A special service connecting three popular sightseeing trains on the JR Yodo Line, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in March, was enjoyed by train fans and families alike.
The JR Yodo Line, which connects Ehime Prefecture and Kochi Prefecture, celebrated 50 years since its opening in March, but the route is in the red, and a council formed by local governments along the line has decided to cut the Yodo Line ahead of the full-fledged tourist season. We planned an event to let people know about the charm of lines.
At JR Uwajima Station, where the first train departs, there are three trains
: ▽The ``Railway Hobby Train'' modeled after the first-generation Shinkansen ``0 Series''
▽The ``Kappa Uyoyo'' with a kappa painted on it
▽The
``Shiman Trolley'' with a bright yellow body.
A sightseeing train was connected, and many people, including railway fans and families, were on board.
Passengers enjoyed each of the specially arranged cars, looking at the Kappa diorama and railway model inside the car.
A man from Yawatahama City said, ``The Yodo Line offers views of the Shimanto River, and the beautiful scenery is also attractive.I've been wanting to ride the line for the sake of its survival.''
In addition, many residents and others gathered along the railway line to see the train in a different configuration than usual, taking pictures and waving as the train passed.
In conjunction with this special service, events were held at the stations where the train stopped, including a Kagura performance at Kinnaga Station in Kihoku-cho, which received a big round of applause from those who finished watching.