Life with a Densha Otaku: Discovering the joy of Japanese train culture
Lately, I’ve been writing a lot about train journeys: from my recent Amtrak ride through the Rockies to a nostalgic autumn trip to Nikkō in Japan coming up on Monday. Revisiting those memories reminded me of something (or someone!) central to my everyday life: my husband, a proud densha otaku, a Japanese train enthusiast.
Before I met him, I thought trains were just a way to get from A to B. Efficient, yes. Clean, definitely. But exciting? Not really. Then I married a densha otaku, and everything changed.
Suddenly, train stations became destinations. Our holidays started to include scenic rail routes, vintage train rides, and even train museums (yes, plural). I learned to appreciate the subtle differences between train models, the thrill of catching a rare carriage, and the joy of watching a train glide into a station with perfect timing.
And you know what? I love it.
Japan is a paradise for train lovers. From the sleek shinkansen to charming local lines that wind through rice fields and mountains, every ride tells a story. There’s even a word for trainspotting in Japan: toritetsu (撮り鉄), for those who photograph trains, and noritetsu (乗り鉄), for those who simply love riding them.
The term otaku itself used to carry a slightly negative connotation, implying obsessive or socially awkward behavior. But over time, it’s evolved. Today, there are otaku for everything: trains, anime, idols, history, even insects! It’s become a celebration of deep passion and niche expertise. And densha otaku? They’re some of the most joyful, detail-loving travelers you’ll ever meet.
One of the first trains I truly noticed was the Enoden: the Enoshima Electric Railway. When I lived in Kita-Kamakura, I’d often see it trundle past, hugging the coastline and weaving through narrow streets. It felt like something out of a Ghibli film. That little green train, with its retro charm and seaside views, planted the seed for my appreciation of train travel long before I knew what a densha otaku was.
And of course, no train journey in Japan is complete without an ekiben, a regional bento box sold at stations and onboard trains. These aren’t just meals; they’re edible postcards from the places you pass through. I’ve become a bit of an ekiben enthusiast myself, and I’ll be writing a dedicated post soon about my favorite finds and the stories behind them. Stay tuned!
Now, when we plan trips, I look forward to the train rides as much as the destination. Whether it’s the Sagano Scenic Railway in Kyoto, the Aizu Railway in Fukushima, or even the quirky Thomas the Tank Engine train in Shizuoka, there’s always something new to discover.
So this Fun Friday, I raise a bento box to all the densha otaku out there, and to the partners who’ve learned to love the rails.
