Tobu Railway and Hitachi Rail’s premium limited express train, the Series N100 “Spacia X,” has won the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025, a major international design honour awarded by Germany’s Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen.
Spacia X began service in July 2023, connecting Tokyo’s Asakusa Station with the popular tourism areas of Nikko and Kinugawa. Developed under the theme “Connect & Updatable”, the train blends regional culture with modern design and has quickly become Tobu’s flagship vehicle. The Red Dot jury praised its successful integration of regional craftsmanship, design heritage, and onboard comfort.
This is the seventh award for Spacia X, following accolades such as the Good Design Award in Japan. The train offers six seating formats, including the Cockpit Suite, Cockpit Lounge, and Premium Seats, catering to different passenger needs. It also features onboard craft beer and coffee, developed in collaboration with local producers in the Nikko region.
Designed in-house by Hitachi Rail, Spacia X draws visual inspiration from Nikko’s famous Toshogu Shrine. The white exterior reflects the shrine’s “Gofun” pigment, while interior details include Kumiko latticework and bamboo weaving, celebrating traditional craftsmanship from the region.
Each train can carry 212 passengers and is built for comfort, sustainability, and flexibility. The vehicle’s lightweight construction and energy-efficient features support Tobu’s efforts to promote public transport and reduce private car usage in high-traffic tourism areas.
Spacia X operates on the Tobu Nikko Line and represents a strategic step in improving the regional rail offer in eastern Japan.
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