruka at its terminal is in the background. Jan. 2001.

JR West 500 series Shinkansen Nozumi service bound for Tokyo approaching Kyoto Station. A Haruka at its terminal is in the background. Jan. 2001.
Back end of JR West 500 series Shinkansen Nozumi service bound for Tokyo approaching Kyoto Station. Jan. 2001.
Back end of JR West 500 series Shinkansen Nozumi service bound for Tokyo entering Kyoto Station. Directly behind it is a Haruka, and to its left is a partially-hidden JR West series 681 Thunderbird. Jan. 2001.
300 series Shinkansen approaching Kyoto from Osaka. The entire 16-car train is visible. Photo taken from Kyoto Station rooftop. Jan. 2001.
300 series Shinkansen crossing the Kintetsu Railway tracks as it approaches Kyoto from Osaka. The entire 16-car train is visible. Photo taken from Kyoto Station rooftop. Jan. 2001.
JR West 500 series Shinkansen stopping in Kyoto Station at night. Mar. 2003.
Osaka-bound 300 series Shinkansen at Kyoto station in the evening. Dec. 2006.
Hakata-bound JR West Hikari service 300 series Shinkansen approaching Kyoto Station. Mar. 2003.

Kyoto Suburbs and Nara (JR-West, Hankyu, Eiden and Keifku Railways)
Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden) series 900 Kirara train at its Kurama terminal. Jan. 2001.
Interior of Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden) series 900 Kirara. Jan. 2001.
View out the front of Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden) series 900 Kirara. Mar. 2003.
View out the front of Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden) series 900 Kirara. Mar. 2003.
Hanyku Railway Kyoto-bound train crossing the Katsura-gawa in Western Kyoto. Dec. 2006.
Hanyku Railway Arashiyama line train bound for Katsura approaching Matsuo station in a rainstorm. Dec. 2006.
Kyoto-bound San’in Line Series 113 local train, north of Tenryu-ji Temple and west of JR West Saga-Arashiyama station. Jan. 2001.
View from same location as shown in L-007, other side of tracks, six years and one season later. Note updated JR-West paint scheme. May 2007.
Closer view of train in L-008. May 2007.
113 series San’in line local outbound from Kyoto just west of JR West Saga-Arashiyama station. May 2007.
Keifuku Denki Tetsudo (Randen) car 105 waiting for passengers at Arashiyama terminal. May 2007.
Interior of Keifuku 105. May 2007.
Keifuku 625 on the Arashiyama line. May 2007.
View of Keifuku depot, off the Arashiyama line. May 2007.
Car cleaning at Keifuku depot. May 2007
View from front of Arashiyama-bound Keifuku car approaching Katabiranotsuji Station. May 2007.
View from front of Katabiranotsuji-bound Keifuku car on Kitano line. May 2007.

View from front of a Keifuku car on single track Kitano line. May 2007.

View from inside a Keifuku car of car on adjacent track. May 2007.
View of a Keifuku station of Kitano line. May 2007.
View out back of Keifuku car on the Arashiyama line of Koryu-ji Temple. May 2007.
Kyoto-bound Nara line local approaching Tofuku-ji station. Overpass for Keihan trains is in background. Dec. 2006.
JR Nara Station exterior. Jan. 2001.
Interior of JR Nara Station showing copy of “Winged Victory” statue. Jan. 2001.

Kyoto to Osaka/Kii-Katsuura - Nankai Railway
JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow awaiting morning departure at Kyoto Station. Mar. 2003.
View from the front of JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow as it departs Kyoto. Mar. 2003.
View from the front of JR West Series 283 Ocean Arrow passing a JR West Series 223 on the 4-track Tokaido Line between Kyoto and Osaka. Mar. 2003.
View from the front of JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow as it approaches Shin-Osaka Station. Shinkansen station is on the upper level. Mar. 2003.
View from the front of JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow of Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building by its floating Garden Observatory. Hara Hiroshi, who was also the architect of Kyoto Station, designed this building. Mar. 2003.
View from the front of JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow of Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building. Mar. 2003.
JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow at Osaka’s Tenno-ji Station driver change point. Mar. 2003.
View of rear car of JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow departing Osaka’s Tenno-ji Station. Mar. 2003.
View from the front of JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow between Osaka and Wakayama. July 2001.
View of the interior of the front car of JR West series 283 Ocean Arrow. July 2001.
JR Central 85 series DMU at Kii-Katsuura. July 2001.
View from front window of HOT 7000 as this Super Hakuto Limited Express tilting dmu overtakes a JR West emu. Aug. 2007.
View from front window of HOT 7000 as this Super Hakuto Limited Express tilting dmu arrives in Kyoto from Kurayoshi. Aug. 2007.
Front view of HOT 7000 in Kyoto Station. Aug. 2007.
Last car of JR West Series 381 Super-Kuroshiro at Kyoto terminal. Mar. 2003.

View of Osaka and Umeda Sky building from last car of JR West Super-Kuroshiro. Mar. 2003.

View of JR West 281 series Haruka from last car of JR West Super-Kuroshiro. Mar. 2003.
JR West 281 series Haruka at Osaka’s Tenno-ji Station. Mar. 2003.
Nankai Railway Rapi:t bound for Kansai airport approaching Shin-Imamiya platform. Imamiya-ebisu local station is to right of the Rapi:t.. Dec. 2006.
Nankai Railway Rapi:t bound for Kansai airport arriving at Shin-Imamiya. Dec. 2006.
Nankai Railway Rapi:t ready to depart Shin-Imamiya for Kansai airport. Dec. 2006.
Nankai Railway local and Rapi:t trains at Kansai airport terminal bound for Namba. Dec. 2006.
Last 3 cars of a 9-car JR West 281 series Haruka bound for Osaka and Kyoto at Kansai airport terminal. Dec. 2006.
Haruka logo on side of JR West 281 series coach. Dec. 2006.

Takamatsu
7:35 AM Takamatsu Station with JR Shikoku 8000 series Ishizuchi limited express service to Matsuyama ready to depart (on left) and Marine Liner just arrived from Okayama. This is one of Japan’s relatively few stub track city terminals. Dec. 2006.
Takamatsu Station with Ishizuchi service to Matsuyama departing (on left) and Marine Liner at the right. First car on Marine Liner is 5100 bi-level all reserved seat coach. Green car seating is on upper level, ordinary seating below. This car, built by Tokyu Car Company, was based on their JR East E217 double deck green cars, with a driver’s cab added. Dec. 2006.
Takamatsu Station with JR Shikoku emu local on the left and Series 285 Sunrise Express sleeper emu recently arrived from Tokyo. Dec. 2006.
Takamatsu Station with Series 285 Sunrise Express 7-car sleeper emu recently arrived from Tokyo. Dec. 2006.
Takamatsu Station with Marine Liner just arrived from Okayama. Dec. 2006.
Morning line-up at Takamatsu Station. August 2007.
Takamatsu Kotoden station with Nagao line train. Stone wall to left of other platform is part of the nearby Takamatsu castle. Dec. 2006.
Takamatsu Kotoden station with Kotohira line train. Dec. 2006.
Overhead wire pole and hanger near Kotoden Kotohira line Ritsurin-koen station. (model railroaders: note resemblance to Kato n-scale Type II single arm catenary pole, 23-054). Dec. 2006.
Kotoden Shido line train bound for Takamatsu approaching Yashima Station. August 2007.
Takamatsu-bound JR Shikoku dmu local on Kotoku line approaching Ritsurin-koen Kitaguchi station. Dec. 2006.

Himeji, Hakata, and Kumamoto
JR-West Hikari Railstar 700 series Shinkansen headed toward Hakata stopping at Himeji. Dec 2006.
Two JR Kyushu series 885 Kamone service tilt EMUS at Hakata Station. Mar. 2003.
Two JR Kyushu series 787 EMUs at Hakata Station. Mar. 2003.
JR Central 100 series Shinkansen at Hakata Station. Mar. 2003.
Track map of JR West Shinkansen storage yard and maintenance depot at Hakata Minami Station. Mar. 2003.
JR Central 100 series Shinkansen at Hakata Miniami Station with two 300 series Shinkansens in the background. Mar. 2003.
Shinkansen noses line-up at Hakata Miniami yard with three JR West 500 series and two 300 series Shinkansens. Mar. 2003.
Front view of Shinkansen line-up at Hakata Miniami yard with three 500 series and two 300 series Shinkansens taken from station platform. Mar. 2003.
Front view of Shinkansen line-up at Hakata Miniami yard with three 500 series and two 300 series Shinkansens. Mar. 2003.
Three 500 series Shinkansens at Hakata Miniami yard. Mar. 2003.
16-car 500 series Shinkansen at Hakata Miniami yard. Mar. 2003.
100 series JR West Shinkansen in front of 922 series Dr, Yellow (track inspection train) at Hakata Miniami yard. Mar. 2003.
Dr. Yellow Series 922 at Hakata Miniami yard. Mar. 2003.
Dr, Yellow Series 922 at Hakata Miniami yard. Mar. 2003.
View of unbuilt Shinkansen right of way south from Hakata Miniami. Mar. 2003.
Kumamoto tram 1097 near JR Kyushu Kumamoto Station. Mar. 2003.

Yamagata
JR East 400 series Shinkansen at Yamagata stub track boarding passengers for Tokyo. Dec. 2006.
JR East 400 series Shinkansen at Yamagata preparing to depart for Shinjo. Dec. 2006.
View of track just north of Yamagata from front of a Senzen line local. Note standard gauge track for Shinkansen line to Shinjo on the right. Dec. 2006.
JR East Senzen line 719 series train approaching passing siding just north of Yamagata. Dec. 2006.
JR East Senzen line 719 series train entering passing siding just north of Yamagata. Dec. 2006.
JR East Senzen line bridge near Yamadera. Dec. 2006.
JR East Senzen line Yamadera station building. Dec. 2006.
JR East Senzen line 719 series Sendai-bound train approaching Yamadera station. Dec. 2006.
JR East Senzen line Sendai-bound train arriving Yamadera station. Note snowplow on siding and line repair truck. Dec. 2006.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   


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