Sunday 9 July 2017

Fujisan View Express on the Fujikyu Line

EMU Fujikyu 8500 series, Fujisan View Express, passes through Higashikatsura Station

The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has been increasing. According to the Japan National Tourist Organization, the aggregate number of inbound tourists in 2016 totaled 24 million, which was a record-breaking increase by as much as 24 % on a year-to-year basis.

One of the popular spots for foreign sightseers is Mt. Fuji., which is located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. Needless to say, Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. It is 3,776 meters above sea level. This stratovolcano has erupted several times, so that the shape of Mt. Fuji is beautifully well balanced in right and left directions.

If you plan to visit this reputable mountain, I recommend you take Fujikyu Railway from Otsuki on the JR East Chuo Main Line. Fujikyu is a local railway company in Yamanashi Prefecture. Connecting Otsuki and Kawaguchi-ko (Lake Kawaguchi), its operating length is 23.6 km.

On April 23rd, 2016, Fujikyu launched a new sightseeing train, "Fijisan View Express" using a new model, the EMU 8500 series. The 8500 series is the ex-JR Central 371 series, "Asagiri (morning fog)", which had been operated on the Gotemba Line and the Odakyu Line until 2014. After its retirement, the 8500 series was moved to Fujikyu Railway, and completely renovated. Although it was decreased from 7 to 3 cars, the 8500 series has a special lounge car, in which you can enjoy superb views and delicious sweets.

Fujisan View Express, it is the new flagship express train on the Fujikyu Line.

EMU Fujikyu 8500 series, Fujisan View Express, passes through Tokaichiba Station

Official information about Fujisan View Express (in Japanese):