Celebrating 4 Years of JR Central Market
JR Central (東海旅客鉄道株式会社), a prominent player in Japan's rail industry, is thrilled to announce the celebration of its online shopping platform, JR Central Market, reaching its four-year milestone. To commemorate this incredible achievement, the company will collaborate with several railway operators in Gifu Prefecture to present their first-ever physical event, the "Rail Fan Festa," scheduled for April 25, 2026, at the Linear Railway Museum in Nagoya.
The event aims to attract railway enthusiasts and will feature an impressive lineup of attractions, including a special collaboration with the popular railway-focused YouTuber, Shioneru. Not only will attendees enjoy engaging content, but the event will also celebrate a significant milestone of surpassing 200,000 members on the JR Central Market platform, marking a significant growth and engagement with customers.
About the Rail Fan Festa
- - Date and Time: April 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- - Venue: Linear Railway Museum, 3-2-2 Kanazaki Futo, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
- - Entrance Fee: 2,700 yen (including tax)
- - Ticket Purchase: Available through JR Central Market
Note that prior registration as a JR Central Market member is required for ticket purchases. Additionally, each attendee will receive a specially designed commemorative ticket and a replica timetable for the Hida Limited Express.
Exciting Activities Await
Participants can look forward to various engaging activities during the event:
- - Special Opening of Doctor Yellow's Operator Cabin: Experience the T4 series with a whistle-blowing experience and a chance for memorable photos in operator uniforms. This segment requires an additional charge and prior lottery entry.
- - Special Exhibit with Four Historical Trains: A unique opportunity to see four classic vehicles that once ran in Gifu, including the Kiha 181 series and EMUs such as Kuha 381 and Kumoha 165. This exhibit is free but requires a lottery entry.
- - Collaboration with Railway Content Creators: The highlight will be a special talk show with Shioneru, focusing on railway travel. This segment is ticketed and also requires lottery entry.
- - Limited-Edition Th Merchandise: Attendees can purchase exclusive merchandise created collaboratively by the participating railway companies, including trading acrylic keychains and clear files.
- - Railway Memorabilia Sales: A variety of railway-related surplus items will be available for purchase, with some unique pieces linked to the Hida and Nanki Express trains. Information on pricing and availability will be revealed closer to the event date.
Special Anniversary Campaign
In addition to the Rail Fan Festa, JR Central Market will launch a campaign to celebrate reaching 200,000 members. From February 25 to March 31, 2026, registered members can enjoy a 20% discount on select products.
- - Notable Offers include discounts on railway model kits, apparel, and more. Products are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly!
This celebration is a testament to the robust community built around rail travel enthusiasts in Japan. The Rail Fan Festa promises to be a memorable occasion, merging educational insights with interactive experiences for fans both old and new. Be sure to mark your calendar and join in this exceptional celebration of railways!
For further details on the event and products, please visit the
JR Central Market special page.