Hitachi Rail has made two new, 6-car trainsets for Tobu Railway Co., Ltd., which started operation on 15.7.2023. Each train with 212 seats has luxurious Cockpit Suites, Cockpit Lounges, Compartments, and Premium Seats. Two more trainsets will be delivered in the future. The existing nine SPACIA trains were made in the early 1990s and refurbished in 2012. With the added letter X, the new trains will reduce emissions by up to 40% compared to the older generation of trains. All trains operate on the narrow-gauge 1,067 mm.
The Limited Express SPACIA are trains operating between Tokyo and the area of Nikko / Kinugwawa-onsen. Many Japanese love this region for its natural beauty and magnificent history. Both attractions are embedded in the design of the new SPACIA X trains. The white colour of the trains is reminiscent of the "Gofun" painted on the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The window frames are inspired by handmade crafts such as the muntins (Kumiko) in Kanuma and bamboo weaving.
