Themes

Japan’s high-speed rail: The blue and green Shinkansen

Trace the development and nationwide expansion of Japan’s high-speed railways through successive Shinkansen train series, including the 0, 200, 500, N700S, and E5 series. The article also explains the evolution of trains inherited from the Japanese National Railways by the various JR companies, the expansion of the Shinkansen network, and the characteristics of different train types and generations.

2026.10.31

Railways

Japan’s Steam Railways: From Locomotive No. 1 to Yoshitsune, Benkei, and Shizuka, and on to domestic production

Trace the history of Japan’s steam railways from imported locomotives through domestic production, their golden age and eventual end, alongside preserved engines such as Locomotive No. 1, Yoshitsune, Benkei, Shizuka, Class 9600, Class 8620, Class D51 and Class C57. We also explain steam locomotive (SL) classifications, wheel arrangements and how to read class names.

2026.10.31

Railways

London’s Terminal Stations: East Coast or West Coast, That Is the Question

This article introduces London's major terminal stations and destinations on routes such as the East Coast Main Line and West Coast Main Line, with photos of stations including King's Cross, Euston and St Pancras.

2026.10.30

LondonRailways

Kyoto Station: Highlights, Visitor Information, Time Required, and Access

This guide covers highlights such as Kyoto Station’s Grand Staircase, the central concourse, the Skyway and trains visible on the platforms, along with practical information, time required and access, based on official information and an on-site visit as of 2026 9.

2026.10.29

KyotoRailways

French emergency vehicles: French police cars and ambulances

This article introduces the police cars and ambulances used in France by the Gendarmerie, National Police, and local police, including differences in their organizations and vehicle livery.

2026.10.29

Emergency vehiclesFrance

Canadian Railways: Freight Rolls On Forever

This article introduces Canada’s railways, which developed primarily around freight transportation, along with rolling stock from Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, VIA Rail, and other companies, illustrated with photographs.

2026.10.29

Railways

Railway Museum: Highlights, opening hours, tickets and access

We explain the highlights of the Railway Museum in Saitama, including the 1 locomotive, the Benkei locomotive, the Shinkansen, imperial railway cars, the turntable and the mini driving train, as well as opening hours, admission and experience tickets, and access, based on official information and on-site research as of 2026 9.

2026.10.29

RailwaysSaitama

Kyoto Railway Museum: Highlights, Opening Hours, Tickets and Access

This guide covers highlights of the Kyoto Railway Museum, including the Umekoji Roundhouse, steam locomotives, the 0 and 500 Series Shinkansen, the SL Steam Train, and the railway diorama, as well as opening hours, admission and SL ride tickets, and access, based on official information and an on-site visit as of 2026/9.

2026.10.29

KyotoRailways

Italian Railways: Pendolino and the Three Arrows

An introduction to the history and workings of Italy’s railways and its train categories, featuring rolling stock such as the Pendolino and Frecciarossa.

2026.10.29

ItalyRailways

Italian Trams: From Ventotto to Translohr

Explore the history and present day of Italy’s trams through vehicles such as Milan’s Ventotto, Turin’s trams, and Padua’s Translohr.

2026.10.29 2026.10.31

ItalyRailways