Hitachi to design and build express trains for service between Tokyo, Nikko and Kinugawa.

Hitachi are set to design and build the new fleet of “Limited” express trains for Tobu Railway Co. Ltd’s flagship service between Tokyo, Nikko and Kinugawa.

Attracting a massive 12 million visitors each year, the Nikko Toshogu shrine is a World Heritage site which is dedicated to one of Japan’s most celebrated shoguns.

The new N100 express trains will bring improvements to the current service from Tokyo replacing the Spacia 100 series, which have been in operation since 1990.

The new fleet will be built at Hitachi Rail’s Kasado Works and are set to run in six carriage formation, and will have 212 seats.

Drawing inspiration from the heart-warming design of Japanese traditional crafts, the N100’s white coloured exterior is directly inspired by the noble white of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

The interior of the new trains draws directly from the ‘SPACIA’ taking on the large comfortable swivel recliner seats and compartment rooms. The N100 will also bring lounge sheets and a cafe counter to meet the requirements of its passengers.

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The first N100 unit is expected to be in operation during 2023.

Koji Agatsuma, Group COO (Rolling Stock), Hitachi Rail said:

“We are proud to design and build Tobu’s flagship express trains that will improve the service for the millions of passengers who visit Nikko and Kinugawa every year. Hitachi has built over 500 commuter cars of A-train for Tobu. We will work with Tobu to build a fleet of modern trains that are safe, comfortable environmentally friendly and pleasant.”