By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The Oigawa Railway transformed its former C11-type steam locomotive No. 277 into the real-life Thomas the Tank Engine (Photo/Oigawa Railway).
Besides riding the actual Thomas train, visitors can also meet the life-sized Sir Topham Hatt in person, and the red railway inspection car “Winston” from the Thomas & Friends cartoon made its official debut and began operating this year.
The red railway inspection car Winston, which debuted in 2018, is available for a fee to ride (Photo/Oigawa Railway).
During the Thomas train’s operating period, the “Thomas the Tank Engine Fair” is held at the terminal station, “Kanaya Station,” where visitors can explore. The fair also features life-sized trains of characters Percy and James from the series, immersing guests in the world of Thomas & Friends, perfect for photos and memories.
Life-sized trains “Percy” and “James” at the Thomas Fair in Kanaya Station (Photo/Oigawa Railway).
Additionally, the fair includes a life-sized freight car, Rosalie, available for paid rides by children, as well as exhibitions of other freight characters from Thomas & Friends. The event also offers rest areas, a food court, local specialties, snacks, and a wide range of Thomas-themed merchandise.
The Thomas train operates along the Oigawa Main Line between Shin-Kanaya and Kanaya Stations (Photo/Oigawa Railway).
Summer vacation is a great time for family trips abroad. If you’re planning to visit central Honshu in Japan, consider taking the Oigawa Railway’s steam locomotives and the actual Thomas train in Shizuoka Prefecture for a retro train experience. It’s also worth mentioning that Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway and the Oigawa Railway became sister railways back in 1989, offering mutual rail discounts to promote friendly exchanges between travelers.
[Info]
Limited-time Thomas the Tank Engine on the Oigawa Railway
Riding location: Shin-Kanaya Station, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Q?/span>Operating period: June 9 to October 14, 2018 (only on holidays)
Q?/span>Fare information:
Adults: 1,280
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