Imagine riding a real steam locomotive dressed up as Thomas the Tank Engine, chugging through the lush tea fields of rural Japan. Now imagine doing that any time of year. For 2026, Oigawa Railway has announced its first-ever year-round "DAY OUT WITH THOMAS," plus Asia's first passenger-carrying Percy locomotive. Here's why it matters for train lovers, Thomas fans, and anyone curious about Japan's unique way of blending heritage railways with pop culture.

What Is "DAY OUT WITH THOMAS" at Oigawa Railway?

Since 2014, Oigawa Railway in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has been running a fully licensed Thomas the Tank Engine steam locomotive on its scenic mainline. It was the first such event in Asia, and it quickly became one of Japan's most beloved family attractions.

The concept is simple but extraordinary: a real C11-class steam locomotive is transformed into Thomas (complete with his iconic blue body and face), and passengers ride behind it through the Oi River valley, surrounded by tea plantations, mountain scenery, and bridges spanning clear river waters.

For 2026, the railway has announced a groundbreaking change: the event will run year-round for the first time, from March 7, 2026 through March 2027. Previously limited to spring through Christmas, fans can now experience Thomas and friends alongside cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, fiery autumn leaves, and serene winter landscapes.

Asia's First: Percy Becomes a Real Passenger Locomotive

The biggest news for 2026 is the debut of Percy as a passenger-carrying steam locomotive, the first time this has happened anywhere in Asia.

Percy, Thomas's best friend, is the small green tank engine known for his mail delivery duties and shunting work on the Island of Sodor. In the stories, he's a bit timid but always comes through when his friends need him, earning the title of a "Really Useful Engine" (in Japanese, yaku ni tatsu kikansha, literally "an engine that's truly helpful").

Percy's popularity in Japan is undeniable. In the 2025 "Thomas Character Election" held to celebrate the franchise's 80th anniversary, Percy was voted #1 in Japan, beating out Thomas himself. His humility and dedication to teamwork resonate deeply with Japanese values of supporting others behind the scenes.

Percy will begin operations on March 7, with Thomas joining from May 30. For the first time, two character steam locomotives will be running along the Oi River line.

Route, Schedule, and Ticket Prices

The trains run on Oigawa Railway's mainline between Shin-Kanaya Station and Kawane Onsen Sasama-do Station, a 17.7 km (11 miles) journey along the Oi River.

The one-way ride takes approximately 40 minutes, with a full round trip lasting about 90 minutes. On board, passengers enjoy in-character announcements from Thomas or Percy, exclusive bento lunch boxes, and limited-edition merchandise.

Ticket Prices (tax included)

Ticket Type Adult Child (Elementary School)
Round trip ¥6,000 (~$40) ¥3,000 (~$20)
One way ¥3,000 (~$20) ¥1,500 (~$10)

Tickets go on sale February 7, 2026 via Asoview!, EX Tabiski Yoyaku, and JRE MALL, with lottery-based sales through Lawson Ticket also planned.

For comparison, Day Out With Thomas events at heritage railways in the United States typically cost around $26 per person for a 25-minute ride on a diesel-powered locomotive. The Oigawa experience, with its longer ride time, real steam power, and immersive scenic route, offers exceptional value.

Why Oigawa's Version Is Considered the Best in the World

Day Out With Thomas events are held at heritage railways across the US, UK, Australia, and other countries. But Oigawa Railway's version stands apart for several reasons.

Real steam power. While most international events use diesel locomotives with Thomas facades, Oigawa's Thomas and Percy are genuine steam engines burning coal and producing real steam. The sensory experience of hearing the whistle, feeling the vibrations, and smelling the coal smoke creates an authenticity that cannot be replicated.

Scenic immersion. The Oi River valley route passes through a landscape that could genuinely pass for the Island of Sodor: green hills, river bridges, small rural stations, and tea fields stretching to the horizon. Japan's satoyama (the traditional landscape between mountain and flatland) setting provides a storybook backdrop.

Character ecosystem. Beyond the main locomotives, Oigawa features Toby running on the mountain railway (Ikawa Line), Bertie the Bus racing alongside Thomas, Bulgy the Double-Decker Bus (an actual London bus) shuttling from Shizuoka Station, plus static displays of James, Hiro, Percy, Flynn, Winston, Nia, Rusty, and the Troublesome Trucks at various stations. It's not just a train ride; it's an entire Thomas world.

Storytelling commitment. Oigawa Railway takes the fictional world seriously. During the off-season, the official website states that the characters have "returned to the Island of Sodor." Media outlets are asked to respect the world-building in their coverage. This dedication to maintaining the fantasy earns respect from both children and adult fans.

Recovery From Typhoon Damage

In September 2022, Typhoon No. 15 caused severe flooding damage to Oigawa Railway's mainline, knocking out the section between Kawane Onsen Sasama-do and Senzu stations. This section remains closed to this day.

The damage separated Percy (who was stationed at Senzu Station) from Thomas. In 2025, Percy was relocated to Ieyama Station, reuniting with Thomas for the first time in about two and a half years, a moment that moved many fans.

Now in 2026, Percy takes the next leap, becoming a running locomotive himself. The decision to expand to year-round operations, even while part of the line remains damaged, shows the railway's determination to move forward and provide joy to visitors.

The Thomas Fair Gets a Major Upgrade

The Thomas Fair at Shin-Kanaya Station is being redesigned for 2026 under the theme of "Memory Making" (omoide-zukuri). New features include a multi-stamp rally where visitors collect overlapping stamps at different stations, large-scale photo panels, and interactive content designed for family participation.

At Senzu Station (accessible by car from Shin-Kanaya in about 75 minutes), visitors can see James and Hiro on display, while Rusty and the Troublesome Trucks wait at Kawane-Ryōgoku Station.

Japan's Unique Railway × Character Collaboration Culture

What makes the Oigawa Thomas experience possible is Japan's broader culture of kyara-kora (character collaboration) with transportation. Japanese railways have long embraced partnerships with anime, manga, and children's characters, from Pokémon-themed bullet trains to Hello Kitty Shinkansen, Doraemon trams, and Evangelion-wrapped trains.

But most of these are cosmetic: vinyl wraps and themed interiors. Oigawa Railway goes far beyond decoration. The locomotives themselves are physically transformed, the entire railway corridor becomes a themed experience, and every touchpoint maintains the fictional universe. It's closer to a Disney-level commitment to world-building, applied to a working heritage railway.

This approach reflects something deeper about Japanese entertainment philosophy: the belief that even commercial collaborations should be done with sincerity and attention to detail. The railway's staff become part of the story, the stations become settings, and the journey becomes a narrative experience, not just a ride.

In Japan, steam locomotives are getting a second life not just as nostalgia, but as living entertainment experiences. Does your country have unique collaborations between railways and beloved characters? We'd love to hear about it. Share your thoughts and stories from your part of the world.

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