Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

This series, which tells episodes related to railways in Chuo-ku, is scheduled for two more times including this time. I would appreciate it if you could see it until the end.

This time it's a little extra edition. For it's not a real train. The leading role this time is "railway model". It can be said that it is a slightly expensive adult collection that is irresistible for those who like it.　

When I was a junior high school student, I was looking forward to lay the HO gauge rails in the living room and run the train. Even at that time, I remember that it was a price that children couldn't afford. By the way, the HO gauge is the size of "16.5 mm in gauge", and the vehicle is generally considered to be 1/87 on a scale. In the first half of the 20th century, it became the mainstream of railway models in the world.

Nowadays, even smaller sizes and affordable N gauges (9mm gauges) are becoming popular, but they are still good for texture, powerful, and the appeal of HO gauges is not faded.

 It is quite brave to see the train running on the HO gauge rails.

There is a shop in Ginza, Chuo-ku, which can be called the mecca of such a longing railway model.
I know [Tenshodo].

Originally, it started as an Infusa store, and after the war, it was said that the manufacture and sale of railway models began in 1949. I heard that it was the president's hobby at that time.　

It is said that Tenshodo's railway model has excellent quality, so it was initially attracted more attention from overseas. In fact, the details were well made, and when I was a child, I wanted a model made by Tenshodo. Finally, I got the EF65 series electric locomotive. I was impressed at that time.

Even now, when you enter the Tenshodo building, enthusiasts come constantly. Popular items are limited express trains, railcars, sleepers, etc. in the colors of the Japanese National Railways. Each person has its own preference, and the railway discussion is not stopped in the store.

Another thing I would like to see is the lovely angel statue standing at the end of the building. It is said that it was installed as a symbol during the renewal in 1997. It looks like you can see the feelings of model railway fans who still keep following the boy's dreams.

As another famous spot in Chuo-ku, we introduced "railway model hall of fame".

More Chuo-ku Railway Monogatari <Part 8> "A longing railway model"

The fresh memories of last year's Great East Japan Earthquake are unlikely to disappear easily, but I have heard that local communities are gradually making progress toward recovery. I am just impressed by the tenacity and humanity of our people.

I'm ashamed because I can only participate in donations, but at least I would like to contribute to economic recovery by going on a trip to a hot spring in Tohoku or purchasing agricultural products from Tohoku.

Under such circumstances, "Green marche" is held every Saturday at [Tsukiji Smile Plaza] outside Tsukiji. Tohoku agricultural products are lined up in stalls to provide fresh taste.

This project is hosted by the NPO Tsukiji Food Town Development Council and is held every Saturday until May 26 of this year.
Please stop by when shopping at Tsukiji.

Unfortunately, it was raining on Saturday 24th last week, but the stalls were cheering for cheerful calls. Everyone is really bright and strong. It is also fun to exchange words while watching and walking.

On the 31st of next week, the special event "B-class gourmet champion is coming", and the local gourmet "Fujinomiya Yakisoba" and "Atsugi Shirokoro Hormone", which are now popular among the people, will appear. 100 yen per dish can be used to support restoration, so you can experience "Eating delicious food and making a little contribution". If you like delicious food, why don't you come and visit us?

In addition, there is a permanent "green station" nearby, so please take a look at it. The banner is displayed in the store, and I feel that I can't beat the Tohoku soul.

 Make use of this product as a course for walking outside the Tsukiji area.

More Tohoku reconstruction support is based on food culture ... Tsukiji "Green marche"

This is also a story related to railways in Chuo-ku.

At one time, there was a "waste line boom." It's about visiting and walking on the trajectory of the abolished railway. Of course, it's still popular. Recently, the number of railways that will be abolished has increased, inviting the nostalgia of people who nostalgic their former appearance.
There is also a place for such memories in Chuo Ward.

One is the "Ginza railroad crossing" that I have introduced before.

To be precise, it keeps the memory of the times as [the railroad crossing in front of Hamarikyu]. In the past, there was Shiodome Station on the Japanese National Railways, where it is now [Shiodome Shiodome Sight], from which the rail extended to Tsukiji Market. The demand for trains decreased as freight shifted to truck transportation, and finally abolished in 1987 (Showa 62).

I barely remember Shiodome Station, which is about to be abolished, and the track that extends to Tsukiji. If you think about it now, I think it was a milestone in an era where the world of logistics and information changed drastically.　

The days when rail transport supported the logistics of the Tsukiji market were far away, but the remnants are seen in the unique structure of the market facilities. The arc-like building was built to match the cargo rail. You will be able to see this figure for a long time.

In the past, there was the Tokyo Metropolitan Port and Harbor Bureau dedicated line, and the track starting from Echinakajima reached Toyosu as the Fukagawa Line and branched as the Harumi Line. This track crossed the Harumi Canal in parallel with Harumi Bridge, extending to the warehouses at Harumi Wharf. The iron bridge at that time (Harumi Bridge) was rusted and blended into a part of the waterfront landscape.

Until a few years ago, some tracks were still left, but as the redevelopment of Toyosu and Harumi progressed, they disappeared steadily. The area where rails were once lined up is a grassland for development. For some reason, there is a signboard that retains its appearance at that time, and rather invites melancholy.

I once lived here, and I liked walking beside this freight line. In spring, I remember that the scenery was well matched with the cherry blossoms along the road. When it was abolished in 1989, I couldn't forbid a bit of loneliness. Now it's a distant memory.

After a long time, I walked through the warehouse street at Harumi Wharf, and found traces of the rail. I just wonder if there were wagons carrying cement and flour in this area once.

Even in the middle of Tokyo, there is nostalgia of "wasted lines". The silver railway, which has reflected the transition of the times and the transformation of the city, seems to be biting memories in a dull rust color now.

Even if the rail disappears, "memory" remains. Along with the history of prosperity, as a memory of the people who worked there and those who were involved, I'm long and nostalgic ...
 

More Chuo-ku Railway Monogatari <Part 7> "Memory of Rail"