Back in July we reported on the release of two beautiful souvenir train magnets featuring the sightseeing trains of Kyoto’s Eizan Railway. The unique souvenirs were part of a series of “Traveling by Train Magnets” that focuses on the charm of local railways. Now, three more magnets have been released, this time featuring two limited express trains of JR East and the Hijiri-bashi Bridge in Ochanomizu, Tokyo — a famous spot for train fans where three train lines intersect.
The three new Traveling by Train Magnets
The trains on two of the new magnets are the Saphir Odoriko E261 series limited express and the Azusa E353 series limited express. A third magnet depicts the “Ochanomizu Triple Train Crossover” — a spot where Tokyo Metro’s Marunouchi Line, and JR East’s Chuo and Sobu lines all intersect.
The Saphir Odoriko
The Saphir Odoriko is a luxury limited express service that runs between Tokyo and Izukyu-Shimoda Station on the Izu Peninsula. This is an all-first-class train that runs along the coastline of Izu, and passengers can enjoy views of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji, and the Izu Islands from its windows.
The Saphir Odoriko magnet
The new Saphir Odoriko magnet shows the train running past the sparkling sea with an orange grove in the foreground — a typical sight in Izu.
The Azusa
The Azusa is a limited express train that runs between Tokyo and Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. Along the way passengers can view Mount Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, and the Minami Alps. Due to the mountainous terrain this train has a titling function that allows it to pass through curves at high speed without affecting the comfort of the passengers.
The Azusa magnet
The magnet depicts the mountain scenery of the Azusa’s route with the train itself running at a tilt in the foreground.
The Ochanomizu Triple Train Crossover
Ochanomizu’s Hijiri-bashi Bridge is a unique train-viewing spot where not only can two JR trains be seen, but even Tokyo Metro’s Marunouchi Line, which normally runs underground, is visible above ground. Because services are frequent on these lines, visitors need only wait a short time to see the distinctive orange, yellow and red trains pass each other.
Ochanomizu’s Hijiri-bashi Bridge magnet
The Traveling by Train Magnets series feature handcrafted images of trains on Spanish-style ceramic tiles. The images on the magnets are produced based on photographs of actual trains, and local artists and experts with ties to each region are asked to make the designs in a way that is true to local memories and perspectives, as well as the scenery and culture of each area.
Traveling Train magnets from around Japan
For the new magnets railway photographer Yuta Murakami served as an advisor to ensure the accuracy of the images, while the Tokyo-based illustrator Shinji Tsuchimochi created the original artwork. Tsuchimochi is well-known for his colorful modern prints which are inspired by the style of Edo period ukiyo-e.
An artist at work
His illustrations were first transformed into 15-centimeter Spanish tiles by the Minatomachi Ceramika Kobo studio in Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture. Using 3D printing technology, the handcrafted tiles were then scanned to reproduce their tactile depth and textured glaze in a compact 4.7 centimeter magnet.
Beyond their artistic value, these magnets are designed with a strong commitment to sustainability. They are made using Mino-yaki clay, which incorporates over 50% recycled material that would otherwise be discarded. Furthermore, the packaging is entirely plastic-free, made from recycled paper, and the retail display fixtures are constructed from recycled wood.
A sustainable souvenir that is entirely plastic-free!
Priced at 700 yen each, these magnets are “local-only” souvenirs that cannot be bought online. The idea is that each magnet will act as a tangible bridge between the traveler and the specific memories of their journey through Japan.
The three new train magnets are now on sale at the General Store Railyard outside the ticket gate at the Showa-dori exit of JR Akihabara Station.
Traveling by Train Magnets collection display at Hakata Station Hands store
The full collection of Traveling by Train Magnets is also available at major Hands stores in popular tourist areas across Japan, making it easy for visitors to find souvenirs featuring trains and railway scenery from different regions in one place.
Article by Michael Lambe. Photos by Penon, Tokyo Metro and JR East (1), Yuta Murakami (2,4,6), Penon, JR East (3,5), Penon, Tokyo Metro and JR East (7), Penon (8,9,10), Angkana Unthaya (11). All rights reserved.
