Iyo-Saijo Railway Festa 2026

About this event

Held in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, the Iyo-Saijo Railway Festa 2026 is an event showcasing the charms of Saijo as a railway town. Set at Railway History Park in SAIJO, a variety of events will unfold with the cooperation of JR Shikoku. On Saturday, November 21, there will be exhibitions of an on-track backhoe and track maintenance vehicles, a Rail Star ride experience, road-rail vehicle displays and demonstration run viewings, and an exhibition of JR Shikoku's first new hybrid local train, the 3600 Series. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a special concert by professional saxophonist Kohei Ueno and the Seto Blue Quartet, appearances by JR Shikoku's official mascot characters Smile Eki-chan and Retsu-kun, and a police car display and ride experience. Furthermore, booths offering railway merchandise sales and experiences are also planned. On Sunday, November 22, a mini steam locomotive ride event featuring lifelike mini SL trains and an HO gauge model train running session will be held. Events held on both days include an in-front-of-station market featuring local gourmet food and souvenirs, a special public viewing inside the Gauge Change Train (Free Gauge Train), and a special viewing of the engine rooms of the rare DF50 and DE10 locomotive engines. Packed with content enjoyable not only for railway enthusiasts but also for families, this festival offers a prime opportunity to deepen appreciation for Shikoku's railways and culture.

Venue

Railway History Park in SAIJO (Shikoku Railway Cultural Center / Shinji Sogo Memorial Museum)

798-1 Omachi, Saijo, Ehime 793-0030