On 14th, I travelled on Odakyu 70000 Series first time.
Though many events were held on March 14, 2020, I didn't go to see them, such as the open of Takanawa-gateway Station on JR East Yamanote Line and Keihin-tohoku Line, and the debut of JR East E261 Series "Saphir Odoriko".
70000 Series is the latest model for "Odakyu Romancecar", the limited express train on Odakyu Odawara Line and Hakone Tozan Railway Line, has been in service since 2018. It was designed by Noriaki Okabe, following 50000 Series, 60000 Series, and refurbished 30000 Series.
The train I travelled on was "Super Hakone 7" by 70052×7 set., departing from Shinjuku Station at 10:00 AM and one of the fastest train to Hakone-yumoto Station. The train only stopped at Odawara Station during its travel. It takes 59 minutes between Shinjuku Station and Odawara Station, which was the longtime dream of Odakyu Railway that the fastest train runs within one hour between the two stations since the debut of the first 3000 Series in 1957.
In the cabin, I heard the pleasant background music while stopping. The train departed from Shinjuku Station on time and an announcement following the melody of the commercial song, which made me excited.
Because of rainy weather, I couldn't see the view from the window. While the train ran on curves, I felt a little more shake than that of 50000 Series because 70000 Series doesn't equip the pneumatic tilting bogies. However, the travelling time was comfortable.
I want to travel again on a clear day and to reserve an observation seating.