三鷹車両センター

Slipping through time, imagine Tokyo in 1929. The Mitaka Rolling Stock Center began its life as the Nakano Electric Car Depot’s Mitaka branch. This was just the start for the Mitaka Rolling Stock Center. Its story is one of evolution, mirroring Tokyo’s own dynamic growth. The center sits west of Mitaka Station on the Chuo Main Line. The street running alongside the tracks, south of the center, is affectionately known as “Densha-ya Doori,” meaning Electric Car Street. Originally, the center used the code “Higashi-Mitsu.” Later, in 1969, it became “Nishi-Mitsu” under the Tokyo West Railway Management Bureau. After privatization in 1987, the code reverted to “Higashi-Mitsu.” Finally, with the establishment of the Hachioji branch in 1998, it became “Hachi-Mitsu.” Inside the Mitaka Rolling Stock Center, you’d find a vast area of over 44,000 square meters. Some operations, like building maintenance and vehicle inspections, are entrusted to JR East Japan Transportation Service. There are 23 tracks within the center. The first track has a washing line for 10-car trains. Tracks 1 and 2 are long sidings that can accommodate two 10-car trains each. Tracks 3 to 14 are also sidings for 10-car trains. Tracks 15 to 17 house the inspection bay. Tracks 18 and 19 are repair lines equipped with overhead cranes and lifting jacks. Even Emperor Hirohito was fond of a particular pedestrian bridge within the Mitaka Rolling Stock Center. This bridge, constructed from old rails, spanned the Chuo Main Line. It sadly closed in December 2023 due to age. In 2023, the Mitaka Rolling Stock Center housed 650 electric cars. These include E231 series trains used on the Chuo and Sobu lines, some of which also connect to the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. Interestingly, the six-car formations lack the third car, a quirk unique to this center. Over the years, the Mitaka Rolling Stock Center has been home to a variety of trains. These include the 103 series, the stainless-steel 201 series, the wide-bodied 205 series, the 209-500 series, and even the limited-run 165 series “Panorama Express Alps.” The center also briefly hosted the 115 series before its transfer to Toyoda Depot. The history of the Mitaka Rolling Stock Center is intertwined with the history of Tokyo’s rail network. It has witnessed countless comings and goings, silently playing its part in the city’s vibrant story.