By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported
The TRA E1000 series train is painted in the design style of the Japanese Tobu Railway’s Nikko To SPACIA train, with a bright golden exterior that stands out. (Image source / Taiwan Railways)
The Tobu Railway Nikko To SPACIA train is a limited express that began operating on April 18, 2015. It was specially designed to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Toshogu Shrine’s annual grand festival. Using gold and black colors to convey solemnity and grandeur, the special Nikko To SPACIA design also features a logo with a sleeping cat and three monkeys, symbolizing the scenery around the Toshogu Shrine. This unique design can now also be seen on tracks in Taiwan. Travelers who love admiring trains and enjoying train rides should keep an eye out for this train service.
Exterior and logo design of the Tobu Railway Nikko To SPACIA train. (Image source / Tobu Railway)
Tobu Railway Nikko To SPACIA train. (Image source / Tobu Railway)
Additionally, Tobu Railway’s Ryomo (200 series limited express) also ran a train in October 2016 painted to resemble the exterior of Taiwan Railways’ Puyuma Express. It is still in operation (and can be spotted at Tobu Railway’s Asakusa Station). Visitors to Japan can also see a train with the Puyuma look traveling the rails, adding another heartwarming chapter to the Taiwan-Japan railway friendship.
Image of the Tobu Railway Ryomo train painted in the style of Taiwan Railways’ Puyuma Express exterior. (Image source / Tobu Railway)
【Info】
Unveiling ceremony for the TRA-painted Tobu Railway Nikko To SPACIA train
Time: October 3, 2016 (Monday) 09:45–10:21
Location: Platform 3, Nangang Station
Train 5907: Qidu (09:17) = Nangang (09:31–10:21) = Songshan (10:25–10:26) = Taipei (10:33–10:37) = Shulin (10:53)
Train 5907B: Shulin (11:22) = Qidu (12:06)
Train services using the painted Tobu Railway Nikko To SPACIA train on October 4 are as follows:
Operating on the Qidu–Pingtung route: Trains 123 and 150
Tze-Chiang Limited Express 123 (Mountain Line): Qidu (11:21) → Pingtung (17:17)
Tze-Chiang Limited Express 150 (Mountain Line): Pingtung (17:45) → Qidu (23:45)
(For detailed operation status, any changes will be announced by TRA on the day. Future services will be announced by TRA)
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