1873
153 years ago
OpeningJapan
First Train on Tokyo-Yokohama Railway
Japanese Government Railways
Tokyo
July 22, 1873
Summary
Japan's first railway line officially opened between Tokyo and Yokohama with British-built locomotives.
Full Story
July 22, 1873 marked the formal opening of Japan's inaugural railway, the 29 km Tokyo-Yokohama line operated by the Japanese Government Railways. British engineer Edmund Morel oversaw construction using 3 ft 6 in gauge track and 0-6-0 tank engines imported from the UK. The event symbolized Japan's rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration, carrying dignitaries and freight. It laid the foundation for the dense national network that followed and boosted Yokohama's port economy.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- July 22, 1873
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- Japan
- Years Ago
- 153
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