Thursday 5 June 2014

Rebirth of Springtime in Ochanomizu

EMU Tokyo Metro 02 series passes through a full blown Sakura tree (April, 2014)
 
The season of Sakura (cherry) blossoms in Tokyo has already passed, but I still want to show you something.

Look at the top photo. You can see a full-blown Sakura tree near Ochanomizu Station on the Subway, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. I introduced this spot last year... but look at this year's Sakura blossoms again. Has it grown? It might just be me.

You can also compare it with the autumn scene of this spot last year. Please look at the following photo. The autumn leaves are also lovely in this spot. Blooming, autumn leaves, then, blooming again... Ochanomizu is my favorite spot to see the different seasons and the rebirth of springtime.

In the meantime, the train in front of the Sakura tree is the EMU Tokyo Metro 02 series. It was launched in 1988 to replace old decrepit models. A total of 59 sets, 336 units have been manufactured so far by Nippon Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo and Tokyu Sharyo. The 02 series was designed based on the 01 series on the Ginza Line, because the track gauge (1,435mm), electric system (600V DC third rail) and the size of the vehicle gauge are same.

The boxy aluminum body with a red stripe is my favorite. Several sets have white colored "sine waves" on the red stripe of their bodies. It is a retro design taken from the old trains such as the 300 and 500 series.

 
EMU Tokyo Metro 02 series passes through autumn leaves (November, 2013)