Kanto Railway Visit

The Kanto Railway Joso Line is a non-electrified private railway line spanning 51.1 km from Toride to Shimodate in the Kanto region, a rare sight among private railways.

Additionally, the 17.5 km section from Toride to Mizukido is a rare non-electrified double-track segment in Japan.
The Kanto Railway remains non-electrified due to the presence of the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Geomagnetic Observatory in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
With DC electrification, the large leakage current would interfere with geomagnetic observation data.
Thus, the area within a 30 km radius of the observatory is typically AC electrified. However, due to the high cost of AC electrification, Kanto Railway opted to remain non-electrified and continues to operate as such.


In the past, the JNR and JR-purchased KiHa 30 and KiHa 35 trains ran in four-car formations, captivating many rail enthusiasts.

The KiHa 35 had an interesting history: in 2006, four cars (358, 3511, 3518, and 3519) were repainted and appeared in the movie *Pacchigi!* as a representation of the Keihin-Tohoku Line.
In 2015, six cars (353, 354, 358, 3511, 3518, and 3519) were transferred to the Philippine National Railways, marking an eventful journey.


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Joso Line implemented an early last train schedule adjustment on January 23, which will become a permanent timetable revision effective Saturday, March 13, 2021.