Japan, September 2023 ... When a dream comes true (subtitled : An obnoxious Japanese trains' orgy)

[cteno4]

Yes me too! Like nice little outings!

 

love the mow train! Looks to be what arunine modeled their little mow engine and cars after. Happily I half bought two of those engine units I like it so much, now it’s prototypical to have two in a row!

 

jeff

[JR East]

Day 3 - September 13th, 2023 – Tokyo – Nagoya – Osaka Namba

Kintetsu 80000 Series – Hinotori (Part 1)

 

Despite the looooonnng routing of the day, I've decided to split the titles of day 3 to ease the reading

 

All you need to know on Kintetsu Hinotori : https://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/hinotori/

 

 

Routing of the day:

 

• JR Tokyo Station – JR Nagoya: Shinkansen Nozomi 3 [06:15 – 07:50] – Car 8 seat 10-C (Geen Car)
• Kintetsu Nagoya – Kintetsu Osaka Namba: Hinotori [09:00 – 11:09] – Car 6 Seat 1-A (Premium Car)

 

• Kintetsu Osaka Namba – JR Shin-Osaka: Midosuji Line (metro)
• JR Shin-Osaka – JR Shizuoka: Shinkansen Hikari 508 [12:48 – 14:37] – Standard Seat
• JR Shizuoka – JR Fuji: Local train Tokaido Line [14:51 – 15:25]
• JR Fuji – JR Nishi-Fujinomiya: Local Train Minobu Line [15:39 – 16:04]

 

• JR Nishi-Fujinomiya – Fuji: Local train Minobu Line [17:42 – 18:07]
• JR Fuji – JR Mishima: Local train Tokaido Line [18:14 – 18:50]
• JR Fuji – JR Mishima: Shinkansen Kodama 740 [18:54 – 19:58] – Standard seat

 

 

Grand total price of the day: about 228 euros

 

Total price Tokyo – Nagoya – Osaka Namba: about 123 euros

• Tokyo – Nagoya: 13 050 yens (85,62 euros)
• Kintetsu Nagoya – Kintetsu Osaka Namba:  2 830 yens (18,44 euros) + Basic Fare 2 860 yens (18,55 euros … but paid cash)

Total price Osaka Namba - Nishi-Fujinomiya – Tokyo: 104,40 euros

• This was directly purchased on Sept 11th at the JR agency of Shimbashi Station for a total of 16 360 yens (no detail as the tickets are kept by the gate machine)

 

Tips & Tricks

 

The booking of the Kintetsu Hinotori was done for being sure to ride the Premium Car. I made several simulations to obtain the 1st raw in the right car (departing from / departing at ….) and all the other parts of the daily routing were adapted to fit to that. I did it 30 days straight before boarding. Like Tobu, you’re purchasing the Limited Express ticket (inc. the Hinotori surcharge), so that you’ve to purchase a basic fare ticket at the station.

 

Online reservation here: https://www.ticket.kintetsu.co.jp/vs/en/e-ticket/

 

For the shinkansen reservation, despite the departure station is Tokyo Station, it’s booked on JR Central portal: https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php

You’re delivered an email with a QR code … enough to cross the gates

 

 

 

Let’s start another day of dream.

 

Today is the 'Hinotori day'. As explained, all was done to make sure I will be able to sit in the Premium Car. So that, leaving my hotel at 5:00 AM is not that difficult as my feet are floating above the ground.

 

As you (now) known, Shimbashi is my favorite place to sit when I’m in Tokyo. It’s the second red light district of Tokyo.

 

What's really "funny" is being approached by a prostitute at 5 o’clock in the morning, who suggests we go for a drink of sake.

 

If you're not familiar with Japan, prostitutes are generally very discreet. The customers who are partying in the neighborhood come out of the bars around 5 or 6 a.m. and, drunk as a sailor on the prowl, they're fair game for these ladies. They usually get them drunk in a bar, which pays them for their drinks, before sticking them in a cab and heading home.

The big difference with France is that they don't insist or insult you when you decline the offer.

 

Ten minutes’ walk and I’m on the JR Yamanote Line platform bound to Tokyo station. As you can see, the grey-blue color of the sky is due to early sky and not cloudy sky. 

 

 

Everything is closed as I’m arriving at Tokyo station and gates are not opened but 10’ after, fences are moved and I can scan my barcode to open the gate. There are not that much Shinkansen to shoot (N700A & N700S mainly) so that I’m boarding immediately.

 

 

My initial idea was to sleep a bit up to Nagoya, the reason why I booked a ‘Green car’ seat. Today, the light is beautiful and the air is really transparent (no dust fog). As the train is running, the famous Fujisan appears.

 

Here is a little anecdote: I went more than 10 times to Japan and I never ever was able to shoot it in good conditions. I’m cursed. This time … is not different as I can’t say it’s a photographers’ shot.

 

 

 

I intend initially to sleep but the weather is so beautiful I stayed awake, looking thru the window. As it’s a Nozomi, I’m already at Nagoya. Unboarding, just some stairs before crossing the gate with the barcode (Hi Students in group travel !!!). This is really convenient but less romantic compared to the ‘souvenir’ paper ticket

 

 

The Kintestu Nagoya station is the other side of the Shinkansen platform. It takes less than five minutes to go to it.

 

Facing the vending machine, I’m purchasing the basic fare ticket (you’ve to take care not to purchase again another combined basic fare + Limited Express ticket as this is a bit confusing on the screen).

 

I have one hour for shooting trains in the station as well as going to the shop for a couple of Hinotori souvenirs.

 

I’m a bit disappointed. The corner of train souvenirs is offering plenty of goodies but few are really interesting (I already have the Aoniyoshi ones, as well one Shimakaze keys holder). On the platform 5, where people are boarding the Hinotori, there is a vending machine with trains’ goodies, but once more, it’s focused on USB cables holder, etc … not what I’m looking at (pens, note books, etc …).

It’s here you seen there is a big difference with the US. If I were in the USA, there will be plenty of goodies as temptation for the customers. Japan is a country where the satisfaction of collective needs takes precedence over the satisfaction of individual needs, and this can be seen in details like these.

 

Painting in black and white, on the right-hand side of the station are the local trains, in the middle the express trains, on the left-hand side the “branded” limited express. Unless I’m mistaken, all the tracks in this station are in standard gauge.

 

 

Let’s go for a first shooting on local trains (I had got some difficulties to find the series .. thanks to https://www.kintetsu.jp/kouhou/Train/B19.html

 

Kintetsu 2000 series

 

 

Kintetsu 2800 series

 

 

 

Kintetsu 8600 series

 

 

There are lots of advertisements in the station (despite it’s a small station) for the flagships of Kintetsu, either on pillars

 

 

 

Or on large displays

 

As I’m still ahead of departure, I’ll have the chance to shoot three nice ‘Branded’ Limited express

 

 

 

Let’s start with the Kintetsu 21000 series Urban Liner

 

 

Due to the shape of the glass and the lights on the platform, it's really difficult to have a good cockpit view

 

 

The car number is just above the elegant orange strip

 

 

Let's wait for this train to leave ... and another consist will arrive

 

Edited October 29, 2023 by JR East
Typos, corrections ... as usual

[kuro68000]

The exchange rate is extremely favourable for Europeans at the moment! Not quite the glory days of 225 yen/£, but not that far off either. Makes shinkansen travel a lot more pleasant!

[JR East]

You’re right about the exchange rate. In 2010, I was having 100 yen for 1 euro, whereas in 2023 I have 153 yen. Anyway, yen is not my driver to go again and again to Japan 

[JR East]

Day 3 - September 13th, 2023 – Tokyo – Nagoya – Osaka Namba

Kintetsu 80000 Series – Hinotori (Part 2)

 

 

I’m quite lucky. There are two Kintetsu Series 30000 Vista EX on two different platforms, allowing me to shoot both right & left sides of the train.

 

 

 

 

 

Both of them are coupled with a Kintetsu 12410 series.

 

 

Going to the end of the platform, I’m recording a short video of the departure

 

 

At 08:55 the Hinotori enters the station. As you can see below, everything is ready for the passengers to board in (you can see the bottleneck of tracks with all the turnouts at the beginning of the video)

 

 

Of course, I’m not alone to shoot it …   

 

 

The pearlescent red paintwork looks great and contrasts perfectly with the dark grey stripes.

 

 

 

It’s now time for me to board as the Hinotori is leaving Nagoya in less that 2 minutes

 

 

1-A … The throne I was dreaming of

 

 

I’ll exchange it for nothing. I’m where I want to be for a while

 

 

 

The seat looks like a Business jet seat, with this small control panel on the left armrest.

 

 

 

Like in a plane, there is a leaflet presenting the various features of the train, as well as explaining how to use the seat (you can click on each picture as I resized them properly to allow you to read it)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m very excited to discover the train, and at the same time, I’m stuck to the front window as we're leaving Nagoya under a nice blue sky

 

 

we’re crossing various trains

 

 

 

 

On the left of the driver, there is a screen. It’s a GPS Navi Train displaying various information (of which the name of the next station). I’m quite sure the experts of the site will be able to give far more valuable explanations.

 

 

There is a calm and relaxed ambiance aboard. I got the impression of sitting on a flying carpet

 

 

But it’s time for me to discover the train and leave my comfortable seat. Come with me .... 

Edited October 30, 2023 by JR East
Corrections, typos ... as usual

[kuro68000]

Very interesting! That looks like a Panasonic industrial tablet stuck on the dashboard as a display. They are an offshoot from their rugged laptops.

 

They always blur the displays on TV, but you can just go watch them in real life and take photos through the windows. As with much in Japan, it's probably an old rule that never really made sense, and nobody has the ability to change.

[JR East]

14 minutes ago, mojo said:

Very interesting! That looks like a Panasonic industrial tablet stuck on the dashboard as a display. They are an offshoot from their rugged laptops.

 

@mojo Here is a larger view (double click on it to have a relly big sized picture)

 

 

[kuro68000]

Thanks! You can see the Toughpad branding, and the ancient version of Android as indicated by the old navigation buttons at the bottom.

 

Note the load words too. "Navi" is ナビ, the common term for satellite navigation systems. "Ver" seems to be a common abbreviation of version in Japanese, some kind of internet slang almost. I've never seen it written in katakana.

 

Seems to be some kind of tsunami warning gong on over on the right side. Next to the "report emergency" button, so maybe it's selecting what type of emergency to report.

 

The "059" above the satellite icon is interesting. I wonder if it indicates the number of satellites visible. Modern combined GNSS systems that use multiple constellations can track that many satellites, but often in safety critical applications some constellations are disabled. You might not want to rely on the Russian GLONAS or Chinese Beidu systems, for example. Maybe they are tracked but not used or something, or maybe the number is something else. Why have a giant satellite icon though?

 

Being Japan of course they had to put a sticker on it. My kanji skills are failing me but it seems to be an inventory number.

 

The icons along the top are interesting too. Appears to have a camera function. Maybe it can detach and be used to document issues. Is the 97 a speedometer? Seems a bit small. Oh, maybe that's what the 059 is, but then what is 97? The battery seems kinda low and not charging.

 

Sorry, I'm and engineer, these things fascinate me.

[Steve4031]

Yep, gotta get back to Japan.  I call next for seat 1A

[JR East]

Day 3 - September 13th, 2023 – Tokyo – Nagoya – Osaka Namba

Kintetsu 80000 Series – Hinotori (Part 3)

 

 

Sitting in 1-A is like being a child sitting in front of the Cartoons Channel … leaving the seat is a pain for my heart.

 

The display above the door to the driver's cockpit shows car 6, 5 and 4  with facilities (vending machines, toilets, disabled toilets ...). Of course, it's a non-smoking train.

 

 

So, as you can see, contrary to the other cars, the floor of the Premium car is roughly 80 cm above a "normal car" since you have to go down 4 steps to reach the exit door.

 

On the right-hand side, there are coin changer and two vending machines (there are other vending machines in the train, those ones are there for the comfort of the Premium car passengers). One is dedicated to freshly brewed coffee

 

 

The other is offering a limited selection of small bites

 

 

On the left-hand side, a couple of lockers allow the passengers to leave their luggages there (and not to climb the stairs with it). Note the size of them ... you can really put a large luggage into one of them. 

 

 

Visiting the train, here and there are also some benches where people can sit whilst phoning

 

 

... or simply sit together with friends for a discussion. It's of particular rude manners in Japan to hold group discussions that may disturb other passengers in the car (or to make phone calls). In fact, Japanese people are particularly irritated by foreigners who speak loudly in the subway, for example. 

 

 

Unlike the Premium's subdued ambience, the standard car is bright, but I really like those clear wood inserts. Seats are in 2+2 (vs 1+2 in premium) and really comfortable too (I've tested them of course). As you can see the train is not crowded today in standard cars. 

 

 

Let's have a quick look on disabled toilets ...

 

 

 

... before I dropped my camera and the lens ring didn't survive the fall. No more photos (and 4K videos) with my OM1 for this trip, luckily I still have my cell phone.

 

 

Back to France ... It will be a 350 euro repair. Less than I feared, more than I'm happy to pay.

 

 

As I don't want to increase the damage to the lens (and the exposed sensor), I'm going back to car 6 to put it in its cover and protect it as best I can from dust etc....  

 

I confess that being upset by what has just happened to me, I'm less inclined to take photos, but as the train isn't far from Osaka Namba ....

 

By the way, we've arrived and it's time to disembark. One last shot ... (you can compare the dark wood inserts to the clear wood inserts of standard car here)

 

 

Good bye (and for sure, not farewell) Hinotori. It's time to commute to Shin-Osaka. 

 

 

 

Edited November 3, 2023 by JR East
As usual, typos, corrections etc ...

[Tony Galiani]

@JR East - are you still in Japan?  It might be worth seeing about repairs to you camera there.  On our first trip, my wife had camera issues and took it to the Canon office in Tokyo and got it fixed.  Don't recall it being very expensive though I don' t think the issue was very serious.  Of course, by the time she added in some new accessories, a camera bag and so on it did add up!

Ciao,

Tony

[JR East]

@Tony Galiani No I'm no more in Japan but such a repair is a matter of days even in Japan. The ring of the lens is a fuse protecting the lens. Anyway, it's at least several of hours of work in a dedicated workshop + alignement + check of the camera. I'm lucky as nothing else was broken but this ring. In France, it has been sent to the european OM System (former Olympus) repair center in Portugal by my shop (in Paris), then there is an expertise and the repair center issues a repair quotation (4 weeks to have it but they are crowded with broken camaras after summer holidays) you've to accept, then it's repaired and sent again to my favorite shop in France. 

 

Could have been worth. 

[cteno4]

Move done 

 

jeff

[JR East]

Thanks @cteno4, exactly where it must be. 

[JR East]

Day 3 - September 13th, 2023 – Shin-Osaka - Nishi-Fujinomiya - Tokyo

Shinkansen & Local train (Part 1)

 

There are far less images of this trip back to Tokyo as I was quite concerned with my camera I (stupidly) broke. 

 

Reminder of the routing for this part:

 

• Kintetsu Osaka Namba – JR Shin-Osaka: Midosuji Line (metro)
• JR Shin-Osaka – JR Shizuoka: Shinkansen Hikari 508 [12:48 – 14:37] – Standard Seat
• JR Shizuoka – JR Fuji: Local train Tokaido Line [14:51 – 15:25]
• JR Fuji – JR Nishi-Fujinomiya: Local Train Minobu Line [15:39 – 16:04]

 

Commuting from Osaka Namba to Shin-Osaka is quite convenient and take only 18 minutes. 

 

The Hikari travel was a good occasion for me to have a nap. As September is warm, I was not hungry enough to buy an Ekiben. Arrived a Shizuoka, the connection between the Shinkansen and local train is really short. Below the station, there is a gallery with lots of restaurants serving a large choice of different dishes incl. nooodles soups. 

 

A first train, on the Tokaido line goes to Fuji, where I'm connecting to Nishi-Fujinomiya (same platform, just the other side... quicker ? can't be)

 

 

 

I really do love those JR 313 Series

 

 

and shooting them is a real pleasure

 

 

Nishi-Fujinomiya is the terminal station for my train but it's not an end station. As you 'll see below, I love playing with mirrors

 

 

And the 313 series was at the perfect place to play with mirrors ...

 

 

 

Why going to Nishi-Fujinomiya?

 

When I going to Japan, I'm trying (quite always) to go to Fujisan Hongū Sengen-taisha. I let you discover its story (click on the link to go to Wikipedia page).

 

I really do love this shrine fo personal reason and it's really away from tourist hordes.

 

 

 

This is what vermillion means for all photographers

 

 

 

The Wakutama-ike (the pond) is fed by natural springs 

 

 

 

 

The water is really refreshing. Lots of people use to pick water there for their daily consumption, but I've notice that in 2023, a warning has been added to recommend people to boil it before drinking. Everytime I was there, I drunk it without being sick (and I did it also in 2023 without problem). 

 

The other side of the pond is a small terrace where people just married love to be shot. It's really a nice place for a wedding photo (I did it after asking them if they agree ... it's their day and up to them to decide whether they accept or not, and being respectful is a must be in that particular moment) 

 

 

The water runs in another larger pond with a beautiful bridge.

 

Behind the small torii on the left-hand side, you can sit on rock benches. I love sitting here listening to the water murmur under the cool shade of the trees.

 

Looking a bit to the right from this position allows you to see the Fujisan above the roofs of surrounding houses. 

 

 

Here below is one of the other entries of the shrine

 

 

with a nice stone bridge

 

 

The water is incredibly clear and you can easily see the bed of the pond (with coins in). 

 

As the station is about 25' away from the shrine by foot, it's time to leave this lovely place. I don't want to rush. 

 

Next is to be back to Tokyo after this particularly long journey. 

Edited November 6, 2023 by JR East
typos etc ... as usual

[JR East]

Day 3 - September 13th, 2023 – Shin-Osaka - Nishi-Fujinomiya - Tokyo

Shinkansen & Local train (Part 2)

 

Reminder of the routing for this part:

• JR Nishi-Fujinomiya – Fuji: Local train Minobu Line [17:42 – 18:07]
• JR Fuji – JR Mishima: Local train Tokaido Line [18:14 – 18:50]
• JR Fuji – JR Mishima: Shinkansen Kodama 740 [18:54 – 19:58] – Standard seat

 

The sun sets slowly ...  which doesn't mean the air becomes fresher.

 

As you know, I love to play with mirrors ... 

 

 

The train at the platform is a JR 313-2300 series 

 

 

Bound for Fuji (which is logical ... as per my routing)

 

 

whilst I'm aboard, another 313 series arrives at Nishi-Fujinomiya coming from Fuji. All passengers are disembarking. 

 

 

After a short trains' transfer at Fuji, I'm arriving at 18:50 straight at Mishima station. Despite my Shinkansen is leaving in 4 minutes, I'm recording my train leaving the station

 

 

and shooting another 313 Series on the other side of the platform

 

 

A couple of minutes later, I'm on the Shinkansen platform, jus tin time to record the N700A entering Mishima Station

 

 

The mine is the other side of the platform, bound for Tokyo. 

 

Back to Shimbashi, a quick shower and I'm ready for having a diner. My last meal was the diner yesterday, so that I'm now quite hungry. 

 

I'm entering one of the recommended restaurant (by high-rated Google Guide meaning more than 300 reviews)

 

 

I'm used to start with one of my favorite dish when I'm in Japan : eel

 

 

and ōtoro finest belly part as appetizer

 

 

Followed by a selection of sushis with pickles as side dish

 

 

 

I'm feeling a bit tired but It's not time to go to bed. I'll stroll a bit through Shimbashi at night as I really do love the ambiance of this district. 

 

A beer here or there and I'm back to the hotel for a well-deserved night's sleep. Next trip is on the Fujisan View Express.

 

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by JR East
Typos, corrections ... as usual

[cteno4]

[drool] oshinko [/drool] I can feel that crisp crunch and tang in my mouth…

 

in grad school at Berkeley there was a small mom and pop hole in the wall run by a very ancient Japanese couple. The husband made the best gyudon fresh on the fly with his huge wok of broth and and beautifully thin and perfectly marbled beef sheets and bits of onion cut wonderfully so that one end of a slice would still hold the other slivers together and fan out into a pretty set of leaves when it hit the hot broth, I could never figure out how he did that. Onion slices just the right thickness to cook in a minute but still have a little crisp raw onion tang left. He must have picked out small onions all the same size. The wife made oshinko to die for that varied week to week depending on what she could get she would pickle and flavor each vegetable differently so it was fun to play with the order eating them to get interesting flavor combos in your mouth. That’s all they sold, gyudon and oshinko! Needless to say I ate there like twice a week for many years. Big plate of gyudon and a side plate of oshinko was about $2 or two fifty if you got a can of soda, but hot tea was free (but that was 30-40 years back).

 

only in Japan have I had oshinko to match hers. I’ve eaten in many very fancy and highly regarded Japanese restaurants all over in the US and they never get oshinko quite right, it seems a bit more for display (it can be on eo f the most prettiest display dishes) than eating in its prep and it all the vegetables sort of taste the same.

 

jeff

[JR East]

Day 4 - September 15th, 2023 – Tokyo Shinjuku - Otsuki - Kawaguchiko

Limited Express Fuji-Excursion & Fujisan View Express (Part 1)

 

Routing of the day:

• JR Tokyo Shinjuku – JR Otsuki: JR East Fuji-Excursion 11 [09:30 – 10:35] – Car 3 seat 5-D (Standard Car)
• Fuji Kyuko Otsuki – Fuji Kyuko Kawaguchiko: Fujisan View Express No.1 [11:49 – 12:39] – Car 1 Seat 14 (Special Car)
• Fuji Kyuko Kawaguchiko – JR Tokyo Shinjuku: JR East Fuji-Excursion 44 [09:30 – 10:35] – Car 1 seat 11-C (Standard Car)

 

Grand total price of the day: about 57 euros

• Tokyo Shinjuku Station – Otsuki: 2 360 yens (14,89 euros)
• Otsuki – Kawaguchiko: 1 300 yens [Ltd Express: 400 + First Class: 900] + 1170 yens (15,58 euros)
• Kawaguchiko – Tokyo Shinjuku Station: 4 130 yens (26.17 euros)

 

How did I book my tickets?

 

All the booking was done around the capability to ride the Fujisan View Express in Car 1. I did it 30 days straight before boarding. As you can see above, the online booking doesn’t include the basic fare ticket you’ve to purchase at the vending machine in Fuji Kyuko Otsuki.

When you’re booking on JR east, you're purchasing at the same time the basic fare ticket, the limited express ticket and (for the return ticket, the Fuji Kyuko surcharge). Then with your email, you can go in a JR ticket office to obtain your paper tickets (no photo of them ... I forgot to do it before they were swallowed by the gate)

 

• Online reservation for JR East: https://www.eki-net.com/fr/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index
• Online reservation for Fujisan View Express: https://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/fujisan-view-express/en/reserve/

 

Tips & Tricks

 

All you need to know about the Fujisan View Express: https://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/fujisan-view-express/en/

 

The booking in Car 1 is really challenging as once more, Internet reservation can’t be done more than 30 days in advance which means … you’ve really to do it 30 days in advance. I let you imagine how to plan Spacia X, Saphir Odoriko & Fujisan View Express, with 3 different dates every time 30 days in advance. Anyway, as I’ve succeeded in doing it, you should be able to do the same.

 

As you can see below, another challenge is to be able to reserve when you’re alone. If all the place for a single passenger are booked, you can’t book if you’re below the minimum (other option is to book for two despite you’re alone, you’ll pay more but you’ll be served, anyway you’ll be also obliged to pay two basic fare tickets too).

 

 

Another day of dream is starting ...

 

As my train leaves Shinjuku Station at 09:30, I’m not obliged to wake up very early. It’s roughly a 50 minutes door-to-door route.

I want to have time enough for a small train spotting, but I’ll make a brief stop between Shimbashi and Shinjuku at Hamamatsuchō Station.

 

Why?

 

There is a replica of the Manneken-Pis at the end of the platform towards Shinjuku, regularly dressed with different clothing as the original one.

 

 

It’s also a nice place to look at various trains … like this JR E257-2000 series in the blue livery, the same I’ve ridden to be back from Izukyū-Shimoda to Tokyo Station (see Day 2 story).

 

 

Arrived at Shinjuku Station, there is less than 3 minutes’ walk from the Yamanote Line platform to the platform 10

 

 

As I’m ahead of time, I’ll shoot the Azusa 9 bound for Matsumoto, leaving at 09:00.

 

It’s the same JR E353 series I’ll ride in 30 minutes, but I’ve time enough to shoot it with various angles. I do love the color scheme and the shape.

 

 

 

The time for me to choose the right angle and the train is leaving.

 

 

On another platform, a JR 233 Series arrives at Shinjuku station.

 

 

I’m sure you’ll noticed that the limited express on the display is leaving at 09:30. It's is bound for … Kōfu Station and my train is the Fuji-Excursion 11.

 

 

This is very simple.

 

Up to JR Otsuki Station, both trains are coupled. Then it’s uncoupled and on consist goes to Kawaguchiko whereas the other goes to Kōfu.

 

My train arrives and car n°3 is at the end of the train. I’m not rushing. The train will be crowded today and people are already queuing to board in. Quite all leds are green ... but .. I'll explain below. 

 

I like the seatings and despite it’s not a green car, there is place enough.

 

 

Once seated, a lot of information is printed on the back of the seat in front or on the back of the tablet.

 

Firstly, there are the seat occupancy indications, which will vary as the journey progresses.

 

 

I'm having a bit of trouble understanding why - contrary to all custom - what's vacant is displayed in red and what's occupied is displayed in green. It goes against my logic.

Then a bit lower, other useful information such as electric plugs for your laptop (Japan is 100-110 volts like the USA), headrest adjustment and barcode to scan to access JR East trains status information in various languages.

 

 

Unfortunately, the clear blue sky of Tokyo is slowly replaced by a cloudy sky. I’m not surprised, I’ve told you I’m cursed with Fuji San. Every time I’m approaching it, it disappears in clouds or fog.

 

 

Arrived at Otsuki, as tourists are rushing to the vending machines to buy Fuji Kyuko tickets for riding the limited express train to Fuji Station and Kawaguchiko station, the two consists are uncoupled (as mentioned above)

 

 

 

 Once they have left the station, a JR 211 Series local train bound for Matsumoto arrives at the station on the opposite platform.

 

 

Crossing the gate after the rush, I’m in the flow of the tourists.

Some of them are looking to the closed doors of the Fujisan View Express, shooting through the widows or alongside the train.

 

On the other side of the platform, the limited express  - Fujikyu 6000 series - is ready to start an people are rushing to find a seat. Some of them will have to travel standing up.

 

 

This is the Fujikyu 6003 with a special wrapping “La ville de Gaspar et Lisa”. I was surprised to read something in French so that, I’ve investigated a bit. This is an attraction of the Fuji-Q Highland Theme Park based on the well-known Gaspar and Lisa story (more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaspard_and_Lisa)

 

I’m recording a short video whilst the train is leaving Otsuke station.

 

 

This offers me to shoot another wrapped Fujikyu 6000 series rsp. Fujikyu 6501

 

 

 

 

The station is now very calm and there are just 3 people sitting in the waiting room. Before joining them, I'll shoot the Fujisan View express. 

 

Edited November 8, 2023 by JR East
Typos, corrections .. as usual

[JR East]

Day 4 - September 15th, 2023 – Tokyo Shinjuku - Otsuki - Kawaguchiko

Limited Express Fuji-Excursion & Fujisan View Express (Part 2)

 

 

As I told you in the previous post, lots of people were waiting to board the commuter as you can see in the reflecting windows

 

 

This is just a shot of the less crowded car

 

 

Anyway, now they have boarded, I've all the platform empty or nearly empty to start my shooting.

 

I was thinking to @Tony Galiani as it's the last exceptional train I'll ride during this travel to Japan. 

 

Seen from afar, the train is beautiful. On the first picture, you can see the waiting room on the right ... and the black clouds arriving

 

 

 

When you get closer you can see that it's in a state of disrepair.

 

 

 

 

 

At some places, the rust is poping up, carving the paint 

 

 

Of course, the company could have the train fully stripped, all the rust sanded off, and primed and painted again.

 

I'm not going to blame the company because it operates a small line which, although touristy, is certainly not very profitable ... or even loss-making. 

What's more, in addition to the cost of such an operation, you have to think about the unavailability of the train (there's only one train set) and the resulting loss of revenue. 

 

I can make also some shots through the passenger windows of car n°2

 

 

 

I love this wooden ambiance. 

 

The Fujikyu 6501 which was in the background of the video is now at the platform. 

 

 

 

Doors are mainly closed but I can shoot the cabin through the windows

 

 

The doors of the Fujisan View Express are now open, the welcome carpet and the conductor are welcoming the passengers

 

 

As soon as you enter the train, a train attendant drives you to your place and gives you the list of food and bevarages you can purchase aboard. 

 

I'm not the first to board in but I'm shooting immediatly the cabin through the internal window

 

 

It's better picture than one the I shot through the side glass of the car n°3 cabin

 

 

but you can see on it more details. 

 

It's time to sit, relax en enjoy the ride !

 

 

 

 

Edited November 11, 2023 by JR East
Typos, corrections ... as usual

[JR East]

Day 4 - September 15th, 2023 – Tokyo Shinjuku - Otsuki - Kawaguchiko

Limited Express Fuji-Excursion & Fujisan View Express (Part 3)

 

I told you previously I was not the first aboard, so that I'll not shoot an empty car.

 

 

Car n°1 is the 'luxury' car. The main difference with car n°2 & 3 are:

 

• A train attendant is taking care of passengers, taking orders and serving them
• The seating plan is completly different, with a large table
• You've a nice view of the cabin .... if you're seated like me (where the bag is) !

 

 

Despite my camera is broken, I'm with my camera bag as it's a convenient bag to store also my purchases

 

 

You can either order at the counter

 

 

or ask the train attendant. Whilst I'm waiting to be served, I'm having a look at the booklet given at boarding

 

 

It's introducing the train layout, with depiction of each car

 

 

Followed by an outlook of what you can do along the train line

 

 

Next time ... I'll do some of them. You've also an information of what is on sale aboard (unfortunately, not all goodies are available .... snub !)

 

 

and finishing with a nice map

 

 

As you can see, seat 14 offers you a wide 2-full windows view, the other ones are partially masked once other passengers are seated. 

 

 

The train slowly grants all the passengers and nearly all seats become occupied, including 4 of the 5 seats around the table

 

The train is leaving the station as I'm served a nice tasty sake (600 yens ...)

 

 

and an excellent Fujisan branded Dorayaki (500 yens if my memory is good)

 

 

The train runs quite slowly on the curved tracks, but it's a pleasure to seat there. The train attendant is really taking care of all passengers, giving them the feeling to be in First Class plane. 

 

I'll also record some videos to share with my JNS community

 

 

 

 

 

After Mitsutoge Station, the train attendant proposes each passenger to use a souvenir stamp

 

 

As I'm not a barbarian, I'll not stamp my Shuinchō (it's awfully disrespectul to put such a stamp near the holly goshuin or shuin, and if you do it, the next time you'll pay for a shuin, the monk may refuse to do it)

 

I'm going to use the unprinted side of my coaster.

 

 

 

Arriving at Shimoyoshida, the train makes a brief stop.

 

 

The countryside scrolls through the windows like a painting. 

 

 

The train arrives at Fuji Station

 

 

 

 

Then the train sets off again in the other direction towards Kawaguchiko. 

 

You see now the interest of seat n°14 ... whatever the direction, you're the 'right' direction. 

 

Just before arriving to Kawaguchiko station, there is a small maintenance yard where some rolling stocks are waiting 

 

 

I'm nearly arrived ... but some additional surprises are coming

 

Edited November 11, 2023 by JR East

[JR East]

Day 4 - September 15th, 2023 – Tokyo Shinjuku - Otsuki - Kawaguchiko

Limited Express Fuji-Excursion & Fujisan View Express (Part 4)

 

As all the passengers are rushing to the city, I'm taking the time for another small shooting

 

 

 

The Fujikyu 6000 Serues leaves Kawagushiko Station to Fuji Station

 

 

Let's walk alongside the Fujisan View Express

 

 

The red Fujikyu 6003: "La ville de Gaspar et Lisa" is stationned in the small yard beside the main platform

 

 

Nearby is a 8000 Series 

 

 

Looking to the history of the 8000 Series on Wikipedia, I realized that like the 8500 Series, it's a refurbished second hand train. Both are operated on the Fujikyuko Line you're now familiar with (part 1, 2 & 3)

 

• Fujisan View Express (Fujikyu 8500 Series)  is a former JR central 371 series seven-car EMU shorten to three-cars EMU rebuilt train (designer Eiji Mitooka)
• Fujikyu 8000 Series is a converted former Odakyu 20000 series RSE 7-car "Romancecar" EMU built in 1991, withdrawn in March 2012, purchased by Fujikyu in November 2013 and shorten to three-cars EMU 

Looking to the cars, they're suffering the same "paint on rust". 

 

 

But this is less visible

 

 

 

Leaving the platform allow the passengers to shoot the Fujisan View Express from an interesting point of view

 

 

 

It really makes this train elegant. 

 

Passing through the station, I'm arriving at the bus station where an on electric car stands

 

 

The display explains the story of the car

 

Translation (partial):

Car 1

This vehicle was newly built by Fuji Sanroku Electric Railway, the predecessor of Fuji Kyuko, during his time in 1929.

 

1 to 5 were produced, and were designed to be used for Japan's wiring running toward Mt. Fuji, with electric brakes and other measures to prevent steep slopes.  It was the vehicle of the time.  The vehicle on display was a vehicle that was salvaged from Ueda Maruko Electric Railway (currently Ueda Electric Railway) and refurbished to commemorate Fujikyuko's 60th anniversary.

 

-Vehicle specifications-

34t 102 people

 

 

As I've time enough, I'll go downtown for a lake tour on the sightseiing boat. 

 

It's roughly 20' walk from the railway station

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fnxi33cXMqgZmHVw7

 

You've options to combine the boat with the ropway but looking to the weather, I'll not do it. 

 

It's a 30' tour on the Kawaguchi lake on a fake sail boat (indeed diesel)

 

 

Looking at the first photo below, you might think I was crazy to turn down the ropeway option. 

 

 

 

But if you look at that ... it's was reasoneable

 

 

 

Meanwhile, when I'm telling you I'm cursed with Fujisan ... This is how the Fujian was on September 15th, 2023 in Kawaguchiko. I'm currrrrsssedddd !!!!!

 

I'm feeling hungry and the sky is turning black. I'm rushing to find a nice place to have lunch and I'm going to Ramen Fukuchan. It's a good 10 minutes walk from the sightseeing boat as it's climbing

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8do2F5biGMvH3YCo7

 

It's a nice restaurant, very good and affordable, with a limited choice of dishes, but of good quality

 

 

 

 

My meal was quickly prepared and served 

 

 

just at the moment it started to rain like hell. As the railway station is 10-15 minutes away from the restaurant (it's climbing more and more), I'm not in a particular hurry and I can have my lunch at slow pace. 

 

It's really something I do appreciate in Japan. Simple dishes, well prepared and tasty. Together with a low alcool beer (4.5°) it's light and refreshing. 

 

The rain is slowly stopping as I'm leaving the restaurant. 

 

Edited November 11, 2023 by JR East
Typos, corrections ... as usual

[kuro68000]

I thought that photo of the cab had some weird artefacts due to the camera sensor being moved or glitching or something, but on closer inspection it seems to actually just be like that!

 

I wonder how it got that bad. Almost looks like it's been in an accident and welded back together very poorly. But more likely it's due to rust removal and repairs. Whoever did it was apparently no expert though.

 

Thanks again for the great photos and videos.

[JR East]

Day 4 - September 15th, 2023 – Kawaguchiko – Tokyo Shinjuku

Limited Express Fuji-Excursion 44

 

 

Back to Kawaguchiko Station, the small building is crowded with people. Some of them are just arrived from Otsuki and are waiting for the rain to stop, other are waiting for their train to be back to Otsuki or Tokyo.

 

The time to make a short pitstop (or pee stop) and I'm back to the platform for another train spotting. 

 

One remark for those travelling with a JR Pass. From Tokyo Shinjuku to Otsuki, the JR Pass can be used. But even if you're continuing with JR East Fuji-Excursion, or  if you're back from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo with the Fuji-Excursion, you'll have to pay an extra charge for the journey Otsuki to Kawaguchiko or Kawagushiko to Otsuki as this is not a JR line but a private company operating the Fujikyuko Line where JR Pass is not valid.

It's explained clearly on JR East website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/hachioji/fuji_excursion/en/

 

One thing I forgot to shoot at Tokyo Shinjuku is the particular display on the Limited Express Fuji-Excursion (I'm not sure it's displayed from Shinjuku to Otsuki ... but I fully rely on the incredible knowledge of JNS Forum members to give the answer)

 

On top of the "standard display" in Japanese or English

 

 

 

There is a nice logo I really find cute

 

 

Meanwhile, if you're purchasing the KATO E353, you'll have them as part of the labels to stick (you can also order the Assy 101834E1).

 

Here below a view of the small yard nearby the platform with Fujikyu 8000 Series & JR E353 Series in background

 

 

Below, a Fujikyu 6000 Series, specially wrapped to remind that Fujikyu Railway and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn in Switzerland in 1991 have signed a "sister railway" agreement. This is mentioned on Wikipedia for the Fuji Kyuko page (see History). On the first door you can see the famous Glacier Express ...

 

 

And on the second door the well known Matterhorn (Cervino / Cervin). I'm sure you recognized the shape ... If you've seen an old Toblerone bar (why 'old"? Mondelez - owner of Toblerone - is not more authorized to display the shape of the Matterhorn or the swiss cross on the Toblerone as the product is not made anymore with swiss milk). 

 

 

In the meantimes, another Fujikyu 6000 Series has arrived and passengers are nearly finished to disembark. In background, the Fujisan View Express

 

 

 

 

As I've presented you the JR E353 series in detail, I'll not do it again. Arrived at Tokyo Shinjuku 1 hour late due to heavy rain (a tokyo power substation was flooded by rain, interrupting the Chuo Line and severely disrupting other traffic), I'm deciding to go to my favorite bar ... The Ginza Panorama Bar in Shubuya

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nv3rzqmwsvVLuTv3A

 

Despite Google Maps gives 14 minutes to go, it's more 20-25 minutes in real life (you've to climb a terrible slope in the street going to the bar). It's not that easy to find as it's on Floor 3 (ground floor + 2 in europe)  in an ordinary building. 

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tEua4z1iGoiVVS5c9

 

If you're in Tokyo, it's really a place to go. The bar tender is really a sympathic guy. He's not speaking English but with Google translate on my phone, we were able to "speak". It's not my first visit and he was remembering my lastest visit (he gave me  acouple post card with Dr Yellow and Shinkansen Serie O as present).  He was not aware of JNS Forum ... now he's !!!

 

What makes this bar different to the others?

 

All the customers are sitting around a large layout with trains running on it.

 

  

 

 

 

Lots of trains are displayed in the display cabinet and you can ask the bar tender to run your favorite one (I've asked him for the Kiha 85)

 

 

The coasters are in keeping with the railway theme

 

 

There is a small seating fee (500 yens). You can drink cocktails as well as cold beer (750 yens for a large beer). They are also serving small bites, but less than a normal Isakaya. 

 

Believe me ... it's really difficult to leave this place. 

 

It's time to be back to Shimbashi

 

 

After this train's orgy, let's have an orgy of Japanese delicacies

 

First a sake as it's usually served in any Isakaya (The waiter pours the sake into the glass until it overflows into the wooden box. It's a traditional way of doing things that gives the customer the impression that he's getting more than he paid for. I love it)

 

 

Then crispy tempura

 

 

followed by fatty tuna (belly part)

 

 

and as dessert, I'm having a matcha ice cream and something you can find only in Japan: the famous Warabimochi (I let you discover what is that made of .. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warabimochi)

 

 

It's time for me to go to bed. I'm leaving Japan tomorrow BUT I do recommend you to follow this post ... you know me ... there is always a bonus !!!

 

 

 

Edited November 11, 2023 by JR East
Typos, corrections ... as usual

[Kamome]

Panorama bar is great. All cocktails named after trains. Remember drinking a Dr. Yellow but can’t remember what was in it. I went with my wife and in-laws many years ago when my father-in-law was stationed for work near Asakusa. (Think he kind of misses those days.)

 

I remember a chap chatting quite loudly while his Microace DD54 was running around the layout and they had an O gauge DD54 sat on a shelf, which kept drawing my attention. To cut a long story short I visited the temporary Kato shop in Shinjuku (Current Hobby Centre was being renovated) and purchased a Royal spec DD54 and royal train. 

 

The barman gave me 4 JNR rail maps covering the whole of Japan. I still have them hung on my wall. 

[JR East]

Day 5 - September 16th, 2023 – Hobby Centre Kato

Bonus #1

 

I'll be leaving Tokyo tonite from Narita Airport. It's a late flight so that I've time enough from a double bonus. 

 

I've dropped my lugages in the Keisei Ueno locker for 700 yens.

 

From Uneo station, the easiest way is a mix of Yamanote line and bus: 

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TGuMKYBsLH758X6G8

 

As it's really warm today, the announced 43 minutes turn more into a small hour. 

 

The bus leaves you at Nishi-Ochiai-Itchōme station, then it's by foot. You've simply to go straight in Nishiki Chome (street).

 

The Kato building is impossible to miss unless you're blind.

 

 

 

Visitors are welcomed by a first diorama

 

 

the ground floor is mainly devoted to displaying products in showcases you can purchase.

 

Note: The Hobby Centre Kato doesn't sell only Kato products. They are also selling some Tomix, GreenMax and MicroAce trains (I purchased one JR 313 series plus one MicroAceFujisan View Express and some spare pars & label esp. for my JR 103 series)

 

 

There are also coming models not released for sale

 

 

 

lots of spare parts (it's really the place to be for those who want to repair their rolling stock)

 

 

You can also purchase various kind of container (for those JNS forum members saying 'there is never enough Kokis')

 

 

There is also a huge choice of buildings for your layouts

 

 

and many other things

 

 

Close to the door is a big layout where some trains are running

 

 

You can walk around to see the various landscapes

 

 

 

... including streecars and metro. 

 

 

The first floor is a nice place as you can run your trains if you've purchased at least for 500 yens (if I don't mind)

 

 

 

It's a kingdom for children and adults. 

 

What is fun is that you're not obliged to run Kato trains, you can run also other brands without being blamed. 

 

 

It's not too late when I'm leaving the Hobby Center Kato to JR Yamanote Mejiro Station.

 

In front of the station is a small food truck selling "French" pancakes. It's a concept as Papa Crêpes it typically Japanese. 

 

 

I've in mind to go to ... (you'll discover it in the second bonus).

 

 

Edited November 12, 2023 by JR East
Typos, corrections ... as usual