Shintetsu Train Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

Once a year Kobe Electric Railway (Shintetsu) opens its Suzurandai depot to the public. You can get close to the rolling stock in a yard normally off-limits, with more activities at Bellst Suzurandai, the mall attached to Suzurandai Station. A special train to the Mitsu depot for a photo session, a ride through the train wash, and kids' cab photos and conductor experiences are all lottery-based with advance applications (Sep 3–14). Everything else is walk-in and participation is free in principle. Entry may be limited when crowded, and there's no parking — this is one to reach by train. Cancelled in severe weather.

Essentials

location

Shintetsu Suzurandai Depot & Bellst Suzurandai (Kita-ku, Kobe)

period

October 4, 2026 (Sun)

Time

10:00–15:00

cost

Free in principle (some activities charged)

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

About a 10-min walk south of Suzurandai Station (Shintetsu) for the depot; Bellst Suzurandai is attached to the station. No parking

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

The special train & photo session, train wash ride, and kids' cab photo / conductor experience are lottery-based. Apply on the official site from Sep 3 (Thu) 14:00 to Sep 14 (Mon) 23:59; results are emailed from Sep 18 (Fri) 15:00. Everything else needs no application

NOTE

Lottery programs (advance application)

Special train & photo session inside Mitsu depot
Train-wash ride
Kids' cab photo / kids' conductor experience

*One slot per group for the special train and the wash ride; cab photo and conductor experience are either/or

*If two winning slots overlap, you can join only one

On the day

Entry may be limited when crowded
No parking at the venues; surrounding roads are no-parking
The depot has steps and protrusions; do not touch vehicles or parts
No smoking in or around the venues
Bellst Suzurandai is a public mall — do not linger in walkways

Cooperation

De101 Mamoritai

*Program list, venue map and schedule are updated on the official site

FAQ

Can I go without applying?

Yes. Only four programs are lottery-based (special train & photo session, train-wash ride, kids' cab photo, kids' conductor experience); the rest of the depot visit is walk-in.

Can I drive there?

No — there's no event parking and nearby roads are no-parking. Walk from Shintetsu Suzurandai Station.

What if it rains?

Cancelled in severe weather. Check the official site for whether it runs in light rain and for day-of notices.

What age is it good for?

There are kids' cab-photo and conductor programs, and the depot lets children see trains up close. The yard has steps and protrusions, so keep small children by the hand.

Calendar

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