Maintaining rolling stock is a key aspect for safe train operation for railway operators. They relentlessly maintain their rolling stock to keep it in good condition through various types of inspections under the rules enforced by the Transport Ministry. Usually, rolling stock receives regular inspection at a depot where it is based through routine work. On the other hand, periodic inspections (every three years or six years) are conducted at a dedicated maintenance facility because of the intensive maintenance work required. Usually, railway companies run their own workshops where rolling stock is thoroughly examined through dismantling and re-assembling processes. These facilities and the activities occurring there are usually veiled and cannot be seen. However, there are sometimes good opportunities for us to be able to visit one of these workshops and see rolling stock under examination close at hand as well as various maintenance facilities and equipment. These chances are provided on their open days, which generally take place once a year at each workshop. Another attraction of visiting such a railway facility on its open day is being able to see historic rolling stock preserved deep in its territory and specially displayed on the day. Also there are various types of entertainment presented by the workshop employees, such as miniature train operation, model train operation, train simulators, games, etc., which attract family visitors.

The photos below were taken at JR East’s Kamakura Rolling Stock Workshop on its open day in November 2000. The Kamakura workshop is one of 33 rolling stock maintenance facilities operated by JR companies all over Japan. The Kamakura workshop is responsible for maintaining over 1,100 EMUs including those for limited express service in the form of series 253 based at Ofuna depot, series 183 and 255 at Makuhari depot, series 185 and 251 at Tamachi depot, along with those for regular service in form of series 113 and 215 based at Kozu and Tamachi depots, respectively. The Kamakura workshop is located about 1 km southeast of JR Ofuna station where the Yokosuka Line branches from the Tokaido Main Line. The workshop is connected by a dedicated spur from a yard just a short distance from Ofuna station on the Yokosuka Line.

The following photos were taken at JR Oi workshop near Shinagawa in Tokyo on its open day held in August 1999.