Photo/Illutration The Spacia X limited express train makes a stop at Tobu Nikko Station in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, on July 15, 2023. (Takefumi Ishihara)

Rolling stock associated with Tochigi Prefecture ended up with prestigious prizes handed out by the Japan Railfan Club.

The organization awarded its top Blue Ribbon Prize given to outstanding trains to Tobu Railway Co.’s N100 series limited express train, aka Spacia X.

Its second award, the Laurel Prize, went to Utsunomiya Light Rail Co.’s HU300 tram nicknamed Lightline.

Introduced in July last year, the Spacia X connects Tokyo’s Asakusa district with the Nikko-Kinugawa area in Tochigi Prefecture in about two hours.

It offers six varieties of seating options, including a private room with a capacity of seven.

The fan club praised the exterior for its stylish presence and cabin facilities crafted with functional beauty, along with state-of-the-art equipment enabling stable operation.

“We are very glad to receive recognition for design, functionality, diversity and other factors,” said a Tobu Railway representative.

The light rail transit (LRT) Lightline went into operation in August last year, connecting Utsunomiya and Haga, also in Tochigi Prefecture.

The yellow-colored, three-car tram features a streamlined design.

It boasts reduced noise and vibration, and its stops have step-free access to street level.

The tram was cited for its visually striking design. Its user-friendliness and passenger comfort were improved by the use of indirect lighting and large side windows, as well as a seat pitch on a par with regular trains.

Utsunomiya Mayor Eiichi Sato noted that the city government has been making efforts to promote barrier-free accessibility and develop a transportation system that runs entirely on locally-generated renewable energy.

“It is truly gratifying and prideful to receive such prestigious recognition,” he added.

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