Super View Odoriko 3: Shinjuku to Izukyu-Shimoda by Through Service Limited Express Train

The Super View Odoriko was a limited express sightseeing train which linked Tokyo with the Izu Peninsula from Atami to Ito and Shimoda. While convenient for access to Izu, the train worked very conveniently as a sightseeing train as the railway tracks travel down just beside the coast of the Izu Peninsula, making the Limited Express Super View Odoriko popular for sightseeing from the train itself, and many trains that travel on the line are designed specifically for sightseeing.

The Super View Odoriko has retired on 13 March 2020, just a few weeks short of the 30th anniversary of running the Tokyo/Ikebukuro/Shinjuku – Izukyu-Shimoda route since 28 April 1990.

A new train, Saphir Odoriko, will replace the Super View Odoriko.

On regular days, the Limited Express Super View Odoriko does just 1 regular run from Shinjuku Station with all other trains using Tokyo Station instead.

Heading down to Platforms 5 and 6 to catch the Limited Express Super View Odoriko.

Just as I got down, the 251 series EMU pulled in as the Ohayo Liner Shinjuku 26, ferrying passengers from Odawara to Shinjuku. This is an efficient way of sending the train up to Shinjuku to form my Limited Express Super View Odoriko 3 to Izukyu-Shimoda, without the train operating as an empty set and yet selling a higher fare Liner ticket to use this stock transfer service.

The 251 series EMU as the Ohayo Liner Shinjuku 26, preparing to form my Limited Express Super View Odoriko 3 to Izukyu-Shimoda.

Walking down the length of the 10-car train to my coach at Car 4.

Once the cleaners have boarded, the doors are closed.

My train details at the platform.

The destination sign of my Limited Express Super View Odoriko 3 for Izukyu-Shimoda.

The badge of the 29-year-old SVO – Super View Odoriko at the side of the cab car.

The Super View Odoriko 251 series EMU at Shinjuku.

Cleaners tidy up the train before releasing it for service again.

Once done, all cleaners ready to close the water pipe cover.

Once ready, everyone closes the cover together, supervised by a supervisor.

The supervisor checking that the hatch is closed.

Verifying a pipe taken out of the hatch. That’s a lot of procedures just to close a hatch.

Once the train is ready for boarding, the train attendants are present at each door to check for tickets before allowing passengers to board.

The interior of the Super View Odoriko with red seats.

Seats on the Ordinary Car are laid out in 2+2 formation.

My seat is located at the back of the empty coach again. I’m starting to not like the reservations agent who did my seat reservations.

The legroom on board the Ordinary Car Super View Odoriko.

Both the seat cushion and the recline are adjustable to make it easier to slouch into the seat.

Each seat has a personal reading lamp and an adjustable air-conditioning vent.

Departing from Shinjuku.

The empty train car that I have.

Turning off the Yamanote Loop after Osaki.

Passing by the JR East Tokyo Sogo Sharyo Center.

Passing through nearby houses on the wye junction.

Crossing the Tama River.

Heading on to Kawasaki and Yokohama.

Passing by a Yokohama Line train.

Overtaking a Keihin-Tohoku Line train.

Making a brief stop at Yohokama Station.

Heading on west.

Passing by Kamakura Vehicle Center, home of the E217 series Yokosuka Line and Sobu Line Rapid, E233 series Yokohama Line and E259 series Narita Express trains.

Passing by a freight train.

A trolley service is provided on the Super View Odoriko selling drinks and snacks. However, I didn’t get anything from JR (sorry JR) as I’ve already stocked up on similar items from the convenience store at cheaper prices.

Time for a toilet tour.

There is a public wash basin at the toilet area.

A male urinal cubicle is available on board.

The Super View Odoriko seems to only feature western-style sitting toilets on board.

Another western-style sitting toilet cubicle, without the baby seat.

The interior of another car on the Super View Odoriko with blue seats.

The train consist information with the various facilities on board.

A food and drinks area is available at Car 5, selling similar items to the refreshment trolley.

Heading on the Tokaido Main Line, a hint of the sea can be seen already.

Along the way, Mount Fuji allows herself to be seen from the Super View Odoriko.

Passing by a EF210 “Momotaro” locomotive hauling a freight train.

Approaching Odawara Station with the view of the Odakyu Railway and the N700 series Shinkansen.

Making a brief stop at Odawara Station.

The view of the Odakyu Railway here is reminiscent of the times when I was still playing the Microsoft Train Simulator running KTM trains on the Odakyu Railway.

Passing by an Odakyu Railway 30000 series “EXE” (Excellent Express) heading down from Hakone-Yumoto on the Hakone Tozan Line.

The Hakone Tozan Line turning off from the Tokaido Line alignment.

Approaching the seaside.

The Super View Odoriko does indeed offer a super view from the window seat with the full height windows encroaching a bit of the roof.

Heading down the Izu Peninsula.

Approaching Atami Station.

Making a brief stop at Atami Station before heading down the Ito Line.

Splitting off onto the Ito Line.

Crossing with an opposing Super View Odoriko at Izu-Taga Station.

Both Super View Odorikos have to make a complete stop at the station before departing again.

Continuing south with a view of some seaside towns.

Making a brief stop at Ito Station, a major station on the line which involves a crew change too as the Super View Odoriko continues on to the Izu Kyuko Line of Isukyu Corporation, leaving JR East tracks.

Departing from Ito Station with advertisements of the Izu Craile and The Royal Express joyful trains.

Passing by Izu-Kogen Depot with ex-Tokyu 8000 Series EMUs stabling in the depot.

Passing by The Royal Express luxury sightseeing train stabling in Izu-Kogen Depot.

Making a brief stop at Izu-Kogen Station.

More ex-Tokyu 8000 series on the line operating as local trains on the Izu Kyuko Line. Do they look familiar?

Yup, Tokyu resold the trains not only domestically but also to PT KCI Jabodetabek, Indonesia.

Continuing on south.

Passing by a steaming onsen.

Making a brief stop at Izu-Atagawa.

Getting closer to the coast.

Here, the train travels right along the coast line, offering fantastic views of the Sagami Bay and Pacific Ocean.

Making a brief stop at Izu-Inatori.

Crossing with another local ex-Tokyu 8000 series here. Seems like Izukyu Corporation reconfigured these local trains for a better seaside view with bays of 4 seats by the window facing the sea and longitudinal seating on the other side so that passengers can face the sea.

The (almost) original interior of the ex-Tokyu 8000 series in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The local ex-Tokyu 8000 series departing from Izu-Inatori.

Heading back inland.

Crossing through a few hills and mountains.

Approaching Izukyu-Shimoda.

Arriving at Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

Disembarking at Izukyu-Shimoda with an opposing Odoriko ready to depart.

Upon arrival, the destination signs scroll towards Off Service, showing other signs along the way.

There we go.

Just a few seconds after that, the Odoriko closed its doors and heads for Tokyo.

The Odoriko carries a unique headboard as compared with the Super View Odoriko whereby the train’s design is the icon itself.

The cast nameplate of the Super View Odoriko.

The end of the line at Izukyu-Shimoda.

The Super View Odoriko at Izukyu-Shimoda.

Not a very strong buffer stop here, but perhaps the ATS would have tripped the train before it could even reach here? I’m not sure.

Heading out of the marine-themed station.

The exit gates are designed like Admiral Perry’s Black Ships, which Shimoda is famous for, as the Black Ships landed in Japan, marking the end of Japan’s era of isolation and the start of diplomatic relations between the US and Japan in 1854.

The arrival manual ticket gates are arranged like a Black Ship Flotilla.

Outside the manned ticket gates, there is a map of the area.

There is also a Tourist Information Centre right there for information about what to do in Izukyu-Shimoda.

There is a taxi stand right outside the station.

Beside it, there is a bus terminal for local buses around Izukyu-Shimoda.

A model of Admiral Perry’s Black Ship outside Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

The facade of Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

Overall, a pleasant ride on the Limited Express Super View Odoriko 3 allowing a great opportunity to sight see directly from on board the train with the wide windows and comfortable seats.