September 2026
Picture of the Month
Every month we feature an interesting picture from our own archives. We will also add / change pictures in our gallery.
The 123 series one car EMUs used by JR West on the Ube and Onoda Lines in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
They are interesting as they started life as KuMoNi 143 and KuMoYuNi 147 series motorised / driving baggage cars during JNR’s era. As JNR discontinued transporting of baggage, parcels and mail, just before privatisation, and at the same time a shortage of passenger cars, it was decided to convert 13 of these to one car passenger cars (1 went to JR East (Chuo Line Tatsuno Branch) 7 to JR Tokai (mostly Minobu Line) and 5 to JR West (initially Kabe Line and the Hanwa Line (Hagoromo branch). The JR West 5 units are operating today on the Onada Line and Ube Line.
Steam Locomotives
Learn more about Japan’s Steam Locomotives on our SL info Page
Trams
19 cities in Japan have tram networks. Most have a mixture of both modern and old trams. Hir Learn more about Japan's trams on our Tram info Page
Freight Trains
Shinkansen
(Bullet Train)
Urban Networks
Limited Express Trains
Tourist Trains
Rural & non urban Local Lines
Inspection & Maintenance Trains
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by TS Japan Rail.
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