Ueda Kotsu Moha 5250

Ueda Kotsu Moha 5250 is a railway carriage built in the late 1920s with a distinctive square body and large oval windows flanking the doors. It features three doors on each side and was constructed using steel and wood combined, reflecting the engineering style of that era.

The carriage was built in 1927 and entered service on the Bessho Line connecting communities in the Ueda region. It operated continuously for nearly 60 years before being retired in 1986 when the line was upgraded with higher voltage power supplies.

The train earned the nickname 'round window train' because of its distinctive oval windows beside the doors. This shape became a recognizable symbol that connected local residents to their everyday transportation and community identity.

The carriage is displayed at multiple locations in Ueda including Bessho Onsen Station and the city museum, where visitors can examine it up close. Check in advance for access times as viewing may be restricted depending on maintenance and local events.

A modification in the 1940s added a pantograph to connect with higher voltage power, yet the original design remained largely unchanged. This blend of old and updated technology shows how the carriage adapted across decades while keeping its distinctive character.