Tram Rides via You Tube

[bill937ca]

Seeing the interest in the new Kato Unitram system, I thought we should have some tram rides on Japanese streetcars using You Tube.

 

The camera is facing one side of the street and you are able to see the buildings, cars, passing trams and tram stops along with the general alignment of the streets.  Most Japanese cities are cited along side the sea and surrounded by mountains. Main streets, rail lines and streetcar lines are confined by these features.

 

Kagoshima

 

Kagoshima has two lines which start from a common terminal, separate and then connect at the second line's terminal.  This system is operated by the Kagoshima City Traffic Bureau which also operates many of the buses.

 

Here is a route map of the system including bus lines.  The streetcar lines are marked with a black line with cross strokes.  JR lines are marked with black and white dashed lines.

 

http://www.kotsu-city-kagoshima.jp/images/contents/p01_allroutemap.pdf

 

Kagoshima is known for its grass covered track, a program that is being expanded over the next few years.

 

Line 1 starts alongside the JR line at Taniyama where there is a covered tram terminal. You will hear the departure tune just before a car departs the terminal.

 

You will hear all the announcements on the streetcar. Recorded announcements are used on Japanese streetcars and these often include ads for businesses along the line. Passengers pay their fares when getting off in Japan.  When a fare card is inserted properly into the fare box, the fare box plays a little tune.

 

 

 

 

 

The Line 2 video starts at the Kagoshima JR Station.  This is the starting point for both lines 1 and 2 and has a three track canopied terminal.  Line 2 passes in front of another JR station, Kagoshima Central Station.

 

 

 

 

[bill937ca]

Arakawa Line

 

The Toden Arakawa line is located in Tokyu and uses high platforms.  Its streetcars have been rebuilt without steps. The line survives because it is almost entirely on private right of way.  When it does operate on a street, the track is fenced in and protected by crossing gates.  Terminals are very simple. Service is every 5 minutes or less for most of the day.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4Dhy40Hy6o&feature=PlayList&p=53405C48731751E3

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO4-x-ogTPU&feature=PlayList&p=53405C48731751E3

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Ujts7Mahw&feature=PlayList&p=53405C48731751E3

[bill937ca]

Nagasaki Electric Tramway

 

This time we are looking out the front of a car running on right of way.

 

As the video begins, passengers are boarding at the back door.  The camera person moves up to the front of the car.  The operator wears white gloves like most Japanese service personnel.You can see the K type controller on the left and the brake handle on the right. The car is traveling inbound towards JR Nagasaki Station over tracks used by lines 1 and 3.

 

 

[bill937ca]

This is a video taken from inside Toyohashi low floor streetcar T1000.  Toyohashi is regarded as the smallest tram system in Japan.  It has a single line with two branches at the outer end.  It starts from the JR station winds through the city, then heads straight out until the branches separate.

 

The overhead seems to be span wires, hangers and line poles like most North American systems rather than the catenary and overhead masts found on many Japanese streetcar lines.

 

Modemo has recently offered a couple of advertising cars from this system.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bVtxoOeQjQ&feature=PlayList&p=BE2AD81AA17A70DA

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwErsYzIdIQ&feature=PlayList&p=BE2AD81AA17A70DA

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Sny0y2cu8o&feature=PlayList&p=BE2AD81AA17A70DA

[to2leo]

Ah Toyohashi tram, I remember you well!

[bill937ca]

Nagasaki Electric Tramway and Kyushu JR

 

 

[bill937ca]

Scenery Movie of the Tokyu Setagaya Line.

 

Between Sangen-jaya and Miyanosaka.

 

 

Between Miyanosaka and Shimo-takaido

 

 

Passing trains.