#Japan #Tokyo #LocalPrivateRailway #TaiwanRailways #PhotoContest2026

Local Private Railway Photo Contest 2026

The Japan Private Railway Association, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the Local Private Railway Photo Contest 2026. From July 18, 2026, this contest invites photos that highlight local private railways from 56 participating companies in Japan, including Taiwanese railway operators.

This contest began in 2021 with the intent to promote the unique charm of local private railways. This year marks its sixth consecutive contest, a testament to its growing popularity, as witnessed by the overwhelming 3,915 submissions last year. The ongoing partnership with nine Taiwanese railway operators is a significant aspect of this year's contest, further enhancing cross-cultural connections through railway tourism.

Contest Details

• - Submission Period: July 18, 2026 – November 23, 2026
• - Theme: Capture images of rolling stock, stations, and landscapes pertaining to the 56 local private railways and nine Taiwanese railway companies.
• - Submission Methods:

1. Follow the official Twitter account (@mintetsu_photo) and post your photo with the hashtags: #LocalPrivateRailwayPhotoContest, #LocalCompanyName or #TaiwanTour. Please note that submissions from participants under 13 years old must be made by a guardian.
2. Upload your photo via the dedicated online submission form on our website.

Submissions will be assessed by a panel of experts including renowned railway photographer Seiya Nakai, popular talent Yumiko Takino, officials from the Tourism Bureau Taiwan, and the editorial team from the magazine TABI to Tetsudo. A total of five distinct prizes will be awarded, with the Grand Prize winner receiving a 50,000 yen travel voucher. Other categories include Jury Prizes, Special Awards, MinTetsu Prize, and Taiwan Award, enhancing the opportunity for multiple winners.

Awards Breakdown:

• - Grand Prize: 1 winner (50,000 yen travel voucher)
• - Jury Prizes: 2 winners (20,000 yen travel voucher or digital devices)
• - Special Awards: 5 winners (10,000 yen travel voucher)
• - MinTetsu Prize: 48 winners (prepaid cards worth 3,000 yen)
• - Taiwan Awards: Several winners (Taiwanese railway merchandise).

The results will be announced in early February 2027 through our dedicated website and in the April 2027 edition of the magazine TABI to Tetsudo.

Judging Panel Insights

Seiya Nakai, the professional photographer behind “Tetsudo Journey,” expresses his excitement for participating in the contest as a judge. He encourages everyone to express their passion for local railways through their photographs, highlighting that “[he] cannot wait to see the creative submissions.”

Yumiko Takino, an actress and railway enthusiast, emphasizes the sentimental value of railway photography, noting how a single photo can become a cherished memory that captures the essence of travel.

Taiwan Railway Tourism Promotion Agreement

On July 20, 2024, a collaborative tourism exchange agreement was established with Taiwan Railway Tourism Association to enhance tourism between Japan and Taiwan through railway experiences. This agreement aims to expand mutual tourism interaction and stimulate local economies through railway-related activities.

For more details and to receive updates regarding the contest, visit the official contest website. Celebrate the beauty of railways with us and share your unique perspectives through photography!

Engage with us and showcase your love for railways at the Local Private Railway Photo Contest 2026!