International Railroad Discussion > Joshin Electric Railway

Joshin Electric Railway operates between Takasaki, Gunma, Japan and Shimonita on what was the route of the narrow gauge Kozuke Railway.

1. Shimonita station. Two 500 series EMU. The train on the right is advertising Dai-fuku mochi. White mochi with an anko filling. Train brings you happiness. The train on the left brings happiness to your tummy Lala -crash! A jelly candy flavored with fruit made from Konnyaku.
2. Old Joshin line boxcars stored at the station. Three of 6 left in Japan? Sealed boxcars used in carrying quicklime for production of Konnyaku. A jell like product made from a plant also known as konjak, konjaku, konnyaku potato, devil's tongue, voodoo lily, snake palm, or elephant yam!
3. 150 series EMU at the grade crossing of highway 195 at Sendoira. Built in 1964 at Seibu Railway’s Tokorozawa Works, air conditioned in 1978. Came to Joshin in 1992. Over 50 years old and looks great.



Edited 7 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/15 16:59 by Railpax71.

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4. The mascots of Shimonita are Negi-bo (Green Onion) chan and Nyakutchi--Konnyaku chan.
5. You see them painted on the Shimonita end of the train along with Shitake Mushrooms and Kozu farm which produces dairy products. Kozu Farm ice cream is sold locally.
6. The Takasaki end of the train has the famous Kannon staue and Daruma doll.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/15 16:14 by Railpax71.

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7. Shimonita station
8. Departing Shimonita for Takasai. Now you see the Lala-crash flavors!
9. Freight warehouse at Shimonita across the platforms



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/15 17:01 by Railpax71.

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Great stuff! I've watched the Joshin Electric EMUs arrive and depart at Takasaki while waiting for JR's steam locomotives, freight trains, and Joyful Trains, but that's about it.

The fans of the movie "Shall We Dance?" might recognize some of the EMUs covered in this report, if you imagine them to be gold/yellow in color.