ダイヤモンドクロス

Diamond Cross is a railway term for a place where tracks intersect at the same level (a flat crossing). It is nicknamed “”diamond”” because the crossing point looks like a diamond shape. Although they used to exist in many places, their number has decreased due to tram line closures and station renovations, and today only a few remain nationwide. Among Japan’s diamond crosses, the only one where a railway line and a streetcar (tram) line intersect at a right angle is on the road just north of Iyotetsu’s Takahama Line “”Otemachi Station.”” While the Takahama Line train passes through, the streetcar (Iyotetsu Otemachi Line) waits before the tracks. The diamond cross is also known for its distinctive joint sounds when trains pass over rail gaps: the railway line tends to sound like “”gata-gata-gata-gata,”” while the city tram sounds more like “”goton-goton-goton,”” creating a slightly clattering rhythm. The closer the approach is to a perfect right angle, the stronger the vibration and noise become. The sound also varies depending on the type of rolling stock, so comparing them can be fun. Because the overhead wires also cross, sparks can appear as vehicles pass; at night, sparks from the pantograph are easier to see. Iyotetsu also has an oblique diamond cross south of “”Furumachi Station”” where the Takahama Line and Otemachi Line cross, and you may sometimes see the Bocchan Train waiting while the Takahama Line passes.