International Railroad Discussion > Japan 2002 Part 4 - Kamakura Vicinity

When in the Tokyo area we actually stayed in Ofuna, which is about 30 miles south of central Tokyo.  We stayed there because we wanted to have close access to several of the smaller private electric railways, plus some temples and other sights nearby, such as the Great Buddha in Kamakura.  Ofuna is on JR's Tokkaido mainline, however, so there are many options for trains to take into central Tokyo. All photos Oct 2002.

1)  JR Series 185 "Shonanliner" - express service into central Tokyo entering Ofuna.
2)  Southbound freight train at Ofuna with a class EF65 locomotive on the point. 
3)  Northbound Tokkaido line local train entering Ofuna station
 



Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 12/30/20 10:37 by dwatry.

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4)  The Shonan Monorail connects Ofuna with the Enoshima area on the coast, where you can catch trains to the Great Buddha.  Portions of the monorail line, such as several tunnels, are actually built as single track with passing sidings, so here we are meeting a northbound car that has just emerged from a tunnel.
5)  Train on the Enoshima Electric Railway (also known as Enoden) running in a tight roadside configuration.  Anyone need a Coke?
6)  Enoden train along the coast, with Enoshima Island visible in the background.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/20 05:57 by dwatry.

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7)  The Great Buddha in Kamakura, which is from the late 1200s.  There used to be a temple built around the Buddha, but it was washed away in a tsunami in about 1500. 
8)  Northbound intermodal freight on the Tokkado line being overtaken by a Tokkaido line local train.  The freight train is pulled by a Class EF66 locomotive.  RENFE operates very similar locomotives derived from these - though broad gauge of 5'6", of course, as compared with 3'6" gauge here.  Same basic locomotive with a 2' difference in track gauge!
9)  Back at Ofuna - Series 215 EMU approaching Ofuna. 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/27/20 19:30 by dwatry.

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Thanks for the interesting tour.  Gerry

Another wonderful set of photos from Japan. One day I'll get back!! chris uk

dwatry Wrote:
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> 1)  JR Series 101 "Shonanliner" - express service
> into central Tokyo entering Ofuna.

That's Series or Class 185, the only government-run JNR era Limited Express EMUs still in service. They are scheduled to be retired in spring of 2021. JR East have been using the Class 185 sets for seasonal specials, and I rode one in 2017:

https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?6,4322353

> 3)  Northbound Tokkaido line local train entering
> Ofuna station

Shot #3 is definite nostalgia material, as Class 113s were gone from the Tokaido Line by 2006.   

dwatry Wrote:
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> 8)  Northbound intermodal freight on the Tokkado
> line being overtaken by a Tokkaido line local
> train.  The freight train is pulled by a Class
> EF66 locomotive.

There are two generations of Class EF66s, and you got the first generation (#1-55). Second generation (numbered #101-133) look much less angular, and more "modern."

First generation EF66 has become quite the high value target in recent years. There's only one remaining (#27) in revenue service now, a definite foamer-magnet as I found out this March. I've posted a few reports of my intercepts here on TO few years ago.

> 9)  Back at Ofuna - Series 215 EMU approaching
> Ofuna. 

I've ridden the Series 215 in recent years, when used on the Chuo Line. Not sure if they are going to be retired in 2021, but they are scheduled to be withdrawn from the Tokaido Line next year.

Love your monorail and Enoden shots, too. Thanks for the great report with nostalgia and soon-to-be nostalgia.

Thanks for the clarification on the series 185.