Hojo Railway Santa Train 2026

Next date: Sat, Dec 5 Service days (2 trains: 10:06 and 11:09 from Hojomachi)
Dates & time: Dec 5 (Sat) · 6 (Sun) · 12 (Sat) · 13 (Sun) · 19 (Sat) · 20 (Sun), 2026 Two trains a day, departing Hojomachi Station at 10:06 and 11:09 (about 50 minutes round trip)
Price & booking: Adults (junior high school age and up) ¥1,300; children (age 1 to elementary school) ¥650 All trips are reservation-only (60 people per trip). Phone bookings open at 10:00 on Nov 2 (Mon) via Hojomachi Station (0790-42-0036, Japanese only).
Venue & access: Hojomachi Station, Hojo Railway (round trip to Ao) Departs from and returns to Hojomachi Station. Transfer to the Hojo Railway at Ao Station (JR Kakogawa Line / Kobe Electric Railway Ao Line).

There are 3 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Hojomachi Station, Hojo Railway (round trip to Ao). The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

Hojo Railway has run its Santa Train every winter since 1989, and 2026 marks the 37th year. On six December weekend days, a Christmas-decorated special car makes two trips a day between Hojomachi and Ao stations, a round trip of about 50 minutes. Students dressed as Santa and his reindeer lead Christmas activities on board, and at the end Santa hands each child a present of sweets. Every trip is reservation-only with 60 seats, so book ahead if you are planning a Christmas outing with small children.

Schedule

12月

日月火水木金土 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Service days (2 trains: 10:06 and 11:09 from Hojomachi)

Family Transit Info Limited Time Half Day

出典: 北条鉄道公式サイト（お知らせ）

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Do I need to book, and when can I?

Yes, every trip is reservation-only. Phone bookings open at 10:00 on Nov 2 (Mon) at Hojomachi Station (0790-42-0036). Each trip carries 60 people.

Where does it leave from, and how long is it?

All trips depart from Hojomachi Station and make a round trip to Ao Station in about 50 minutes.

From what age do children pay?

Children from age 1 through elementary school pay ¥650; junior high students and older pay the adult fare of ¥1,300.