The Seibu Train Festa is a family-oriented event for train lovers of all ages. Entrance is free and the first 5,000 visitors will receive a limited edition item.
This is definitely an event you can enjoy even on a rainy day as it's held inside the huge depot that houses the trains. Each year, the attractions vary but for an idea of the goings-on, check out this article on the 2015 festa.
There are so many things to see and do so plan to spend the whole day here. You can expect various demonstrations and interactive booths to learn more about the physics of train operation, the inner workings of train brakes, wheels, and train safety, and how trains are checked and repaired.
Kids will enjoy the extremely popular booths where they can try on train staff uniforms and play inside kid-sized trains.
In 2018, Seibu celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Omi Railway with a special exhibit and coloring activity. Like any matsuri, there will be food booths and some of them will be selling special train-related meals and goodies. You can also relax and watch the all-day stage performances. This is the event where you purchase all kinds of train-related merchandise, from the standard t-shirts and keychains to the more quirky antique train signs and vintage tickets. There are no parking spots so visitors are encouraged to take the train -- it is a train event after all!
Getting there
A 12-minute walk from Koma Station along the Seibu Chichibu Line or take the train that stops directly at the depot (bound for Higashi-Hanno) on this day only.
Sherilyn Siy @sherilyn.siy
For Sherilyn Siy, Asia is home. Born in Hong Kong, Sherilyn spent time in the Philippines, China, and now lives in Japan. She speaks English, Filipino, Chinese (or putonghua), and Hokkien, her family's local dialect. Running is one of her favorite ways to explore Japan. She proudly finished the 2...
