Back for the second year and proudly organised by Japan Rail Cafe, this fun-filled (mostly) virtual fair will once again soothe restless hearts from yet another year of border closures.
Date: October 2021
This October, The Japan Rail Fair promises an exhilarating ride of free and ticketed live stream programmes (spanning prefectures, such as Akita, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Aomori, Tokyo, Fukushima, and Wakayama, while immersing sightseers in food, drink and culture during autumn – all via rail, of course), as well as, a special selection of ekiben (railway bento) for dine-in guests at Japan Rail Cafe.
Ticketed Live Programmes
Let’s Enjoy The Countryside By JR East Hachinohe Train Depot
Venue: Facebook Live
Date: 17 Oct 2021
Time: 12pm to 1pm
Fee: $40 per person (VIP Tour Package) | Book tickets here
It’s an escape to the country with the loveable train conductors and drivers from JR East Hachinohe Train Depot! Join them for a seafood barbecue, Senbei Jiru (rice cracker soup) and learn about the local railway and food. Then, kanpai with “Hassen” Japanese Sake by the beautiful Tanesashi Coast.
The VIP Tour Package includes priority engagement with JR East train crew and an exclusive 300ml bottle of “Hassen” Sake, imported just for the event, with free home delivery.
A Train Conductor’s Life In Fukushima By JR East Fukushima Train Depot
Venue: Facebook Live
Date: 23 Oct 2021
Time: 10am to 11am
Fee: $30 per person (VIP Tour Package) | Book tickets here
Train enthusiasts will be thrilled at this opportunity to ‘drive’ an actual train alongside the JR East crew, while experiencing ‘never-before-seen’ views of the Fukushima countryside from the driver’s seat! The VIP Tour Package includes priority engagement with JR East train crew, an original JR EAST itinerary timetable, personalised souvenir nametag, traditional ‘Kokeshi’ craft doll DIY set, handwritten note from the JR East train crew and a surprise gift, along with free home delivery.
Hachinohe and Fukushima depots were the finalists from a voting campaign held in August, where fans voted on which programme they wished to see live. Viewers without the VIP Tour Package ticket can still watch these webinars via live stream on Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook.
Free Live Programmes
You Are Invited To An Autumn Delights Party! By Akita Inu Tourism
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 23 Oct 2021
Time: 12pm to 1pm
Fee: Free
Northern Akita is the focus and one will enjoy nature’s bounty, from picking apples and grapes, to harvesting mushrooms for an autumn-themed party. Four-legged cuties – the adorable Akita Inu dogs – are on the RSVP list as well!
Mikan Village: A Trip To Wakayama's Arida District! By JA Arida
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 23 Oct 2021
Time: 4pm to 5pm
Fee: Free
Known as the ‘Mikan Village’, the district of Arida in Wakayama Prefecture is the largest producer of mikan oranges in Japan. This programme should whet appetites for the actual mikan that will arrive in Japan Rail Cafe later this year!
DISCOVER NOW LIVE By Tokyo Station City Management Council
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 16 Oct 2021
Time: 12pm to 1pm
Fee: Free
Join two lively hosts as you solve riddles about food, shopping and history while wandering around the majestic Tokyo Station City!
Other Free Online Programmes
Eat To Explore: The Colours Of Kanagawa
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 16 Oct 2021
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Fee: Free
This multi-stop foodie trip will cover Yokohama, Odawara, Atsugi, and more, with introductions on different specialty foods.
Rail Fun: Exploring West Japan And Kyushu By Rail by JR West And JR Kyushu
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 16 Oct 2021
Time: 4pm to 5pm
Fee: Free
All aboard the fleets of themed sightseeing trains where the fun doesn’t end.
Akiba Culture Talk Session
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 17 Oct 2021
Time: 10am to 11am
Fee: Free
Explore the colourful district of Akihabara, a well-known site regarded as the sacred place of otaku culture. Join two entrepreneurs to learn more about exciting collaborations between Singapore and Akihabara.
Have A Luxurious Vacation With JR EAST HOTELS
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 17 Oct 2021
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Fee: Free
The closest thing to a holiday that one can get for now, this programme will provide useful tips on activities in Kamakura and Sendai, as well as convenient and comfortable hotel recommendations.
JR East Presents: Railway Tips, Trivia, And News!
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 17 Oct 2021
Time: 4pm to 5pm
Fee: Free
Expect tips, news and plenty of insights into different ways of enjoying rail travel, such as sightseeing trains and luxury trains.
Explore The Wonders Of Shochu With Kagoshima! By H.I.S. Singapore And Kagoshima Prefecture
Venue: Japan Rail Cafe's Facebook / Youtube
Date: 23 Oct 2021
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Fee: Free
Discover the wonders of shochu – which originated from Kagoshima, Southern Japan – its history, brewing process and benefits.
October Special Ekiben Selection!
Date: 1 to 31 Oct 2021
To add to the festivities, a scrumptious selection of ekiben (railway bento) awaits for dine-in guests at Japan Rail Cafe:
Teriyaki Chicken Wappameshi
Price: $16.50
Grilled Scallop Wappameshi
Price: $18.00
For Kids: JR East-Exclusive ALFA-X Kids’ Bento
Photo Credits: Japan Rail Cafe
Price: $21.00
Modelled after the Class E956 experimental Shinkansen train, the little ones will certainly find joy in this special bento meal!
Diners may also opt to add $3 for a drink set, and choose from Original Drip Coffee, Cold Brew, Citrus Green Tea and Beauty Tea.
For the full line-up of programmes, click here. #japanrailcafe
