2927-[Japan / Train] Setagaya Line 50 year anniversary 世田谷線の50周年記念

Setagaya Line is What kind of place?
As a line that operates charming little two-car tramcars, the Setagaya Line is a rarity in Tokyo. Moreover, many of its stations are unmanned, making it highly unusual for an urban railway. Along the line are numerous shops, some trendy and chic while others have been loved by locals for generations. Despite its proximity to Shibuya and Shinjuku, it is home to historical tourist sites such as Gotoku-ji, a temple famous for its manekineko (beckoning cats), and the Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine, which is unusual in that it has a sumo wrestling ring. With these and other charms, a stroll along the line is always enjoyable. This is perhaps why it is typically crowded with tourists on weekends and holidays. Many also come to ride the “cat train,” a previously operated train that was brought back in May. Officially called the “Kofuku-no-Manekineko Densha” (the beckoning cat of good fortune train), it is painted in the style of a manekineko. Manekineko are said to have originated at the aforementioned Gotoku-ji Temple, which is near the Setagaya Line. The straps and floors inside the cars are also designed with a cat theme. Please make a point of riding it on your next trip to Tokyo.

「幸福の招き猫電車」は、2017年9月の玉電開通110周年記念イベントで初登場。2018年3月まで運行されていました。

　それが今回、1969（昭和44）年5月に東急玉川線の渋谷～二子玉川園間が廃止となり、支線（下高井戸線）の三軒茶屋～下高井戸間が世田谷線として運行を開始してから50周年を迎えたことを記念し、「世田谷線50周年記念企画」のひとつとして復活したものです。

　世田谷線の沿線にある、「招き猫発祥の地」ともいわれている豪徳寺（東京都世田谷区）にちなんだもので、300系電車に「招き猫」をデザイン。車内のつり革は招き猫型で、床には猫の足跡もあります。前回の運行時と比べて、車体の前面に「猫耳」が描かれているのが特徴です。

「幸福の招き猫電車」の運行は5月12日（日）からで、終了時期は未定とのこと。

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