A real steam locomotive, transformed into Thomas the Tank Engine, running through Japan's tea fields. In 2026, this dreamlike event is being held year-round for the first time, and Percy is carrying passengers for the first time in Asia. Here is the latest on Oigawa Railway's DAY OUT WITH THOMAS, and on Japan's distinctive pairing of tourist railways and characters.

What Is "DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2026"?

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS is an event that Oigawa Railway, which runs through Shimada City in Shizuoka Prefecture, has held every year since 2014. Under an official license for the globally popular character Thomas the Tank Engine, a real steam locomotive is dressed as Thomas and actually operated, and it drew wide attention as the first such event in Asia.

For 2026, the event is being held year-round for the first time. For a full year from Saturday, March 7, until the end of March the following year, visitors can meet Thomas and friends in every season. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, autumn leaves and winter scenery mean the Oigawa landscape looks different on every visit.

An Asian First: Percy Carries Passengers

The biggest highlight of 2026 is that Thomas's best friend Percy runs on Oigawa Railway as a steam locomotive. It is the first time in Asia that Percy has carried passengers.

Percy is the small green tank engine. In the stories he delivers the mail and shunts trucks on the Island of Sodor, an unsung hero who is a little timid but finds courage for his friends, and many fans love him for it.

In a Japanese character popularity poll held in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the original books, Percy took first place, a sign of how popular he is in Japan.

Percy began running first, from March 7, and Thomas joined from May 30, so two steam locomotives now run along the Oi River.

Route and Fares

The trains run on the Oigawa Main Line for 17.7 km one way, from Shin-Kanaya Station to Kawane-Onsen-Sasamado Station, following the Oi River down from the Southern Alps through lush countryside surrounded by tea fields.

The ride takes about 40 minutes one way and about an hour and a half round trip. On board, passengers can enjoy announcements in the voice of Thomas (or Percy) and buy limited-edition bento and goods.

Fares (tax included)

Ticket type Adult Child (elementary school)
Round trip ¥6,000 (about $40) ¥3,000 (about $20)
One way ¥3,000 (about $20) ¥1,500 (about $10)

Since February 7, 2026, tickets have been sold on a first-come, first-served basis through the booking sites Asoview!, EX Tabisaki Yoyaku and JRE MALL. A lottery sale was also held through Lawson Ticket.

An "Authentic" Experience Only Oigawa Can Offer

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS is held on heritage railways around the world, but the Oigawa version is especially highly regarded because it runs with a real steam locomotive.

Oigawa Railway has kept steam locomotives in working order since 1976 and was the first railway in Japan to revive steam operations. The Thomas locomotive itself is a converted Class C11 steam engine, so passengers ride a genuine coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive.

Many DAY OUT WITH THOMAS events in the United States and the United Kingdom, by contrast, use diesel locomotives decorated as Thomas, with rides of about 25 minutes. Oigawa's roughly 40-minute steam experience is premium by global standards.

Overcoming Typhoon Damage

In September 2022, heavy rain from Typhoon No. 15 damaged part of the Oigawa Main Line, and the section between Kawane-Onsen-Sasamado and Senzu stations has been suspended for a long time. The disaster separated Percy, who was at Senzu Station, from the Thomas locomotive.

In 2025 Percy was moved to Ieyama Station and reunited with Thomas for the first time in about two and a half years. In 2026 Percy took the big step of running as a steam locomotive himself. Recovery from the disaster is still under way, but the new challenge of running all year symbolizes the railway's positive outlook.

Not Just Thomas: Friends Gather Too

At DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2026, visitors can meet a wide range of friends in addition to the two steam locomotives, Thomas and Percy.

  • Toby the Tram Engine: a small engine running on the mountain line between Senzu and Okuizumi stations
  • Bertie the Bus: a bus tour that runs alongside the Thomas train
  • Bulgy the double-decker bus: a real London bus providing access from Shizuoka Station
  • Flynn, Winston and Nia: appearing at the Thomas Fair at Shin-Kanaya Station
  • James and Hiro: on display at Senzu Station
  • Rusty and the Troublesome Trucks: appearing at Kawaneryogoku Station

From 2026 the Thomas Fair has been extensively updated around the theme of "making memories," with more hands-on content such as a layered stamp rally and large photo panels.

The Potential of Japan's Railway × Character Collaborations

Behind the success of Oigawa's Thomas lies Japan's distinctive culture of character collaborations. Railways and characters have long been paired in Japan, with wrapped trains, station decorations and limited-edition goods found across the country.

Oigawa's Thomas, however, goes far beyond a wrap. The steam locomotive itself has been converted into the character, and the whole line faithfully recreates the world of the story. The railway even asks the media not to break that world in their coverage. Its official website says the characters have "gone back to the Island of Sodor" outside the operating period, and this commitment to the fantasy is highly valued by adult fans too.

In Japan, steam locomotives are being given new life not only as nostalgia but as entertainment. Does your country have any unique collaborations between railways and characters?

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