Grade crossings.....that rarely open

[bill937ca]

Given the intensity of train operation found on many Japanese railways, grade crossings in Japan are known to come down more often and for longer than many of us are used to. Some rarely go up for extended periods.

 

This video over two hours long and  taken March 19, 2010 shows Shimokitazawa Station near Shinjuku Odakyu on the Odakyu Electric Railway.  In the background their is an electric sign with two arrows that previews the direction of the next train.  This video is also a source of great train background sounds.

 

 

Japan has 32,000 grade crossings and Tokyo has over 1,600 alone.

 

 A Japan Times article published  in 2000 after a fatal accident noted Urashima crossing includes inbound and outbound tracks of  three JR East lines.  On weekdays between 0700 and 0900 their are over 160 trains pass through this grade crossing.

 

The article is here:   http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2000/10/25/news/grade-crossings-taking-time-taking-lives/#.UWKusMrSzCI

 

Near JR Hiroshima there is another crossing that spends more time down than open.

 

I will most more videos and articles as I come across them.

[Densha]

In that video you linked almost everytime the crossing already closes about 1 minute and 30 seconds for the train appears. If you take such a long period before the train appears of course the crossing won't open often. I'd say one minute is more than enough. Anyone who knows more?

[bill937ca]

Eight minutes at Keikyu Shinagawa grade crossing.

 

 

[bill937ca]

Shimokitazawa Station again but at a busy time.

 

 

 

Tofukuji station in Kyoto with the Keihan Main Line and JR Nara line at a relatively quiet time. 

 

[Mudkip Orange]

Isn't this the section that was undergrounded recently?

[Sacto1985]

Isn't this the section that was undergrounded recently?

 

You are correct. the Odakyu Odawara Line's Shimo-Kitazawa Station was switched undergrond as of March 23, 2013.

[ToniBabelony]

Keisei Takasago:

 

(brings back memories)

 

Odakyu Shinjuku. An endless stream of trains (with some editing I presume):

 

[bill937ca]

This is  Meidaimae on the Keio  where the Keio line crosses the Inokashira Line.  Trains back up and the crosssings near the station rarely open during busy periods.