The excursion train ‘Echigo TOKImeki Resort SETSUGEKKA’ has replaced the walls with huge windows for the grand view of ocean and mountains. It has started its operation in the western part of Niigata prefecture, Japan. In order to be a new symbol of this area, the train’s body was colored vermillion glowing with the nature. Even though the train consists of only 2 carriages and 45 seats, its rail travel gives you a blissful time and marvelous view of the local scenery you have never seen before.
In terms of the interior, we are particular about the local materials including kawara tile flooring and domestic natural lumber in spite of the train’s steel body. Although it is said to be difficult to utilize natural wood in the coach owing to the flammability, the worker’s effort and modern technology such as fireproof material made this possible. For example, the walls consist of aluminum and 0.2 mm thickness natural sliced veneer of Japanese cedar, beech and birch.
Compared to a limited express or bullet train, SETSUGEKKA is ridiculously slower because it takes 3 hours to the terminal, despite the 13 minutes trip by Hokuriku Shinkansen. That is exactly why passengers can have enjoyable time with relaxed journey that you have never experienced by train. In the next period after the rapid growth of Asia, this sort of innovative design and train service can be the new trend.
Train is one of the most influential presentations by the local, not just transportation system for the general public. In the case of SETSUGEKKA, due to replacing walls for windows and accepting local character positively, it had powerful impacts on everyday life and concept of locality in the world. Moreover, this project can be the first step of local design innovation in the near future.

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Echigo TOKImeki Resort SETSUGEKKA

Joetsu, Japan

Echigo TOKImeki Resort SETSUGEKKA

Joetsu, Japan

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