The Odakyu 50000 series VSE (Vault Super Express). One of those cool trains you often see in Japan is no more. From its debut in 2005 and being used for many trips back and forth to Hakone, the two sets of trains ended its regular service in 2022, and were officially retired in December 2023.
Designed by architect Okabe Noriaki, this was a cool EMU (Electricc Multiple Unit) train operated by Odakyu Electric Railway and created by Nippon Sharyo, the train was a winner of the Japanese Good Design Award in 2005 and Blue Ribbon Award in 2006.
As part of the Romancecar service (note: Romancecar is Odakyu Electric Railway’s name for its limited express luxury tourist service which would take people to Hakone and Gotemba (Mount Fuji)., as well as beaches in Enoshima and Odawara), the 50000 series was used for Super Hakone services and was an 80-minute run. And because of its hospitality and customer serivce, it was seen as a “moving cafe”.
Known for its camel (Brown/orange) colored leather seating, the train also featured a driver’s cab above the passenger station, so passengers can get a view out of the front of the train.
The train featured regenerative gbrakes, air suspension and tilting for passenger comfort.
The train featured 10 cars with cars 3 and 8 with cafeterias and lavatories. Car 3 also had wheelchair space and wider sliding doors. And the train was able to accommodate 358 people. Only two sets were made and both are retired.
But for a cool and awesome looking train, why wasn’t it refurbished? Well, the train was known for its difficult to repair and required advanced technology for repairs. It was a financial decision and Odakyu Electric Railway decided to retire them.
While I didn’t ride the final year or final months of the Odakyu 50000 series Romancecar VSE (Vault Super Express), I did purchase a commemorative Plarail release that has the two commemorative logos. One in the front saying “VSE Arigatou Thanks” and the other with the “Special Thanks Forever!”.
For those who are sad to see the Odakyu 50000 series Romancecar VSE retired, in 2018, Nippon Sharyo created another Romancecar, the red Odakyu 70000 series GSE (Graceful Super Express) and was also designed by Okabe Noriake. And the Odakyu 60000 series MSE (Multi Super Express) romancecar is currently being used for Mt. Fuji train runs and Hakone and other resort trips as well.
The Romancecar will always be a staple in Japan’s luxury express in the Kanto region. So, just know that you will always have time to ride one but for foreign travelers, do know that this is not JR operated, it is Odakyu operated, so JR Pass can not be used.
