Echigo Tokimeki Railway announces 2026 railway festivals and driving events

Echigo Tokimeki Railway has announced several upcoming railway-themed events to be held at the Naoetsu D51 Rail Park in Niigata Prefecture.

On October 10, 2026, the Naoetsu Railway Festival 2026 will take place to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the opening of the Naoetsu-Sekiyama railway section. The festival will feature steam locomotive (SL) rides, cockpit tours of stationary locomotives, and premium tours of the fan-shaped depot. Other activities include vehicle cleaning demonstrations, rail star rides, and various workshops for children. Admission to the D51 Rail Park is free, and elementary school students can ride the entire Echigo Tokimeki Railway line for free on this day.

Additionally, a specialized train driving experience is scheduled for November 1, 2026. This event allows participants (middle school age and older) to operate both ET127 and ET122 series trains on a short track within the Naoetsu Driving Center. The session includes orientation, academic training, and a certificate of completion. Due to limited capacity, participation requires prior application and a fee of 50,000 yen.