If for no other reason than to clean out my folders, I share with you a few train-inspired pictures from around Tokyo. I will never cease to be amused and amazed by the way subways and trains shape the life of people in Japan, and particularly in the greater Tokyo area.

I am particularly fond of seeing people wait for trains at fumikiri 踏切, the at-grade road crossings at which crowds waiting for the arms to rise. The third photo below is a crowd crossing the old Shimokitazawa 下北沢 crossing, which was replaced with an underground station in the spring of 2013.

I’m sure I have plenty more hiding in my hard drive, but here are a few that caught my attention.

Update September 13, 2014:  came across one more from the files…

Still waiting.

See also:

• Monorails and more: Tokyo’s amusing train lines
• Tokyo transportation and subway museums 東京の交通博物館
• Fumikiri 踏切: Japanese railroad crossings