The Kyoto City Transportation Bureau will begin commercial operation of the ninth train train of the Series 20 for the Karasuma Line on January 9, 2026. With this, all of the planned nine trains will be in commercial operation.
The Series 20 will be introduced in FY2021 to replace aging trains. In addition to a stronger body structure and reduced power consumption, the new cars will be more barrier-free by reducing the difference in level between the platform and the car and by adding wheelchair spaces.
The interior of each train car is decorated with motifs of Kyoto’s traditional industries, and each train car has a different design for nail covers, marker nameplates, and other items. In the “Omoiyari Area” of each train car, a different traditional industry product (including actual products) is displayed on each car.
The ninth formation features nail-holders depicting Kyoto’s seasonal scenes. The 9th train depicts “Cherry blossoms on the Keage Incline,” “Noryoyokozoba on the Kamo River,” “Autumn leaf viewing at Tofukuji Temple,” and “Passing arrows at Sanjusangendo Temple.
The display in the first car of the Kyoto direction, car 2139, is about Kyoto dolls. Some of the ornaments and accessories for Hina dolls and May dolls are provided by Kyoto Ningyo Shogyo Kyodo Kumiai (Kyoto Ningyo Dealers Association). The exhibit on the first car (No. 2839) toward the International Conference Hall is produced by the Kyoto Metal Craft Cooperative Association and displays metal craft works utilizing techniques such as metal engraving, inlaying, and cloisonne enamel.
© Source travel watch