Japan's train journeys are often attractions in their own right, and Odakyu Electric Railway is getting ready to introduce another exciting option to its lineup. Manufacturing has officially begun on its new Romancecar 80000 series, with the first trains expected to enter service in March 2029.
If you haven't heard of the Romancecar, it's Odakyu's popular limited express train connecting Shinjuku in Tokyo with destinations including Hakone, a favorite getaway for visitors wanting to enjoy hot springs, mountain scenery, and a break from the city. Unlike an ordinary commuter train, the Romancecar is designed to make the journey part of the experience, with reserved seating and large windows to enjoy the scenery.
The new seven-car trains are getting some extra-fun additions. One of the standouts is a set of four-person group seats positioned beside enormous circular windows measuring approximately 1.8 meters across. They're designed for families and friends who want to enjoy the views together, rather than stare at the back of someone's head!
There will also be some impressively spacious individual seats, measuring approximately 600mm wide, making them among the widest offered on Japanese domestic trains according to Odakyu's research. Traditional forward-facing observation seats will remain, too, with wider front windows for taking in the scenery.
Even the exterior has had a refresh, with a translucent blue-green finish inspired by water, alongside flowing curves and orange accents.
Three train sets are planned, and although it's still a while before passengers can hop aboard, this is one train journey worth keeping on the radar.
