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Video article 3:34
Video of "Isumi Railway" & "Kominato Railway" in spring crossing Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture! A must-see for photographers! Includes photo spots where you can take pictures of cherry blossoms and rape blossoms at the same time!
Transportation Nature Travel- 252 plays
- YouTube
Video introduction of "Isumi Railway" & "Kominato Railway" rape blossoms and cherry blossoms in Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture This video, titled "[4K UHD] Kominato and Isumi Railways in Spring (shot on Samsung NX1)" ([ 4K UHD ] 春の小湊鉄道といすみ鉄道 - Kominato railway and Isumi railway in Spring - (shot on Samsung NX1), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." The video shows the Kominato Railway (小湊鉄道, kominato tetsudo) and Isumi Railway (いすみ鉄道)—which run across Chiba prefecture's Boso Peninsula—in spring. No matter your age or where you come from, this is definitely a place you'll want to check out, especially if you’re a train enthusiast. Visible in the window across from the train driver are the figures of excited children. Check out this uplifting three-and-a-half-minute video, filled with pink cherry blossoms and vibrant yellow rapeseed blossoms. [Video] 1:28 - Cherry Blossoms, Rapeseed, and the Smiling Faces of Children The Difference Between the Isumi and Kominato Railways Photo:Kominato Railway The Isumi Railway covers around 27 kilometers on the JR Boso line (JR房総線, JR Bososen), stretching from Ohara station (大原駅, ohara-eki) to Kazusa-Nakano station (上総中野駅, kazusanakano-eki). The Kominato Railway makes up around 39 kilometers of the JR Uchibo line (JR内房線, JR uchibo sen) between Goi station (五井駅, goi-eki) and Kazusa-Nakano Station. The two railways meet at Kazusa-Nakano station, and if you switch trains there, it's possible to ride across the entire Boso peninsula—just the right distance for a railway day trip. There's even a "Boso Coast to Coast Commemorative Ticket" (房総横断記念乗車券, boso odan kinen joshaken) available as a souvenir via a collaboration between the two companies. If you're visiting from Tokyo, it should take a little under an hour via the JR Sobu Rapid (JR総武快速線) and Uchibo lines. Arriving at Chiba's Goi station, a walk across the bridge will take you to the local line (the Kominato railway) and the start of your journey. In a location that can be enjoyed as a day trip from downtown Tokyo, those with train-loving kids can have an enjoyable day out as well. Cherry Blossoms & the Nanohana Ressha on the Isumi Railway Most famous amongst the Isumi railways trains is the "Nanohana Ressha," (菜の花列車, lit. 'Rapeseed Train'), whose rolling stock is yellow, just like the rapeseed blossoms. The best time to see the rapeseed that lines the railway and is famous for its incredible views is between early March and early April of each year. From late March, the cherry blossoms are in season, and by early April you can see beautiful scenes of cherry blossom in full bloom. Keep an eye on the cherry blossom bloom maps and enjoy both cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms from the window of a train. The Best Spots to Photograph the Isumi Railway's Rape Blossoms & Cherry Blossoms! Photo:Isumi Railway On the Isumi Railway between Kazusa-Azuma Station (上総東駅, kazusa azusa-eki) and Nittano Station (新田野駅, nittano-eki), Shiromiaoka Station (城見ヶ丘駅, shiromigaoka-eki) and Otaki Station (大多喜駅, otaki-eki), as well between as Fusamoto station (総元駅, fusamoto-eki) and Nishihata Station (西畑駅, nishihata-eki), you can see rapeseed blossoms and cherry blossoms competing for the spotlight. See if you can't capture a shot of the pinks and yellows under the blue skies of spring. Rapeseed blossoms bloom along 15 kilometers of the Isumi Railway's 27-kilometer span, meaning you can enjoy them along almost the entire length of the track. If you're a train enthusiast, finding the best photo spot is part of the fun! The Isumi Railway is often compared to Moomin Valley in Japan. The comparison originates from the Moomin Train (ムーミン列車, mumin ressha) which operated on the line until March 2019. Apparently at the time there was a Snufkin Lake, and statues of popular characters such as the Moomins, Little My, and Snufkin, in addition to the Moomin-themed trains. There's no doubt that the lush scenery was a good match for the world of the Moomins as well. The Best Spots to Photograph the Kominato Railway Photo:Kominato Railway's Satoyama Romantic Train Kominato Railway's Satoyama Romantic Train (里山トロッコ, satoyama torokko) is hugely popular with tourists. Rail enthusiasts gather from across Japan to get a photo of the sightseeing train against the backdrop of the rapeseed blossom fields. A particularly notable photo spot is the Ishigami Rapeseed Blossom Field (石神菜の花畑, ishigami nanohana-batake), which allows visitors to take some really incredible photos. ■ Ishigami Rapeseed Blossom Field | Chiba, Ichihara, Ishigami, 225 If you get off part way along the Kominato Railway, you'll find Yorokeikoku Station (養老渓谷駅, yoro keikoku eki), where there is a footbath that is available free of charge when using the railroad. It's a 15-minute walk from the station. People visiting by car can use the parking lot by the road—from which there are several superb photo spots within a few minutes' walk—and wait for the sightseeing train. Incredibly, the sightseeing train actually slows down as it passes through the middle of the rapeseed blossom fields—a show of consideration for railway enthusiasts. [Video] 2:18 - The Sightseeing Train Passing Through Rapeseed Blossom Fields Additionally, within the wooden station building of Tsukizaki Station (月崎駅, tsukizaki-eki) is Mori Radio Station (森ラジオステーション, mori rajio suteshon), a popular tourist attraction also known as "Mori Radio" (森ラジオ, mori rajio). The building, which was originally a filling station for railroad maintenance workers of the Kominato Railway, was exhibited as an art installation covered with moss and wildflowers during the Naka-boso International Art Festival's (中房総国際芸術祭, nakaboso kokusai geijutusai) Ichihara Art x Mix (いちはらアートxミックス, ichihara ato x mikkusu) event in 2014. Its atmospheric appearance makes it a popular spot for tourists even now. [Video] 2:53 - Mori Radio Station, Covered in Moss and Wild Grasses Another recommended stop on the Kominato Railway is Itabu Station (飯給駅, itabu-eki). Known as the "world's largest toilet," the spot is quite popular during the daytime. It's a single toilet, surrounded by glass walls that was created as an art installation. At night, the station is popular as a place to take photos of the illuminated cherry blossoms along with the trains. Sightseeing Along the Kominato and Isumi Railways While the cherry blossoms and rapeseed are of course beautiful, they're best enjoyed between visits to various tourist attractions along the railway lines. Below is a list of several tourist attractions you can consider visiting along the railways. Yoro Valley (Yorokeikoku Station) Yoro Valley (Yoro Gorge) is one of the most famous hot spring areas in Chiba Prefecture, and is located roughly in the middle of the Boso Peninsula. The valley is home to numerous waterfalls with popular hiking courses and during the fall, it's a great place to enjoy the autumn leaves. Kasamori Temple (Kazusa-Ushiku Station) This temple sits atop a large boulder and features a unique architectural style. Founded in 784 AD, the temple has been dubbed the "Temple of Prayer and Fragrance" thanks to the lovely scent of the flowers that cover the temple grounds. Hours: April - September: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, October - March: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Admission Fee: Adults: 300 yen, Children: 100 yen Otaki Castle (Otaki Station) Otaki Castle is said to have been built in 1521 by Honda Tadakatsu, one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of the Tokugawa." Although the castle was demolished in 1871, the ruins of the castle were designated as a historical site in 1966 and the castle tower was rebuilt in 1975. Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Closures: Irregular (Please check the official website) Admission Fee: Adults: 200 yen, High school and university students: 100yen, Elementary and middle school students, seniors (65+), and those with disabilities: Free There are many other spots along the railway lines to check out, so if you see something that looks interesting, don't be afraid to hop off the train and explore! Summary of the Kominata and Isumi Railways in Spring The sight of trains reflected in rice paddys and the spring rapeseed and cherry blossoms featured in the video are enough to capture anyone's heart, railway fan or not. There are plenty of wonderful hotels and ryokan (Japanese style inns) in the surrounding area. Even if you usually travel by car, consider booking a trip across the Boso peninsula by train! Take in the fresh spring air and relaxing scenery from the window of your carriage. -
Video article 2:28
Nure-sempei (wet rice crackers) revived the management of Choshi Railway, which runs in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture! The company overcame a management crisis with a unique idea that transcended the boundaries of a railroad company!
Transportation- 129 plays
- YouTube
Video introduction of Katsunori Takemoto, president of Choshi Railway, which protects Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The video "Local Line Protected by Creativity: The Struggle of the President of Choshi Dentetsu" (発想力で守るローカル線 銚子電鉄社長の奮闘) was uploaded by "Nikkei." The Choshi Electric Railway, which is only 6.4 kilometers long, runs on the east side of the Kanto region and is famous for its unique events, such as the "Ghost Train" and its moist rice crackers. President Katsunori Takemoto, a former tax accountant, utilized his ingenuity to protect the Choshi Railway, which serves as the main form of transportation in the area. What is the Choshi Railway? Photo:Choshi Railway・Tokawa Station Choshi Railway (Choshi Dentetsu), Choden for short, is a train that connects Choshi Station and Tokawa Station in Chiba. The entire line is in Choshi City, and it passes through the easternmost part of the city, near Cape Inubō (犬吠埼, Inubōsaki). Including its predecessor, Choshi Yuran Railway, the railway has a history of more than 100 years. The trains were acquired from major private railroads, and some of them are more than 50 years old. The railway has been in danger of being abandoned many times due to poor performance. Although it is difficult to run the train due to the decreasing population, the management is partly supported by the sale of snacks such as "mazui bo" and wet rice crackers. These wet crackers have generated more than twice the profit of the Choshi Railway, and President Katsunori Takemoto says "the Choshi Railway is a cracker shop" at an interview at 0:56 in the video. You can see crackers being baked at 1:09 in the video. The Brilliant Idea of President Takemoto Katsunori Source :YouTube screenshot President Katsunori Takemoto became the electric railway's tax advisor while also performing conductor duties. His innovations, such as naming rights for event trains and stations, were also successful. The selling of naming rights wasn’t limited to short sighted planning either; it was also to attract companies that were committed to rebuilding the Choshi Railway's management and contributing to the community as owners. Examples include "Never Give Up" Choshi Station (絶対にあきらめない銚子駅), "Roswell" Kimigahama Station (ロズウェル君ヶ浜駅) and "Thank you" Tokawa Station (ありがとう外川駅). In this way, the Choshi Railway has been contributing to society and the region as a hub of the local economy. In recent years, they have released various characters under the anthropomorphic railcar project "Loco MOTION," and a superhero named "Chodenjin Go Gusher" was also created. The Rice Crackers That Saved Choshi Railway Source :YouTube screenshot In 1989, the Choshi Railway was threatened with closure due to a decline in population. In 1998, they started selling moist rice crackers, surpassing earnings from the railway's main business. This was picked up by many media outlets and was the talk of the town at the time. Unfortunately, in 2004, the company took on the debt of the president at that time and began to decline once again. However, rice crackers came to the rescue once again, pulling the railway out of a crisis. The online sales of rice crackers, which were not doing well at the moment, were replaced with crackers that said "Please buy me, I have to earn money to repair the trains." Fans responded to the cry for help, and the railway was able to dodge yet another bullet. Incidentally, the rice crackers, popular survival masks, scarves, and other original Choshi Dentetsu goods are also available by mail order, so please visit the online shop on their website if you're interested. Summary of Choshi Dentetsu's Rice Crackers Photo:Choshi Railway Did you enjoy reading about the innovation of Choshi Dentetsu and their rice crackers? Taking a ride on the quaint railway may make you feel like you're on a sightseeing trip to a far-away land. A movie depicting the history of the Choshi Railway was released in winter 2019 as well. If you're in the area, be sure to take a ride on the Choshi Railway! 【Tripadvisor】Choshi Dentetsu https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021144-d1774621-Reviews-Choshi_Dentetsu-Choshi_Chiba_Prefecture_Kanto.html -
Video article 3:16
The World's Largest Airplane, "ANA Airbus A380," Will Begin Flights to Hawaii in 2019! Check Out the Luxury First Class Seating and an Awesome Look at the Cockpit!
Transportation- 185 plays
- YouTube
Flights to Hawaii on the Airbus A380! This article will talk about the video published by "SankeiNews," titled "ANA|The World's Largest Passenger Plane|Airbus A380|Inside Look!" (世界最大の旅客機「エアバスA380」内部公開). This video will explore the interior of ANA Airbus A380. On April 23, 2019, ANA gave the press an inside look at the interior of the FLYING HONU, the world's largest double-decker passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, which will operate on the Narita-Honolulu route, at Narita Airport. A380 began operation on May 24th, 2019 for the first time, under a Japanese Airline company. What Is the Airbus A380? Source :YouTube screenshot As shown at the beginning of the video, the exterior of the Airbus A380 is painted to resemble a sea turtle, which is considered to be a sacred creature in Hawaii. It holds a total of 520 seats which is the largest number of seats on any ANA flight: 8 first class, 56 business class, 76 premium economy, and 383 economy seats. You can see a glimpse of the cabin at 0:15 in the video. One special feature of this plane is that some of the economy seats convert to couch seating so that passengers, especially children, can lay down comfortably. Each floor has a bar counter for beverages and there's a multi-purpose room at the back of the first floor for changing and breast feeding. The luxurious First Class can be seen at 2:01 in the video.It features a luxurious in-flight service and a full range of toiletries and bedding. The Airbus A380 has four engines and is approximately 73 metres long, 80 metres wide and 24 metres tall, with a cruise speed of 910 kilometres per hour and a total flight distance of 13,330 kilometres. Features of the Airbus A380 Source :YouTube screenshot The ANA Airbus A380 has a variety of features. The seat pitch is 34 inches (86 centimeters), which allows you to stretch your legs out. The A380 is also equipped with one of the largest LCD monitors in the economy class, offering the latest movies and in-flight programs.There's also a PC power supply and USB port at your feet to keep your gadgets from running out of juice. The in-flight meal will be served in collaboration with "bills," which is said to serve some of the best breakfast in the world. You can enjoy Pork Schnitzel and a Japanese inspired grilled chicken with coconut curry sauce, from 10,000 ft. There are a variety of kids' meals as well. At 1:06 in the video, you can see limited edition plush toys and original goods such as a 1/500 scale FLYING HONU model on sale inside the plane. The Airbus A380 Operates Globally Photo:Airplane・Airbus A380 The Airbus A380, shown in the video, is a turbofan four-engine, super-sized passenger aircraft manufactured by the European company Airbus. The A380 is the largest passenger aircraft in history, with 234 aircrafts in operation by 14 companies worldwide, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines. Historically, the A380 was operated by Singapore Airlines on October 15, 2007, with service between Singapore and Sydney. Japanese airline Skymark agreed to purchase the Airbus A380 on November 8, 2010, but the deal unfortunately fell apart. ANA, on the other hand, was scheduled to reach a purchase agreement in 2008, but due to the stock market crash that year no progress was made. In 2016, it was reported that three Airbus A380 aircrafts would be introduced to the Honolulu route in the spring of 2019, as shown in the video, and the Airbus A380 aircraft, with a sea turtle paint design, began service as FLYING HONU. Summary of the Airbus A380 Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think of ANA's Airbus A380? This article introduced the interior and history of the luxurious Airbus A380. You can take a look at the cockpit at 2:28 in the video, too, so be sure to check it out. The Airbus A380 is said to be priced at $445.6 million USD. The A380 only operating between Hawaii and Japan at this time, but if you're planning on traveling between Japan and hawaii be sure to look into flights on the massive A380! 【Official Website】New A380/ ANA’s new Hawaii with FLYING HONU https://www.ana.co.jp/ja/jp/hawaii24/airbus380/