The railway tracks of the Tokyu-Setagaya Line in Setagaya, Tokyo, are covered in lush greenery, resembling a soft green carpet. (© Sankei by Ryosuke Kawaguchi)
I make my way to the station to board the Setagaya Line. Despite wearing short sleeves, I'm sweating in the scorching sun. But a gentle breeze embraces me as I'm greeted by a picturesque view: train tracks on a carpet of lush grass and field horsetails swaying in the wind. Feeling the season's transition from spring to summer, I smile and gently wipe the sweat from my brow.
Spanning approximately 5 km (3 mi), the Setagaya Line connects Sangenjaya Station to Shimo-takaido Station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward. It serves as an invaluable transportation artery for the residents along its route, conveniently linking with the Keio, Odakyu, and Den-en-toshi lines running east and west.
Tokyu Corporation, responsible for the line's operations, says the grass and plants along the tracks do not pose any problems. Rather than resorting to removing them, they instead delicately trim the overgrown grass during their regular maintenance inspections, ensuring an uninterrupted train service.
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(Read the related article in Japanese.)
Author: Ryosuke Kawaguchi
