Railway enthusiasts gathered at Shintomicho Station late at night on February 8 to partake in the unique Tokyo Metro event dubbed "Midnight Shintomicho." The event transformed the usually quiet platform of the Yurakucho Line station, allowing fans to photograph trains under special conditions.
This rare opportunity saw the Shintomicho Station bursting with excitement as fans descended to capture moments of the 18000 series trains, which typically run on the Hanzomon Line, but found themselves on the Yurakucho Line for this special event. Despite it being past ordinary operating hours, the sight of trains at midnight brought out the vivid photography abilities of railway aficionados.
The event was supported by Hato Bus, which managed some logistics, and participants had to gather at the nearby hotel prior to the train showing. Inside, they received instructions from two crew members who not only went through safety precautions but also made the session engaging through interactive questions and fun exchanges.
Once midnight rolled around and the last scheduled train departed, participants made their way to the platform, excitement building as they awaited the arrival of their target trains. At approximately 1:40 AM, the first 18000 series train pulled onto the tracks, delighting the eager photographers.
Notably, this event was carefully planned, allowing the train to stop slightly before its usual position for optimal photography angles. Unlike typical operational limits, the event permitted the usage of tripods and ladders, giving participants the freedom to frame their shots creatively and professionally.
The 18000 series showcased at the event was the newest model, designated as 18112, which features distinct structural changes from previous trains. Though operational specifics about the 18112 remained undisclosed, participants enjoyed the novelty of interacting with this latest addition, fulfilling their curiosity about its design and functionality.
After the stationary photo session, the thrill continued as the train moved toward the tunnel just beyond the platform. Participants got the chance to capture action shots, with adjustments made by event organizers to allow the optimal lighting setup for their photographs, leading to spontaneous applause from the crowd.
Train displays changed throughout the event as the train indicated various routes based on participants' requests, like "Local to Hanzomon" and "Express to Aoyama-itchome." These representations creatively highlighted the otherwise rarely seen operational setups, allowing fans to enjoy unique snapshots.
To the delight of attendees, the somewhat unexpected appearance of the 17000 series also caught their eye, pulling up alongside the 18000 series. Originally planned to remain at the back of the platform, the adjustments made for the enthusiasts showcased the responsiveness of Tokyo Metro to their participants’ desires.
The event concluded around 4:00 AM after more than three attentive hours dedicated to photography. Participants left with lasting memories and hopes for future events, reflecting on the commitment Tokyo Metro displayed to cultivating this unique community experience.
Though the platforms returned to their quiet nature post-event, the lasting excitement from the night echoed with plans for more such gatherings, ensuring railway fans remain engaged and invested.