TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Thomas the Tank Engine comes to life in Japan
The “Day Out With Thomas” train ride takes visitors through the scenic Shizuoka prefecture on the Oigawa main line from Shin-Kanaya Station to Senzu Station.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
This picture taken on July 2, 2014 shows a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine making a test run in the mountains on a line run by Japan's Oigawa railway near the city of Shimada in Shizuoka prefecture, west of Tokyo. (JIJI PRESS/AFP/File)
A unique experience of riding a real-life replica Thomas the Tank Engine train has been launched in Japan.
The train, which is derived from the beloved British television show Thomas and Friends, is available to ride until Oct.19.
The train ride dubbed a "Day Out with Thomas” takes visitors through the scenic Shizuoka prefecture on the Oigawa main line from Shin-Kanaya Station to Senzu Station.
According to the Oigawa Railway's official website, visitors can enjoy Thomas-themed activities throughout the excursion. They include enjoying appearances by Thomas’ locomotive friends, Hiro and Percy, at the Thomas Fair at Senzu Station; touring Thomas’ Maintenance Factory at Shin-Kanaya Station; purchasing original souvenirs; and eating Thomas-themed bento boxes, which are available at Shin-Kanaya Station.
Read also: Most scenic train rides to enjoy from your couch
As a health precaution, the number of passengers is limited per ride and they must undergo temperature checks at the ticket gate.
Tickets, which can only be reserved online from Japan, are priced at ¥6,600 (US$61.41) for adults and ¥3,060 for children. Cheaper tickets are available for a one-way trip.
Tickets are purchased through a lottery system and the next available lottery is between June 30 and July 7 for trips in September and October. (gis/wng)
