Japanese Railways

[sparks]

I'm off to Japan for the first time over Easter (very exciting) and I've been looking for model shops on the net. I've found a few listings, of which this one seems to be the best http://users.skynet.be/bk338048/modelshopstokyo.htm, but all of the lists seem to be around 10 years old.

 

Does anyone have any recent recommendations please? I'll be in Tokyo and Kyoto mostly (and Hiroshima briefly) and I would be looking for H0 (1:80) EMUs, either new or secondhand.

 

Thanks

[dmustu]

There are quite a few around Akihabara, follow the signs for the Electric Town exit. You come out onto a long straight road with a green railway bridge going over it, pass under the bridge and carry on down the road, there's a shop called Tam Tam which is quite good. It's located in a building on a street corner, on the left hand side of the road, (sorry I can't be more specific), its several floors up in the building so you'll need to look up as the sign for it is at the same height as the shop!

 

Closer to the station, look out for a branch of KFC on a side street off the same road that Tam Tam is on, just past the KFC is a building with 2 model shops in, one a general shop that had a lot of HO gauge stuff, and the other was a Greenmax shop.

 

Otherwise most large department stores have a floor that sells toys and hobbies, most of these will have a model railway section, and there's also the Kato Hobby Center in Shinjuku, although I've not visited it myself.

 

Hiroshima has a shop located within the railway station itself.

[SHMD]

Is the "electronics market" still located near the station in Akihabara?

If so, then stock up on wire, switches, tools, LEDs, resisters, etc...

 

 

Kev.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Tam Tam in Akihabara (Tokyo) has a good reputation; with new and second-hand stock. It is on my hit-list when I'm out there next month.

[sparks]

There are quite a few around Akihabara, follow the signs for the Electric Town exit. You come out onto a long straight road with a green railway bridge going over it, pass under the bridge and carry on down the road, there's a shop called Tam Tam which is quite good. It's located in a building on a street corner, on the left hand side of the road, (sorry I can't be more specific), its several floors up in the building so you'll need to look up as the sign for it is at the same height as the shop!

 

Closer to the station, look out for a branch of KFC on a side street off the same road that Tam Tam is on, just past the KFC is a building with 2 model shops in, one a general shop that had a lot of HO gauge stuff, and the other was a Greenmax shop.

 

Otherwise most large department stores have a floor that sells toys and hobbies, most of these will have a model railway section, and there's also the Kato Hobby Center in Shinjuku, although I've not visited it myself.

 

Hiroshima has a shop located within the railway station itself.

 

 

Tam Tam in Akihabara (Tokyo) has a good reputation; with new and second-hand stock. It is on my hit-list when I'm out there next month.

 

Thanks guys, very helpful. I've found another map from 2012 showing all the shops in Akihabara:- https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?vps=2&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=200049620020407586382.0004bb91a04676391321f&dg=feature

Would the Tam Tam store that you both mention be the one shown (dark blue pin) at the top of the map...?

 

Thanks

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Correct - it is the pin above 'Suehirocho' on the map.

[dmustu]

Hello, here is an assortment of train pictures from my recent trip to Japan.

 

 

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Very nice. Where did you take the picture of the two 115s (picture 3)?

 

I am in Tokyo in May, and one of the planned trips is a day at Matsumoto to visit the castle - and to travel on the Chuo main line!

[Saddletank]

Regarding model shops, I didn't research before I went but most of the big electronics dept stores (Yodabashi Camera springs to mind, but there's a few big chains in the cities) has at least part of a floor dedicated to model railway stuff. I found a decent independent one maybe 10 mins walk up the main road from Akihabara station, near a subway station. Big advertising hoarding on the side of the building on an intersection mentioned model railways which drew me in, there's a full floor dedicated to it there. (Actually that might be Tam Tam aswell come to think of it)

 

Stock up on Sankei laser cut card buildings, they're exquisite although a little expensive perhaps... I got a bit carried away choosing what I wanted and ended up spending about £150 on essentially bits of cut card. Don't let the finished article below fool you, even my ham-fisted buttery fingers can't mess a kit up too badly!

 

 

Looks like dmustu had a good time on the rail network too, those Narita Express carriages are properly ugly aren't they!

[Claude_Dreyfus]

That is a nice little model. Sankei make some cracking kits...I have a number of their buildings as well as some detailing parts.

[dmustu]

 Hey Claude,

 

 

That was taken at Takao station on the Chuo line. We went for a day trip to Mount Takao, if you travel there on JR you have to change to the Keio line at Takao to access the mountain. It's well worth a trip. Also, at Takao, exit the station on the opposite side to the Keio line ( cant remember if its the east or west exit but it's not the one that that takes you to the Keio exit ), walk down to the main and turn right, just a few doors up is a model railway shop that has a massive N layout that you can view, and pay to run either your own model trains on, or theirs!

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Thanks. Not sure if we will be getting off at Takao as we'll probably take the Azusa Kaiji (or Super Asuza if feeling rich!) from Tokyo to Matsumoto. The 115s are being replaced by redundant class 211 units, so they are an endangered species - as are the E2 bullets. 

[dmustu]

I was quite surprised to see several 115's there, being less than an hour from Tokyo. Nagano was pretty good for older types of train, several 115's plus some 189's operating round there. We travelled on the Shinetsu line from Naoetsu to Nagoya, a line that is pretty much exclusively 115's, but we managed, by pure accident, to cop a 189 set instead. It's a nice scenic journey across the line, the journey also involves an unusual manoeuvre to stop at one of the stations en route. Hope you have a great time there.

 

Another batch of pic's, these ones I took on the wife's camera. 

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Some cracking pictures there... You certainly had some nice weather, and plenty of variety out there. Hoping my trip to Matsumoto will involve the return to Tokyo being via Nagano and the Nagano Shinkansen. 189s are also getting fewer in number, so you have managed to get a few types with only one to two years projected service-life left in them in this area.

[roundhouse]

Those photos makes me want to go back!!

 

Ian

[dmustu]

Thanks, it makes a change to have some rides and take some pictures of soon to be retired trains. My first visit to Japan was in 2008, I had no idea that the 0 series shinkansen were still in use on the kodama services on the sanyo shinkansen line until seeing some from passing trains, let alone that they were to be retired a few months later, otherwise I'd have sorted out ride on one, in the end I didn't get a single picture of one!

 

Nagano is a nice city, didn't see too much of it as we only had 2 nights there, but I did see a Routemaster bus being used as a café/bar not to far from the station. Looking forward to seeing your pictures when you return.

 

They make me want to go back too, Roundhouse.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Thanks, it makes a change to have some rides and take some pictures of soon to be retired trains. My first visit to Japan was in 2008, I had no idea that the 0 series shinkansen were still in use on the kodama services on the sanyo shinkansen line until seeing some from passing trains, let alone that they were to be retired a few months later, otherwise I'd have sorted out ride on one, in the end I didn't get a single picture of one!

 

Nagano is a nice city, didn't see too much of it as we only had 2 nights there, but I did see a Routemaster bus being used as a café/bar not to far from the station. Looking forward to seeing your pictures when you return.

 

They make me want to go back too, Roundhouse.

 

I was there too in 2008 - I visited Tokyo and Kyoto during May. I did not venture too far into JR West territory, so missed out on the 0 series (I'll have to make do with the driving trailer at York). I did see a number of 300 series bullets - all gone now - as well as travelling on a 700 - now being replaced! The pace of change out there is huge - next year also sees the begining of the end of the E351 Super Asuza units on the Chuo line. Nagano will probably only be a change of trains, with perhaps an hour grabbed to look around - don't know yet, still working on the itinerary which can't involved too much nosing around stations, this is Mrs Dreyfus' holiday as well!

[sparks]

An update on the model (and book) shops:-

 

I went to Tam Tam Akihabara, very easy to find and a very large stock of N Gauge items (including Kato spares). Just one cabinet of H0 (Kato and Tomix) with nothing actually on display

 

My pick for H0 has to be the Tenshodo shop in Ginza, located above the Tenshodo jewellery shop. One floor of N gauge and scenics, one floor of H0 and the top floor is secondhand items. H0 covers their own brass and plastic models, plus stuff from other manufacturers including some British 00 and also Continental H0. Very helpful staff - despite the language barrier I managed to buy the correct Nikko Models bogies for my HobbyModel kit and also a Tenshodo motor bogie to suit. These are much cheaper if you buy them here!

Directions: Take subway to Ginza station and use Exit B4 - when you reach street level the shop is a few doors behind you

Links: Website http://www.tenshodo.co.jp/models/storeinfo/ginza/tabid/130/Default.aspx Google Maps https://www.google.com/maps/place/4+Chome-3-9+Ginza/@35.67215,139.764339,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x60188be5db4a74bf:0xba5cd5aa23bb6365?hl=en-US

 

Shosen Grande bookshop in Jinbocho is a must visit. There is an entire floor devoted to railway books, magazines, DVDs and memorabilia. Model railways are also covered and I think there was a small secondhand section as well. I will be going here on my way back to Narita to load up my suitcase!

Directions: Take subway to Jinbocho and use Exit A7 - when you reach street level turn right and right again onto Yasukuni Dori. The shop is abut 100m along on the right.

Links: Google Maps https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Shosen+Grande/@35.695834,139.759727,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x60188c111be33b81:0x94aac3b7203bbdf9

 

I'm now in Kyoto and I happened upon a Popondetta shop last night, very close to Kyoto station. Almost all the shop is railway related, with a large stock on N gauge stuff as usual. There is also a section with new and used books and magazines, including back numbers of Rail Magazine, RM Models, RM Library etc. The shop also has a large secondhand section, lots of N gauge (including buildings etc) and a cabinet of H0 stuff including some KTM stuff as well as Kato etc.

Directions: Use the South exit from Kyoto station onto Hachijo Dori. Turn right and then left after the New Mijako Hotel and head into the Aeon Mall. Popondetta is on the 4th Floor (opposite Daiso).

Links: Website http://www.popondetta.com/kyoto/ Google Maps https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/The+Daiso+Aeon+Mall+KYOTO/@34.983504,135.7565446,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x600108a97fb10c0b:0x196c0dd55dda2ff3

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Thanks, some interesting information there... I have pencilled in a visit to Tam Tam on my last full day in Tokyo in a couple of week's time. I may also torture myself in the Tenshodo store; I have some H0, but won't be adding to it on my trip...

[Claude_Dreyfus]

I spent a very enjoyable, but rather busy, week in Japan last week. There were a number of railway-related outings, both in and out of Tokyo. On the Friday we had a day trip on the Chuo line - the subject of our club layout Yamanouchi Oshika - to Matsumoto and Nagano. 

 

Part 1: Tokyo - Matsumoto

 

Plenty of activity at Shinjuku. Left to right, a Chuo Line E233, a Sobu line E231 and just discernible in the distance is a Yamanote line E231-500

 

A class E233 EMU sits at Shinjuku station on a Chuo Rapid service to Tokyo.

 

An E257 Asuza Kaiji unit pulls into Shinjuku

 

Our train arrived as an ECS in the form of one the stylish E351 'Super Azusa' EMUs (right-hand unit)

 

Portrait of an E351

 

A Saikyo Line E233 pulls into Shinjuku station

 

We departed Tokyo for Matsumoto along the sinuous Chuo Main Line. It is an exceptionally attractive route, heading in-land from Tokyo, past Mount Fuji and into the mountains. There is still heavy freight along the line, although on my visit I only saw oil trains. A Hachioji station an EF210-173 about to take its rake of oil tankers onto the Yokohama line. I am not sure if these locos now operate on the Chuo line, or if it had just picked the tankers up for onward transfer.

 

Kofu was the next station where we passed a freight...this time a more usual EH200, number EH200-17, was doing the honour. Sadly, I did not manage to get any pictures of locos in Japan - a bit irritating - but there was enough variety in the multiple units to keep me happy.

 

Kobuchizawa station is the junction between the Chuo Line and the Kuomi line, still operated by DMU. I had about 20 seconds to take this picture of KiHa110-116, so had to remain in the doorway of my train. That lamp post rather spoils it.

 

Finally after 2 and a half hours we arrived at Matsumoto. Just outside was the oil terminal, with one of the new HD300 shunters, yet another EH200 (EH200-14) and an unidentified EF64-100 among the many oil tankers.

 

Matsumoto station is quite an interesting place for train watching. It has some fairly extensive carriage sidings, as well as being a junction station.

 

An E351 arrives at Matsumoto

 

E257 units are stabled in the yard

 

E351 and 211 units in the yard. A E127 can also be seen.

 

An E127 in the bay platform

 

A class 115 departs from Matsumoto

 

I'll sort through some more pictures for part 2: Matsumoto to Tokyo via Nagano.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Part 2; Matsumoto to Nagano

 

We begin this instalment with some culture...one of the main reasons for visiting  Matsumoto, its impressive castle

 

Matsumoto castle was built by a local Lord - not a Shogun (who outranked a Lord many times over) - mainly as a show of prestige and force...the castle keep was never occupied in its own right; accommodation was provided in the surrounding grounds. 

 

Back to the station and more activity...

 

A class 211 awaits departure for Nagano

 

Matsumoto also sees JR Central trains, which operate up from Nagoya. Here is a class 313 unit about to leave Matsumoto with a local service.

 

More JR Central; this time a class 383 EMU departing Matsumoto for Nagoya

 

This was interesting. An express from Tokyo arrived at Matsumoto in the form of two E351 units. These stylish units come in 8 car sets (5 units), with for 4-car additional units. The 12 car set arrived at Matsumoto, where the two units were separated. The 8-car set moved to the carriage sidings first, leaving the 4-car set in the platform. It followed on a couple of minutes later. 

 

Shortly after this, our train arrived. This is a class 383 unit, operating a Shinano service to Nagano. Strictly speaking the Chuo line runs from Tokyo to Nagoya in the form of a 'v', its apex being the junction station at Shiojiri. From there, to Matsumoto and on to Nagano, we use the Shinonoi line.

 

The Shinonoi line is a very attractive route, until we approach the very interesting switch-back station of Obasute, when it becomes quite spectacular as the line descends the mountainside to Nagano.

 

Quite a view.

 

Shortly before we arrived at Nagano, the train paused briefly at Shinonoi. Just outside the station we passed a yard containing a DE10 shunter, another EH200 and a couple more EF64-1000s (added confirmation that these locos have finally supplanted their older cousins the EF64s on this route). Also at this point the elevated Shinkansen line joined us for the short run into Nagano station.

 

Just outside Nagano station, an old class 183 is stabled.

 

A class 115 departs from Nagano station.

 

Coming next - Nagano to Tokyo

[dmustu]

Hello,

         I've just seen that the next episode of The Travel Show has a feature about the Shinkansen.

 

For those of us in the UK - BBC2 13/06/14 at 1030.

 

For those outside of the UK - BBC World News 14/06/14 at 0330 GMT.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk...rammes/n3csw95c

[sparks]

A few shots from the Toyko Subway Museum at Kasai station (Tozai line). A very well put together museum and highly recommended.

Link: http://www.chikahaku.jp/ Google maps: https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/%E5%9C%B0%E4%B8%8B%E9%89%84%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8/@35.6634921,139.8732142,18z/data=!4m5!1m2!2m1!1s6-3-1-Higashi+Kasai,+Edogawa-ku,+Tokyo+134-0084!3m1!1s0x0:0x50acd5d98b8f6b9

 

Tokyo Metro Museum - Ginza Line Car 1001 by Stuart, on Flickr

 

Tokyo Metro Museum - Ginza Line Car 1001 by Stuart, on Flickr

 

Probably the best interactive exhibit I've ever seen - the controller and brake work the motor bogie displayed in front, and the Guard's controls work the offside door. There is also a full size pantograph adjacent that can be made to raise and lower!

 

Tokyo Metro Museum - Ginza Line Car 129 by Stuart, on Flickr

 

Lots and lots of other exhibits too - far more than I was expecting from the photos I had found on the net.

[sparks]

The Enoshima Electric Railway or Enoden between Kamakura and Fujisawa is another great day about from central Tokyo (about an hour by train). The line's tramway origins can clearly bee seen in the street running sections and numerous sharp curves.

Website: http://www.enoden.co.jp/flangu/e1top.htm or Google Maps: https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E9%A7%85/@35.3187354,139.5508418,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x601845c22a4f73df:0xc7e93a3e84fb0e0e

 

Enoshima Electric Railway 江ノ島電鉄 - Hase by Stuart, on Flickr

 

Enoshima Electric Railway 江ノ島電鉄 - Hase by Stuart, on Flickr

 

Enoshima Electric Railway 江ノ島電鉄 - Surfs Up! by Stuart, on Flickr

 

Some videos here:- https://www.flickr.com/photos/cymro76/32246615711/in/album-72157675106032534/ and here:- https://www.flickr.com/photos/cymro76/32286800452/in/album-72157675106032534/ Warning: Large file!

 

The line runs a 12min service during the day so it's easy to stop off and take photos or see the local sights - for those needing a non-railway excuse to visit to also serves beaches and the amazing 13th century Great Buddha of Kamakura (10 min walk from Hase station) which is also fascinating from an engineering point of view, having been cast in situ in 30 separate stages, each with a mechanical joint to the previous stage.

 

Great Buddha of Kamakura (4 photos) by Stuart, on Flickr

[jjb1970]

Some terrific photos here, thanks to you all for posting them!! Japan has truly superb railways, most people think of the Shinkansen but the more prosaic trains also operate with a phenomenal level of reliability and service. Even off the beaten track, I spent a week in Marugame, Shikoku a couple of weeks ago and even the Shikoku system offers a good level of service, spotlessly clean trains and very at tentative staff. I still say that Japan is the only railway system in the world that I've used that really does make British trains look off the pace.