With the lifting of Japan’s state of emergency many people who had been sheltering from the pandemic at home have now returned to a regular commute to work by train. Although the prospect of once again taking that morning and evening rush hour commute may depress some, there are some trains that may help lift people’s spirits.
A carriage of the Kaiyukan Train
One such train is the “Kaiyukan Train” which was launched earlier this year by Kintetsu Railway. The train, which runs between Kintetsu Nara Station and Hanshin Kobe Sannomiya Station, is a special collaborative effort with Osaka’s Kaiyukan Aquarium and was created to celebrate the aquarium’s 30th anniversary. The Kaiyukan Train’s bright decorative imagery is meant to convey the Kaiyukan’s slogan of “everyday miracles”.
Images of sea life on the train’s exterior
The train is decorated both inside and out with colorful images of sea creatures which are intended both to brighten up the daily commute of regular passengers and help them grasp the beauty of ocean life.
The Kintetsu’s Kaiyukan train interior
Inside the carriage interiors are decorated with hanging images of sea anemones, poems, artworks, and short messages which express the mystery and magic of the marine environment.
An interior artwork
The Kaiyukan Train began operating on April 3rd this year and will continue regular services until April of 2021. The Kaiyukan Aquarium itself was closed during the state of emergency, but it has now reopened while limiting the number of visitors and maintaining some strict safety measures. As part of the current safety measures pre-booking tickets online is required to visit the Kaiyukan. For more details please visit the official Kaiyukan website.
The Kaiyukan Train
Article by Michael Lambe. Images courtesy of Kintetsu Railway. All rights reserved.
