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History of the Tobu Nikko Line & the SPACIA Limited Express

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History of the Tobu Nikko Line & the SPACIA Limited Express

Asakusa～The Nikko/Kinugawa area has been loved by people since the Edo period.
The Tobu-nikko line serves as a link between these historic areas and Tokyo. Here we take a look back at the railcars that ran on the line.
The direction of the line is "diverse," from luxurious, speed-oriented trains to those with state-of-the-art equipment.
All of them are filled with the desire to "let people enjoy their trip to Nikko,
This is also carried over to SPACIA X.

1929 Toku500

1929 Toku500

The chef serves the food
“Running VIP room” with waitstaff on board

This vehicle was newly built in October 1929, when the Nikko Line opened, and was used to connect to the end of the limited express train at the time. In addition to a special room, the train also had an attendant's room, a cooking room, and a boy's room. It was a premium train similar to today's Joyful Train, with staff such as waiters and cooks on board, and was used not only for travel but also as a group train for weddings.

Photo provided by: Tobu Museum (Photo by Junji Oka)

1935 Deha 10 series

1929 Toku500

The chaotic period before, during, and after the war
The first express train that ran through

It was manufactured as the first dedicated vehicle for express transportation to Nikko, which had previously been operated as a general vehicle. It features cross seats that allow you to sit facing the direction of travel (some are long seats). It was a train worthy of being called an express train, with interior lights that looked like chandeliers. The performance of the motor was also enhanced, and it was able to connect Asakusa Kaminarimon (currently Asakusa) to Tobu-nikko in 137 minutes.
1951 5700 series

1951 5700 series

luxury romance car
The first newly built express train after the war

It debuted at a time when the post-war chaos had calmed down and the number of tourists was increasing. Convertible cross seats and a folding table were placed inside to improve livability, and fluorescent lighting, which was unusual at the time, was used for lighting. As a result, there is an anecdote that a person who took a test ride found the platform at Asakusa Station at the time so dark that he was unable to walk for a while. The maximum speed is 95km/h.

Photo provided by: Tobu Museum (Photo by Junji Oka)

1956 1700 series

1956 1700 series

Breaking through the 2 hour barrier
Asakusa-Tobu-nikko 119 minutes

A vehicle with a maximum speed of 105 km/h manufactured to compete with the JNR (currently JR) train that connects Ueno and Nikko in 122 minutes. With the introduction of the 1700 series, the fastest train between Asakusa and Nikko is now under 2 hours. We focused on comfort, and in addition to reclining seats, the additional vehicles manufactured in 1957 were equipped with a Western-style toilet, which was rare at the time.
1960 1720 series

1956 1700 seriesdeluxe romance car

Became the face of Nikko tourism
SPACIA X 's origin

It was planned because the Japanese National Railways (currently JR) introduced new vehicles between Ueno and Nikko, and debuted four years after the 1700 series. It was an air-conditioned car and had a deluxe interior for the time, with automatic doors separating the cars. The seats are spacious and spaced 110cm apart. A salon room with telephone room was also installed.
1990 100 series Spacia

1990 100 series Spacia

Private room now available!!
Speakers on each seat

As a successor to the 1720 series Deluxe Romance Car
Designed with the concept of “Fast & Pleasure”. This vehicle is equipped with innovative equipment, such as a private room in car 6, a buffet in car 3, and speakers installed in the seats to enjoy music (currently abolished). It won the Good Design Award in 1990 and the Railway Friends Association Blue Ribbon Award in 1991.
2017 500 series Liberty

2017 500 series Liberty

Connect the entire line
Realize flexible operation

Until now, limited express vehicles had roles divided between Spacia on the Nikko Line and Ryomo on the Isesaki Line, but it was born as a limited express that can operate flexibly along the entire line. Taking advantage of the feature of a fixed 3-car train that can be easily merged, it will flexibly connect the entire line, including the Nikko Line, Isesaki Line, and the Aizu area.

2017 500 series Liberty

Debut on Saturday, July 15th
SPACIA X
2017 500 series Liberty
Orthodox evolution of 100 series Spacia
Flagship express.

Design elements that have been refined over history have been designed to stand out in today's times.
Create an extraordinary space with the exterior and interior.
It will further enhance the exhilaration of your trip to the Nikko/Kinugawa area.

What is Spacia X?

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