Anpanman Train at Takamatsu Station

As we were departing Takamatsu for Oboke and the Iya Valley in central Shikoku, I spied the Anpanman Train waited at Takamatsu Station. The family got the chance to ride another Anpanman Train later the same day from Tadotsu Station. Seems that the Anpanman Trains are a big deal in Shikoku. Even some of the garbage and recycling bins had a Anpanman Theme.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Four-Trains, Three-Bridges, Two-Tunnels and the Kanda River from Hijiri-bashi

Several weeks ago I went across town to enjoy the 2015 Kanda Matsuri. I took my camera, but I wasn't very lucky (or proficient). My shots of the matsuri parade (or procession) seemed rather dull and poorly composed. It was dusk, and the lighting was very challenging. Many of my shots were blurred or out-of-focus.

However, on the way back to Ochanomizu Station I stopped to take photos from Hijiri-bashi. In this shot, there are four-trains, three-bridges, two-tunnels and the Kanda River. Two-trains are running on the Marunochi Subway line, one-train is on JR Chou Main Line and the train further away crossing the double-bridge is on the JR Sobu Main Line. This scene makes me want to build a model train set based on this location.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 26 mm, f4.0, ISO 800, 1/2 sec.

Trains and More Trains at the Railway Museum

The family visited the Railway Museum in Onari, Saitama last week. Although it was very cold, we enjoyed seeing all the exhibits even the ones outside! We will have to visit again in the new year.

There was plenty to see. However, it would be wise to review the English museum guide before charging in to see the exhibits. Reserved tickets for the miniature train are offered at the front when the museums opens, there are several tours offered during the day, and probably other things that we missed out on.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 29 mm, f4.0, ISO 400, 1/100 sec.

The ticket machine and the entrance wicket takes Suica Cards!

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 25 mm, f4.0, ISO 400, 1/40 sec.

The card we purchased at the entrance is only good to enter the museum. I even scanned it on my Nexus 7, but it read as having "no value".

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 31 mm, f4.0, ISO 400, 1/40 sec.

The main hall of the museum has a railway turntable with a steam engine. It is a Class C57 Steam Locomotive and was JNR's last steam locomotive (1975) used to haul regular passenger trains on Muroran Main Line between Iwamizawa and Muroran in Hokkaido. It was manufactured in 1940. The turntable is activated several times a day and the train blows it's whistle.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f5.6, ISO 400, 1/10 sec.

Trains are so advanced...

The information panels on the JR Yamanote and other lines in Tokyo have gotten very advanced in the last few years.  It used to be that there would only be a sign board with a poster showing the stops and connections on the line you were on.  If you were lucky, there would be a lit sign indicating that the doors on this side or the other would open.  More advanced cars would have LED dot matrix sign boards that would change to show the upcoming station and display other important information.

The newest trains now have LCD sign boards that show all sort information about the train, upcoming stations, upcoming television shows and commercials.  Some of the information is even useful and offered in English. 

I understand that there is a delay, but I am a little confused about how a "car inspection" could cause one.

Setagaya Koen Train

The family visited Setagaya Koen (Park) several times in January, but haven't been back since. Anyway, here are more photos of that great large scale model train in Setagaya.

It costs ¥30 for elementary school students to ride, and ¥70 for middle school and older. It's such a bargain!

The original JNR D51 steam locomotive that the model train is based on is on display near the traffic play area of the park.

There is a large signboard that gives some of the engine's vital details.

Airport Limited Express / Narita Sky Access Express

The Japanese really seem to pay attention to details.  Recently, I was took the Airport Limited Express and Narita Sky Access Express to Narita airport.  This train runs on the same tracks as the Narita Sky Access. 

Since I was going to the airport to meet someone arriving to join my office, I had plenty of time and took a comfortable train without reserved seating for about ¥1300.  In about 80-minutes from Daimon I arrived at Narita.

Anyway, I noticed that the upholstery on the train was covered with a beautiful sky and 747 airliner design.

Shinkansen Hashi?

I visited the 2010 Great Train Expo Summer Family Festival last weekend at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa. It was lots of fun of for the kids. There was a little too much merchandise for sale and not enough train displays for my liking especially since tickets were about ¥1,300 for adults. However, one of the more interesting things for sale wee Shinkansen Hashi (Chopsticks).