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Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari

The Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari (志国土佐 時代の夜明けのものがたり, Shikoku tosa toki no yoake no monogatari) is a limited express sightseeing train service operated by JR Shikoku in Shikoku, Japan, since July 2020.

Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari
The service traveling between Sakawa Station and Erinono Station
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
LocaleShikoku, Japan
First service4 July 2020
Current operator(s)JR Shikoku
Route
TerminiKōchi
Kubokawa
Stops3
Distance travelled72.1 km
Line(s) usedDosan Line
Technical
Rolling stockKiHa 185 series DMU
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
ElectrificationNon-electrified

Overview

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The Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari is the third sightseeing train service in the Monogatari series introduced by JR Shikoku, after the Iyonada Monogatari and the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari. Originally scheduled to start operations on April 18, 2020, its launch was delayed to July 4, 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.[1][2]

The train runs between Kōchi and Kubokawa in Kōchi Prefecture, offering views of Kōchi's natural landscapes. Its theming concept is based on the historical exploits and aspirations of important figures of the Bakumatsu and Meiji Restoration, particularly that of native sons such as Sakamoto Ryōma and Nakaoka Shintarō.[2] The name of the train means "Tale of the Dawn of an Era".[3]

Operation status

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The train service operates on Fridays, weekends, and holidays between Kōchi and Kubokawa, running one round trip per day. Meals created with local ingredients are served on every route.[4] The service out of Kōchi is named Excerpts of Aspirations (立志の抄, Risshi no shō), while the service out of Kubokawa is named Excerpts of Blossoming Flowers (開花の抄, Kaika no shō).[5]

Both services stop at the stations of Kōchi, Tosa-Kure, and Kubokawa. Additional stops include:

Kōchi to Kubokawa (Noon service)

Kubokawa to Kōchi (Afternoon service)

A special service pattern also runs between Kōchi and Nahari, using tracks of the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Asa Line (also known as the Gomen-Nahari Line).[6] Originally a limited-time run for group tours between in 2021, the service became permanent afterwards, running every year on Fridays from October to December. For this pattern, the service out of Kōchi is named Excerpts of the Sparkling Sea (煌海の抄, Kirameki no shō), while the service out of Nahari is named Excerpts of Heroic Flights (雄飛の抄, Yuuhi no shō). Both services stop at the stations of Kōchi, Yasu, Aki, and Nahari.[7]

Rolling stock

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The Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoake no Monogatari uses a 2-car KiHa 185 series DMU for its services.[8] The first car, painted black, is nicknamed KUROFUNE ("black ship"), while the second car, painted white, is nicknamed SORAFUNE ("sky ship"). An image of Sakamoto Ryōma is painted on the exterior of the train, along with images of the sun and the moon.[3]

The interior of KUROFUNE is themed around late 19th century steamships, evoking the Black Ships that brought Japan out from isolation; the interior of SORAFUNE, by contrast, is themed with futuristic sci-fi elements of skyships and stars, signifying dreams for the future.[8][9]

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References

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  1. ^ Ono, Masatomo (June 16, 2020). "JR Shikoku to resume services, sightseeing trains in July". Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b Kitamura, Shiori (July 7, 2020). "Sightseeing train narrating west Japan island's history launched after virus delay". The Mainichi. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b Baseel, Casey (May 29, 2019). "Japan's new luxury sightseeing train will show you part of the country most foreigners never see". SoraNews24. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  4. ^ "ＪＲ四国 観光列車の新スイーツメニューお披露目 高知". NHK. September 5, 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  5. ^ "観光列車「志国土佐 時代の夜明けのものがたりの運転開始日、時刻、食事内容等について" (PDF) (in Japanese). JR Shikoku. September 30, 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-01-01. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  6. ^ 木下, 健児 (May 12, 2021). "JR四国「志国土佐 時代の夜明けのものがたり」ごめん・なはり線へ". MyNavi News. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  7. ^ "「志国土佐 時代の夜明けのものがたり」土佐くろしお鉄道「ごめん・なはり線」での運行". JR Shikoku. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  8. ^ a b "「志国土佐 時代の夜明けのものがたり」が報道公開される". Japan Railfan Magazine. February 21, 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  9. ^ やた, 香歩里 (September 25, 2020). "観光列車「志国土佐 時代の夜明けのものがたり」は龍馬の夢と走る!". Oricon News. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
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