YANAKA CEMETERY, TRACKSIDE
Where the Graves Meet the Tracks
Along one side of Yanaka cemetery there are rail lines, where pass JR lines such as the Yamanote, the Keihin-Tohoku, the Jōban and others. Also passing nearby are Keio line trains, including the Skyliner to Narita airport. Most of the graves that immediately adjoin the tracks are Christian graves, not Buddhist.
The Yamanote Line passing
The Keio Nippori station covered platform (under the arched white roof) is seen beyond one of the foot bridges leading over the tracks to and from the cemetery. Apartment towers arein the heart of Nippori, just adjacent to JR and Keio Nippori Station.
A passing Keihin-Tohoku line train
Numerous JR rail tracks run parallel here, all running in and out of nearby Ueno Station. Running alongside these JR tracks is the elevated track for Keio trains, including the Skyliner to Narita airport.
"When I die, bury me beside the railroad track..."
In this photo we can see how many of the Christian graves alongside the tracks are rather separate from the rest of the cemetery, which is situated higher on the hill.
This area of Christian graves overlooks the tracks from a higher perch on the hillside, closer to other non-Christian graves. This particular area is still set aside for Christian burial places, however. Note the crosses and the PAX on one of the gravestones. The Jōban line and the Yamanote line are passing below. Note also that these are rather new graves. The Christian version of what I call "McGraves".
If you turned around and faced the other way of this somewhat monumental grave marker, you'd likely see a train rolling by.
This unusual, elegantly curved marker, with a rather unusual cross at the top, is one facing the railroad tracks. How many trains a day pass this grave? Lots.
Yamanote line, coming through!