Railway festivals scheduled for Yamanashi and Akita in late 2026

Various railway-themed festivals are scheduled to take place across Japan in late 2026.

At the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center, ‘Linear Fes 2026’ will run from October 10 to November 23. The event features exhibitions of actual superconducting maglev vehicle parts, construction panels, and tourism information from municipalities along the Chuo Shinkansen line. Special activities include a stamp rally, quiz rallies, and talk shows featuring railway photographer Yuta Murakami and actress Keiko Shirasu. Admission to the ‘Dokidoki Maglev Hall’ is free for Yamanashi residents on November 20.

Separately, the ‘Akita Station Festival 2026’ will be held on October 17 at JR Akita Station and its West Exit plaza. Organized by JR Akita, the festival offers interactive experiences such as commemorative photos in train driver seats, onboard announcement practice for children in station master uniforms, and rides on the ‘Rail Star’ inspection vehicle. Other activities include model train displays and papercraft workshops.