Shinano Railway and Echigo Tokimeki Railway in winter
Masataka Isashiki rode railways of Niigata and Nagano prefecture on a snowy day. The snowfall increased as the train went up to the highland, and reached more than one meter at Myōkō Kōgen. This is typical weather of Japan Sea side areas in winter.
All photos: Masataka Isashiki, taken 3rd January 2025.
Series 115 of Shinano Railway at Myōkō Kōgen station. This type was succeeded from JNR and JR East but has decreased now. Many of them are replaced by new series SR1 which is the same design as JR East series E129.
Series ET 127 of Echigo Tokimeki Railway at Nihongi station. The train makes switchback on gradient to enter the platform. At that time, two trains arrived the platform from the same direction to pass by on the single track. Unlike old train pulled by a locomotive, recent EMUs train can stop on a steep gradient. So many of switchback platforms in Japan are closed, and Nihongi is currently very rare example.
Series E653 limited express “Shirayuki” bound for Niigata at Jōetsu Myōko station.