The Japan Rail Fair is back and on track to bring more joy!
Singapore, September 2022—Eager travellers were greeted by the happy news of Japan opening its borders recently to individuals, and there is no better time for the third instalment of The Japan Rail Fair from 14 to 16 October 2022 (Friday to Sunday) at Urban Park, Guoco Tower!
After its successful launch in 2020, the popular annual lifestyle fair that brought eager ‘passengers’ on wondrous virtual rail journeys continued to enthral in 2021. This year, JAPAN RAIL CAFE is extremely pleased and proud to present a hybrid format that welcomes one and all to partake in unique free events—both online and in person—further enhancing any yearning and inspiration for impending travel to the endearing country.
The Japan Rail Fair is also held in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the opening of Japan’s railway system in 1872, with 14 October being Tetsudo no Hi (Railway Day). Befitting the occasion, the fair will celebrate the special day with Happy Railway Day!—a fun seminar that showcases historic railway sites and trips from Tokyo to fascinating and undiscovered destinations like the Izu Peninsula; alongside a full schedule of workshops, in-person and livestream events, and live performances that celebrate the best of food, drink and culture by rail, over three days!
The main stand out this year is the presence of physical booths manned by various sponsors from Japan engaging face-to-face with the public, as well exclusive dairy produce from Narita Dream Dairy Farm available for the first time in Singapore, along with products from ZEN-NOH, and NISSIN FOODS! ‘Railway’ elements are also very much in focus, with a railway booth introducing NTT DOCOMO ASIA VR (Virtual Reality), a photo panel featuring the History of Railway by The Railway Museum (Saitama, Japan), and a fascinating train diorama of Plarail (railroad toys) by TOMY Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd., besides the popular selection of ekiben (railway bento) for dine-in guests available from 1 to 31 October 2022.
Other key events are Yamanote Line ‘Eki-Melody’ Medley, a live performance of JR East’s famous Yamanote Line jingle; COME SEE SEIBU, a live stream that introduces Seibu Amusement Park; Let’s Take a Trip to the Railway Museum! – an exploration of Saitama’s Railway Museum and simulators; as well as a segue into air travel by way of Photo-Taking Time with JAL Cabin Crew where the public will have a chance to try a uniform and pose with Singapore-based Japan Airlines crew!
Adding to the photo fun is a Yukata Rental Booth by Akizakura, Tokyo, whereby participants can dress up in a traditional cotton kimono for a rental fee!
Participants will also enjoy activities such as craft workshops, rice and pickle tastings, as well as Wadaiko (traditional Japanese drum) and dance performances by HIBIKIYA PTE. LTD.
In addition, a lucky draw will be held with the first prize of a pair of economy class tickets to Tokyo via JAL. Travellers are invited to visit the café, the nearby Urban Park, and the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/JAPANRAILCAFE
https://www.youtube.com/c/JAPANRAILCAFE
Details and updates are available via https://tjrf.peatix.com
Enthuses Hayashi Hiroyuki, Director of Lifestyle Businesses in East Japan Railway Company Singapore Branch (JR East Singapore): “In wanting to bring joy during travel restrictions, The Japan Rail Fair was born and has since evolved into an annual event that is well-loved and attended in the online space. It gives us much happiness to bring back in-person events that JAPAN RAIL CAFE is known for, with KIRA KIRA WANDERLAND being the last in 2019. We must thank our valued sponsors and partners for their unwavering support all this while—Japan Railway Group, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Singapore Office, Peatix, various prefectural governments and travel partners. This year, it’s the ‘rail’ thing!”
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Full line up available here.
Happy Railway Day!
14 October, Friday, 6:30pm to 7pm
Be fascinated by Japan’s railway history and take eki (station)-citing trips from Tokyo to visit historic railway sites in the Izu Peninsula, Takeshiba Waterfront and Kawaguchiko! Organised by JR East, this livestream will be an enter-train-ing 150th anniversary of Japan’s railway system for sure!
Yamanote Line "Eki-Melody" Medley
14 October, Friday, 5:30pm
15 October, Saturday, 11:30am
Part of the fun of railway travel in Japan is recognising the iconic melodies played at train stations. Relive those memories with an enchanting live performance by Wind Ensemble Nippon Singapore who will be performing a medley of JR East's famous Yamanote Line jingles!
COME SEE SEIBU
16 October, Sunday, 12pm to 1pm
This fascinating live stream will introduce participants to Seibu Amusement Park where the Shōwa era is recreated, along with a Seibu Railway railyard. In addition, there will be photo opportunities and quizzes.
Let’s Take a Trip to the Railway Museum!
16 October, Sunday, 3pm to 4pm
This is organised by JR East for all railway and train enthusiasts as they will get up close and personal with a large collection of train cars, exhibits and simulators at The Railway Museum in Saitama.
Photo-Taking Time with JAL Cabin Crew
15 October, Saturday, 5pm to 6pm
This rare opportunity to try a JAL Pilot and Cabin Crew uniform and take a photo with a crew member is too good to miss!
OCTOBER SPECIAL EKIBEN SELECTION!
1 to 31 October
Hayabusa Ekiben (above), $21++
This latest addition to JAPAN RAIL CAFE’s Shinkansen Series Ekiben is a colourful meal to behold! Nestled within a ‘train’ box are two plain rice balls, two chicken karaage, tamagoyaki, mixed vegetables and a cherry (tomato) on top. It also comes with two chocolate cake cubes and a drink of choice.
Karaage Chicken Bento, $20++
This two-tiered bento is modelled after the classic ekiben that has been served in the Tokaido Shinkansen since 1964! One layer is filled with tomato rice mixed with peas and button mushrooms, and the other with karaage chicken and potato chips. It also comes with a drink of choice.
OTHER PROGRAMMES
Rice and pickle tasting by Akita Prefecture
14 October, Friday, 2pm
Train paper craft and colouring workshops by JR East
14 October, Friday, 3:30pm
16 October, Sunday, 11am
Traditional dance and Wadaiko (Traditional Japanese drum) performances by HIBIKIYA PTE LTD.
16 October, Sunday, 2pm & 5:30pm
– END –
Sue Lynn
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