Akebono train

On March 31st and April 1st, hubby and I visited his ancestral home in Ichinomiya city which is located near Nagoya. For the past couple of years, we had been planning to experience travelling by an overnight sleeper train named Akebono but somehow we always end up travelling by air. But this time we could make our wish of travelling by Akebono train come true, and on the night of March 30th we took this train at Akita railway station and reached Ueno railway station in Tokyo the next morning. It was a nice experience. Later we used Shinkansen bullet train for travelling from Tokyo to Nagoya.

Akebono is a limited express overnight sleeper train service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The train connects Aomori station in Aomori prefecture to Ueno station in Tokyo, and runs on Uetsu Main Line and Joetsu Line. The train is formed of Series 24 sleeping cars based at JR East Aomori Depot. The train consists of 13 cars which includes a KaNi24 generator car at the Aomori end. The train is hauled by an Aomori Depot based EF81 dual-voltage electric locomotive between Aomori and Nagaoka, and by a JR East Nagaoka Depot based Class EF64-1000 DC electric locomotive between Nagaoka and Ueno. The maximum speed of the train is 110 kilometers per hour. The entire journey from Aomori to Ueno takes about 12.5 hours with many stops along the way.

Akebono train began its operation in October 1970 and initially used to run on a different line named Tohoku Main Line. The train was hauled by an ED75 AC electric locomotive between Aomori and Kuroiso (in Tochigi prefecture), and by an EF65-1000 DC electric locomotive between Kuroiso and Ueno. The train was later hauled by EF81 electric locomotive throughout, until March 2009.

Akebono train offers four kinds of seat accommodations. The first kind is Single Deluxe which is the best room in the train. The bed is 196 cm long and 80 cm wide in size. This room has a small desk, a sink, and a television. The second kind of seat is called Solo, which is a basic kind of single room located at lower and upper levels. The third kind of seat is known as Type B compartment which is very basic sleeper with four beds in one compartment. There are two lower berths and two upper berths. The lower berths are 195 cm long, 70 cm wide, and 111 cm high while the upper berths are 195 cm long, 70 cm wide, and 95 cm high. The fourth kind of seat is known as Goron-to-sheeto where the size of the bed is exactly the same as type B compartment but it is not necessary to pay any extra charge for reservation. People having Japan Rail Pass usually opt for Goron-to-sheeto.

Hubby reserved two one-way tickets three days prior to our travel by Akebono train. He opted for Type B compartment kind of seats for us, and paid 18160 Yen per ticket for the 9.6 hours journey from Akita to Ueno. On March 30th, we left home in the evening and reached Akita railway station by our car at about 8.45 pm. We parked our car at a parking area located adjacent to the railway station, and then went to the platform for Akebono train. The train arrived from Aomori direction at about 9.17 pm. We boarded the train and it left the station at 9.23 pm. It is interesting to note that almost all kinds of trains in Japan usually run on exact time.

Akebono train hauled by EF81 electric locomotive at Akita railway station

Type B compartment car of Akebono train

‘Limited Express Akebono for Ueno’ written on the side of a car of the train

I am entering inside a Type B compartment car at Akita station

This year March 30th was the last day of the fiscal and academic year in Japan, and therefore many people were moving to new places either for study or for new employment. Because of this reason most of the seats in the train were already reserved much earlier than we expected, and so hubby and I got Type B sleeper seats in two different cars of the train. First we entered inside Type B compartment car having my reserved seat number. After entering inside the car, the door of the car closed and the train started moving. We realized that we were in one of the end section of the car, and we had to open yet another door to enter inside the Type B compartments. While walking down the aisle of these Type B compartments, we saw that the curtains of almost all the berths were drawn and people were fast asleep. On reaching the lower berth of my compartment, we realized that the other three berths adjacent to mine were still empty, but soon at the next station people got into those berths. The sleeper seat was perfectly comfortable. Each seat was provided with a pair of yukata robe, a pillow, a bed sheet, a blanket, a hanger, and a pair of slippers to walk around in. After about thirty minutes of chatting, hubby decided to go to his seat in the next car of the train. He drew the curtain of my lower berth which provided some degree of privacy. Anyway I did not wear the yukata provided at the seat, and tried to relax in the clothes I was wearing. Everything around me looked so neat and clean. I could not sleep for a while and looked outside the window for quite some time. I saw beautiful dark views of farms, trees, hills, mountains, towns and cities pass by. Sometimes it was just too dark outside to see anything but I enjoyed the journey. I felt nostalgic and was reminded of my childhood days in India when I used to travel a lot by sleeper trains. However I should say that everything was extremely clean and orderly inside Akebono train as compared with the sleeper trains in India.

The entrance door of the car (left side of the photo) and another door (middle of the photo) as viewed from the end section inside the car. The door in the middle of the photo leads to the Type B compartments.

The door leading to the Type B compartments as viewed from the aisle

Aisle of the car with Type B compartments

I am walking down the aisle of the car

Aisle of the car with Type B compartments as viewed from the opposite direction

Two lower and two upper berths of my compartment along with various amenities like yukata robes, pillows, blankets, and slippers

My lower berth

The lower berth adjacent to mine in the compartment

I am sitting in my lower berth sleeper seat

Hubby has drawn the curtain of my berth

Hubby saying bye to me before going to his sleeper seat in the next car of the train

Hubby walked past the inter-carriage gangway doors between the two cars of the train and reached the adjacent car. While walking down the aisle of that car towards his Type B sleeper seat, he realized that several berths of many compartments were empty. But after the train stopped at a couple of stations, many people boarded the train and eventually all the berths were occupied.

Fully enclosed inter-carriage gangway area and the end section of the adjacent car

Aisle of the adjacent car with Type B compartments

At about 4.45 am the next morning, hubby returned back to my sleeper seat and sat down. He got only a few hours of sleep and so he was still very sleepy. I took several photos of him in various moods. After about half an hour, the train stopped at a station where several people got off, and the other three berths in my compartment became empty. Soon hubby became fully awake and started walking up and down the aisle, looking out of the window, and taking photos and videos. I climbed up the steps in my compartment to get a good look at the upper berths. I also compiled a video of us sitting and relaxing inside the train. We really had a nice time inside the train.

Hubby yawning (upper), sleepy (middle), and in a pensive mood (lower)

Hubby in a thoughtful mood and I am just plain tired and sleepy

I am climbing up the steps in my compartment

A compiled video of us sitting and relaxing inside the train

The train reached Ueno terminal station at 6.58 am. After getting off the train at Ueno station, we took many photos of the train for memories sake. In fact we took photos of the train from various angles and positions.

Looking into hubby’s compartment through the glass window from outside the train

Fully enclosed inter-carriage gangway area as viewed from outside the train

Cars of the train

Part of one of the cars of the train and a part of EF64-1052 electric locomotive

EF64-1052 electric locomotive

Closer view of the electric locomotive

Hubby standing in front of the electric locomotive

We had a fun filled 575 minutes journey from Akita to Ueno by Akebono train. It was a comfortable and memorable journey, and we really had a nice time. I felt a tinge of nostalgia for memories of childhood travel by Indian sleeper trains. Later in the morning we went to see Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha statue in Ushiku city, about which I will write in the next post.

The Railway Museum

In the month of May, hubby had been to Tokyo on a work related trip for six days. I also accompanied him and did a lot of shopping all those days. May 23rd was a Sunday and so we decided to utilize that day to do some sightseeing. We visited the Railway Museum in Saitama city.

The Railway Museum (Tetsudo Hakubutsukan in Japanese) is located in Omiya ward of Saitama city in Saitama prefecture and was opened in 2007. It was built and is operated by the East Japan Railway Culture Foundation, a non-profit affiliate of the East Japan Railway Company. The museum preserves the heritage and materials of railways of Japan as well as abroad. It is a historical museum that emphasizes the industrial history of the development of the railway system with displays of actual models. It is also an educational museum where research and development is conducted. People can learn about the principles, systems, and various technologies of railways through models, simulations, and play equipment. This museum is the successor to the Transportation Museum that was located in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

From Omiya railway station, we took Saitama Shin-toshi Kotsu New Shuttle train line which is just one stop to Tetsudo Hakubutsukan station. The museum is one minute walk away from this station. The New Shuttle is a monorail that runs next to a shinkansen line. We went into the front carriage and it was fun to watch the train driver operating the train.

In front of Saitama Shin-toshi Kotsu New Shuttle train railway station at Omiya

In the front carriage of New Shuttle monorail

While walking towards the entrance of the museum, we saw displays of engine parts and wheels of locomotives. We also saw the front end only, that is, the smokebox of Class D51 steam locomotive (Number: D51-426). After purchasing tickets worth 1000 Yen per person, we entered the museum. The museum has three floors, and after looking up the floor layout we decided to first see the History zone at the first floor.

In front of the Railway Museum

Display of engine parts and locomotive wheels

Locomotive wheels

Smokebox of Number D51-426 steam locomotive

Entrance of the Railway Museum

Hubby looking up the floor layout of the museum

First Floor
As soon as we entered the first floor of the museum, we a saw huge space called History zone. History zone is one of the main exhibits in the museum where the history and transitions in train technology and systems are introduced by theme and time period from the start of Japanese railways in the early Meiji period to the present. This zone is divided into seven categories.

1. Birth of railways
Locomotives active in the Meiji period are exhibited here.

First we saw a steam locomotive No.1 (Class: 150, Number: 150). It was one of the first steam locomotives (British built) used on Shinbashi - Yokohama line in 1872. It was manufactured in 1871. It was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1997 and as Railway Monument in 1958. The scenes of the 1870s original Shinbashi station are reproduced with the No.1 locomotive. No.150 engine's rear hook passenger car is a reproduction of the original passenger car and was exhibited in Manseibashi Museum from August 1970. A puppet of a lightman in Meiji period costume is seen on the roof of the passenger car.

Steam locomotive No.1 (Class: 150, Number: 150)

Side view of steam locomotive No.1

Hubby next to the steam locomotive No.1

Passenger car that is rear hooked to steam locomotive No.1

The next exhibit was Zenko steam locomotive (Class: 1290, Number: 1292) which was one of the earlier steam locomotives imported and used by Nippon Railway for railroad construction between Ueno and Kumagaya. Zenko Number 1292 was manufactured in 1881. The engine is named as Zenko because it was offloaded at Arakawa River dock near Zenkoji Temple in today's Kawaguchi city in Saitama prefecture. It was designated as a Railway Monument in 1959.

Zenko steam locomotive (Class: 1290, Number: 1292)

Side view of Zenko steam locomotive

The next exhibit was Benkei steam locomotive (Class: 7100, Number: 7101) which was the first steam locomotive on Horonai railway in Hokkaido (opened 1880). Benkei Number 7101 was manufactured in 1880 and designated as a Railway Monument in 1958. Hooked to the rear of Benkei locomotive is the passenger carriage named Kaitakushi (Class, Number: Kotoku 5010) that was manufactured in 1880. This special passenger car was imported from America for high-ranking officials of Hokkaido Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Colonization Office) riding Horonai railway.

Benkei steam locomotive (Class: 7100, Number: 7101). Passenger carriage Kaitakushi is hooked to the rear of Benkei.

We missed seeing one of the early passenger carriages under this category.


2. National railway network
Under this category, carriages are exhibited which were active from the end of Meiji period to Taisho period, when the railway network expanded throughout the country. Several carriages powered in a variety of ways are exhibited.

The first exhibit was Hanifu 1 passenger and luggage carriage (Class: De 963, Number: De 968). It was used by Kobu Railway between Iidamachi and Nakano (presently part of Tokyo's Chuo line). It was the first electrical railcar of the government after the railway nationalization in 1906-07. This carriage was manufactured in 1904.

Hanifu 1 passenger and luggage carriage (Class: De 963, Number: De 968)

The next exhibit on display was Class Nade 6110 electric railcar (Number: Nade 6141). ‘Na’ means weight about 30 tons and ‘de’ means motor car. It was the early phase urban commuter electric railcar and was the main commuter train on Tokyo's Yamanote line and Chuo line. This electric railcar was manufactured in 1914. It was designated as a Railway Monument in 1972. We went inside the carriage and appreciated the interior.

Class Nade 6110 electric railcar (Number: Nade 6141)

Me inside Nade 6110 electric railcar

Next we saw an exhibit named Class ED40 Abt rack-and-pinion electric locomotive (Number: ED40-10). It was the first domestically mass-produced rack track system electric locomotive and was used on 66.7% Usui Mountain Pass of government railways' Shinetsu main line. This preserved electric locomotive was manufactured in 1921. The maintenance scene of ED40 is reproduced here.

Class ED40 Abt rack-and-pinion electric locomotive (Number: ED40-10)

After this we saw an exhibit named Class ED17 electric locomotive (Number: ED17-1). It was one of the first imported electric locomotive (British-built) used to haul passenger trains on electrified Tokaido main line between Tokyo and Kozu. This electric locomotive was manufactured in 1923.

Class ED17 electric locomotive (Number: ED17-1)

Next we saw an exhibit named Class Kiha 41300 railcar (Number: Kiha 41307). ‘Ki’ means diesel (internal-combustion) railcar and ‘ha’ means 3rd passenger class (later 2nd class). It was the government railway’s first mass-produced gasoline railcar used on various local non-electrified lines. The displayed diesel car was manufactured in 1934.

Class Kiha 41300 railcar (Number: Kiha 41307)

We missed seeing a steam locomotive under this category.


3. Limited express services and commuter transport
Carriages used during the pre-World War II Showa period are exhibited under this category. Observation carriages of limited express trains as well as steam locomotives which pulled limited express and urban commuter trains are displayed.

The first exhibit we saw was Class C51 steam locomotive (Number: C51-5). It was the first domestically produced high-speed passenger locomotive used for express services on Tokaido main line and regional trunk lines. The displayed steam locomotive was manufactured in 1920.

Class C51 steam locomotive (Number: C51-5)

Next we saw a grand display of an exhibit named Class C57 steam locomotive (Number: C57-135). It was the first Japanese modern standard passenger engine and the Japanese national railway’s (JNR) last steam locomotive (1975) used to haul regular passenger trains on Muroran main line between Iwamizawa and Muroran in Hokkaido. The displayed locomotive was manufactured in 1940.

Class C57 steam locomotive (Number: C57-135)

Side view of C57 steam locomotive

Me in front of C57 steam locomotive

Wheels of C57 steam locomotive

Me maintaining and repairing C57 steam locomotive

In addition, there were two passenger carriages and an electric railcar on display under this category but we missed seeing them.


4. Mass transportation and electrification
Japan's railway system underwent technical advancement during and after World War II. Many local lines were electrif­ied, and carriages and facilities were modernized with the distribution of power transmission to individual carriages on electric and diesel trains.

The first exhibit we saw was Class Nahanefu 22 sleeping car (Number: Nahanefu 22-1). ‘Na’ means weight about 30 tons, ‘ha’ means 3rd (later 2nd) passenger class, ‘ne’ means sleeping car, and ‘fu’ means with conductor room. It was the first permanently-coupled type night train with generator car for carriage cooling and heating. This passenger car series was used for Asakaze limited express between Tokyo and Hakata. The sleeping car on display was manufactured in 1964.

Class Nahanefu 22 sleeping car (Number: Nahanefu 22-1)

Hubby in front of Nahanefu 22 sleeping car

Three tiered compartment of Nahanefu 22 sleeping car

Three tiered compartment of Nahanefu 22 sleeping car

Puppet of a railway staff inside three tiered compartment of Nahanefu 22 sleeping car

Next we saw an exhibit named Class Kuha 181 electric railcar (Number: Kuha 181-45). ‘Ku’ means driving car and ‘ha’ means 3rd (later 2nd) passenger class. It was Japan’s first electric multiple unit (EMU) for long distance limited express train with maximum speed of 110 kilometers per hour and travel time of 6.5 hours between Tokyo and Osaka. The electric railcar on display was manufactured in 1965.

Class Kuha 181 electric railcar (Number: Kuha 181-45)

There was an electric locomotive and another electric railcar on display which we missed seeing.


5. Nationwide limited express network
The progress of AC electric technology that was established in the late 50s, led to the spread of electri­fied railroads nationwide. Trains capable of running on both AC and DC currents were developed, and as a result express and limited express train service became available nationwide.

The first exhibit we saw was Class Kuha 481 electric railcar (Number: Kuha 481-26). ‘Ku’ means driving car and ‘ha’ means 2nd passenger class. This is the first AC/DC limited express EMU for through services between DC and AC electrified sections in both east (50 Hz) and west (60 Hz) Japan. The displayed railcar was manufactured in 1965.

Class Kuha 481 electric railcar (Number: Kuha 481-26)

The next exhibit we saw was Class ED75 electric locomotive (Number: ED75-775). It was the first mass produced standardized AC electric locomotive used as cold and snow resistant 700 series on Uetsu main line and Ou main line. The electric locomotive on display was manufactured in 1975.

Class ED75 electric locomotive (Number: ED75-775). Photo is taken from the second floor.

Then we saw an exhibit named Class Kumoha 455 electric railcar (Number: Kumoha 455-1). ‘Ku’ means driving car, ‘mo’ means motor car, and ‘ha’ means 2nd passenger class. It was the first AC/DC EMU for express train used for through services between 50 Hz AC electrified sections and DC sections on Tohoku main line and Joban line. The displayed electric railcar was manufactured in 1965.

Third from left is Class Kumoha 455 electric railcar (Number: Kumoha 455-1). Photo is taken from the second floor. First and second exhibits from left are ED75 electric locomotive and Kuha 481 electric railcar (partially seen), respectively.

We missed seeing an electric railcar under this category.


6. Shinkansen
Various technologies accumulated since the Meiji period to overcome the constraints of narrow-gauge led to the birth of Tokaido shinkansen. It was launched to solve the transportation capacity problems of Tokaido main line which was reaching its limits.

The first exhibit we saw was the front of the first carriage of Tokaido shinkansen series 0 (Class 21, Number 21-25), which was a combination of highly reliable technology including AC electri­fication and the electric train propulsion method that enabled it to reach speeds of 200 kilometers per hour. The displayed shinkansen was manufactured in 1964.

Tokaido shinkansen series 0 (Class 21, Number 21-25)

The next exhibit was a series 200 model (Class 222, Number 222-35) which was the first generation of Tohoku and Joetsu shinkansen with cold and snow countermeasures for running through regions with heavy snowfall. The displayed shinkansen was manufactured in 1982.

Series 200 shinkansen (Class 222, Number 222-35)

7. Freight transport
Since its beginning in Meiji period, the railway system has not only carried passengers but has handled cargo also. The history of rail freight transport is introduced under this category.

The first exhibit we saw was Class EF66 electric locomotive (Number: EF66-11). It was the most powerful high-performance DC locomotive for hauling high-speed express freight trains as well as all-sleeping-car limited express trains between Tokyo and Shimonoseki. The displayed electric locomotive was manufactured in 1968. We went inside the driver’s cabin of this electric locomotive and experienced the operation of the train by ourselves. It was really fun. I compiled a video of hubby starting the driving of EF66 locomotive.

Class EF66 electric locomotive (Number: EF66-11)

Hubby at driver’s seat inside EF66 electric locomotive

A compiled video of hubby starting the driving of EF66 locomotive

Next, we saw an exhibit named Class Koki 50000 container wagon (Number: Koki 50000). It was the main high-speed container freight wagon on Tokaido and Sanyo main lines. The displayed wagon was manufactured in 1971.

Class Koki 50000 container wagon (Number: Koki 50000)

We missed seeing a refrigerated wagon and a diesel locomotive under this category. But we finished seeing most of the trains displayed in the History zone.


Second floor
Next, we went to the second floor of the museum. From the second floor, we got a wonderful view of many of the trains exhibited in the History zone at the first floor. Class C57 steam locomotive was exhibited centrally and installed on a working turntable at the first floor. At 3 pm, there was an amazing demonstration on how trains change directions. The locomotive whistle was blown and the turntable was slowly rotated so that we got a thorough view of C57 steam locomotive from various angles standing at the second floor. We took a video of C57 steam locomotive rotating on a turntable.

Second floor of the Railway Museum

History zone as seen from the second floor

Trains exhibited at the History zone as seen from the second floor

Class C57 steam locomotive installed on a turntable

Video of C57 steam locomotive rotating on a turntable

Next, we went to see the Railway History Chronological Table at the second floor. It was really interesting to read the history of the railway system of Japan. There was a unique display of a collection of memorabilia and photographs. Various miniature models of shinkansen trains were also displayed here.

Railway History Chronological Table

Railway History Chronological Table

Display of miniature models of shinkansen trains

After this, we went to the Learning Hall located at the second floor where we came to know about various kinds of railway tracks and gauge system as well as the operation of railway wheels. From this hall, we got a beautiful view of cute miniature trains operating on miniature tracks outside at the first floor.

Hubby inside the Learning Hall standing next to a railway wheel

Hubby standing next to a model of a railway track and reading about the gauge system

Miniature trains operating on miniature tracks

Next, we went to the Collection Gallery located at the second floor. Here a collection of Japan railway memorabilia, station signs, uniforms, photographs, and various train logo signs were displayed. A few train platforms were also reconstructed.

Hubby standing next to a model of a notice board indicating departure and arrival timings of shinkansen trains

Display of various train logo signs

Third Floor
Next we went to the View Deck at the third floor. Here we saw two shinkansen trains pass by from a very close range.


We finished viewing the Railway Museum by 4.30 pm. The History zone of the museum with its amazing collection of old (and not so old) trains was superb. We had late lunch at a restaurant located inside the museum and then left the museum at about 5.30 pm. We returned back to the hotel in Asakusa where we stayed for a few days.