Cab of EMU 221 series of JR West bound for the Sagano line. The Japanese railway operation is an interesting and sometimes quite astonishing mix of modern (futuristic looking trains, computer-based operation, various special transport like monorail or track-guided tire vehicles, etc.) with well-kept tradition. Best known is operation to the time of the personal clock (which is set accurately before starting work) of drivers, train staff and station staff. The driver placed his personal pocket watch in a well lit immersion in the middle of the driver's console, and this tradition is maintained even in the latest Shinkansen trains.
The timetable, visible in the right upper corner of the picture, is in 5-seconds-steps and allows 20 or 30 seconds of stopping on most stations.
