JAPAN RAIL CAFE is thrilled to present its fourth instalment of The Japan Rail Fair from 13 to 15 October 2023 (Friday to Sunday), at Urban Park, Guoco Tower! Since its successful launch in 2020, the highly sought-after annual fair has fascinated numerous ‘passengers’ with its wondrous rail-themed programmes – both virtually and in-person, and has since evolved into a vibrant lifestyle event that celebrates the best of Japanese culture.

Further enhancing any inspiration for the next travel to the endearing country, The Japan Rail Fair 2023 will feature 23 booths and welcomes one and all to be introduced, or reacquainted, with all things Japanese over three days – from an array of free family-friendly performances and activities, to a delightful variety of food and beverages.

Enthuses Toshio Omiyama, Managing Director of JR East Business Development SEA Pte. Ltd.: “We are heartened to learn that The Japan Rail Fair has been a well-loved annual event and are proud to bring it back for the fourth time this year, as we rediscover Japan together in Singapore. We are thankful for the unwavering support from our valued sponsors and partners, and hope to continue bringing more ‘rail’ joy even with the reopening of traveling post-pandemic.”

📅 13 to 15 Oct 2023
📍 Urban Park, Guoco Tower

Details and updates of the fair are available here.

HIGHLIGHTS

Food & Beverage

Relish in Japanese food and beverage from iconic snacks, outstanding desserts, to quality fruits and stellar alcohol.
Besides a selection of toothsome snacks and confectioneries from brands like Meiji Seika, BUTTER NO ITOKO (consists of buttercream and milk jam made with fat-free milk sandwiched between carefully-baked gaufrette) and Narita Dream Farm, not to be missed is kakigori – a sweet Japanese shaved ice and a favourite summer festival treat, as well as a range of fresh and well-loved seasonal fruits from suppliers like Japan Fruits & Vegetables Export Promotion Council.

Alcohol lovers can look forward to indulging in Umeshuya Singapore’s outstanding umeshu – a traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping plums in liquor, and Haru Sake’s line-up of sublime artisanal sake, from sake with gold leaf to sake brewed with flower extracts – a technique that uses organic rice and usable by only 30 breweries in Japan.

Travel & Tourism

With seven different travel and tourism booths, such as Fujikyu Railway, Tokyo Monorail and Japan Airlines, attendees may take this opportunity to find out more about the various ways to travel to and within Japan to facilitate one’s vacation planning.

JR EAST passes for the Tohoku area and Nagano, Niigata area are also available for purchase at the fair – these two passes provide access to Tokyo from Narita and Haneda airports as well as unlimited travel on trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area!

Lifestyle & Culture

Regardless of time and location, the benefits of Onsen may be enjoyed with Le Furo’s proprietary ‘Craft Onsen’ – Japanese hot springs concentrated into a bottle! The brand has developed Onsen bath supplements, drinkable Onsen mineral supplements and Onsen mist diffusers that helps with relaxation at home.

Attendees are also encouraged to immerse themselves in a medley of activities, including popular summer festival games like Yo-Yo Tsuri, or water balloon ‘yo-yo’, where the goal is to ‘fish’ the balloons out of the water to win a prize; and Senbonbiki that offers the chance to win items based purely on luck!

Other key activities include a Train Simulator Experience (Approved by East Japan Railway Company) that allows railway and train enthusiasts witness a live demonstration of TrainGo – a professional simulator that JR East train drivers use for training; The Art of Japanese Tea aims to provide a better understanding of the history behind Japanese tea and a tea-making experience; and a rare Photo-Taking Session with JAL Flight Attendants where young ones will have a chance to try a Japan Airlines uniform and pose with Singapore-based Japan Airlines crew member.

Adding to the lively cultural experience are the likes of a Suzume Odori (sparrow dance) – a traditional dance of Sendai, Miyagi, where dancers follow the beat of drums, flutes and cymbals, and perform with a fan that resembles sparrow feathers in each hand; and a Brass Band Performance that is commonly seen at festivals throughout the year – making it a must-watch!

JAPAN RAIL CAFE

The cafe’s popular EKIBEN is back! Inspired by bento boxed meals sold on trains and at train stations in Japan, Shinkansen EKIBEN supervised by JR East Cross Station features a ‘train’ box that may be purchased at the cafe from 1 to 31 October 2023.

JAPAN RAIL CAFE will also be launching Mount Scallop Don starring premium scallops from Hokkaido that is exclusively available during The Japan Rail Fair 2023!

Stamp Rally Lucky Draw

A stamp rally lucky draw will be held for all three days. Attendees will have to collect stamps from all the booths for a chance to participate in the lucky draw, and stand to win a pair of economy class tickets to Tokyo via JAL, a one-night stay at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro with breakfast included, as well as a pair of JR East passes (Tohoku area or Nagano, Niigata area) among others!

Halloween is on 31 October 2023 and is creeping up fast. We have compiled a list of Halloween Parties In Singapore 2023 just for you!

It’s the weekend and are you looking for things / activities to do? Check out our weekly roundup of Things To Do This Weekend In Singapore.

For other upcoming events, visit Events in Singapore.

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