Tobu 100 series SPACIA

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

Tobu 100 series SPACIA was designed for limited express services on Tobu Nikko and Kinugawa Lines. There are nine six-carriage units, and three of them can run JR lines. Since the series was developed to transport tourists, there are not only standard class seats but also compartments for a group of four and a buffet.

When all six units were refurbished in 2011-13, they were repainted into three different liveries: "Iki"(meaning "chic", pale and dark blue bands), "Miyabi" (meaning "elegant", purple and blue bands) and "Sunny Coral Orange" (with, as always, blue bands). Two of them were repainted gold in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Nikko Tosho-gu, a famous shrine in Nikko.

When a through-service between Tobu and JR East commenced in 2006, three units of the 100 series were converted to be compatible with JR lines. They were not successful, and there were very few passengers onboard on weekdays, but Tobu has been persistent in providing the service as they considered that the SPACIA would be an effective promotion of themselves.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 100 series trains are used for Limited Express. all Kegon (Asakusa - Tobu-nikko) and Kinu (Asakusa - Kinugawa-onsen) and a few Skytree Liner (Asakusa - Kasukabe). There are through-services towards JR lines, namely Limited Express SPACIA Kinugawa (Shinjuku - Kinugawa-onsen) and SPACIA Nikko (Shinjuku - Tobu-nikko). Some of these services run only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Tobu has been introducing a brand new train called N100 series since 2023, replacing the 100 series.

Photos

The "Iki" livery.

The "Miyabi" livery.

The "Sunny Coral Orange" livery.

The golden livery.

The Deluxe Romance Car livery, the way SPACIA's predecessor was painted.