Japan Rail Fair (TJRF) 2026 returns to Singapore this October for its seventh edition, bringing together regional tourism organisations, travel businesses, Japanese brands, food and cultural experiences for three days at Guoco Tower.
Organised by JR East Business Development SEA Pte. Ltd., the free fair will take place from 15 to 17 October 2026, from 11am to 8pm daily, at Urban Park, Guoco Tower, outside JAPAN RAIL CAFE.
This year’s edition takes place as Singapore and Japan mark SJ60, the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Under the theme “Journey into Culture”, the fair will spotlight lesser-known destinations across Japan, with a particular focus on Eastern Japan, including the Kanto and Tohoku regions.
First launched in 2020 as “A Virtual Trip to Japan”, TJRF has since developed into a community event where visitors can discover different parts of Japan through travel, food, culture and interactive activities.
TJRF 2026 will feature 17 interactive booths where visitors can meet regional tourism organisations, travel businesses and Japanese brands. New exhibitors include Hakodate City, San’in covering Tottori and Shimane, Sendai Tohoku, Tokyu Group, Try and Discover Japan by SMRJ, and PRESTIGE BY CHAN BROTHERS & ASUKA CRUISES.
Food and drink experiences will also be part of the fair. Visitors can sample wasabi flavoured snacks from the Izu Peninsula Geopark and Tourism Bureau and JR EAST Shonan Izu Business Headquarters, regional snacks from Access Tohoku, and fresh Japanese pears from JR Fruits Park Sendai ARAHAMA.
Yamaguchi Prefecture will showcase sake and fugu, while HINEMOS returns with its range of Japanese sake and YOTSUBA MILK PRODUCTS will present dairy products from Hokkaido.
On opening day, 15 October, visitors can also stand a chance to receive Hirosaki City apple pie and a local snack from Hakodate City during giveaways held on stage at 11am and 3pm.
One of the new highlights for 2026 is the Community Puzzle Wall, created around the SJ60 spirit of “Co Create”. Measuring approximately 5 metres by 2.5 metres and made up of more than 300 puzzle tiles, the artwork will be completed progressively throughout the three-day fair.
Each day, the first 100 eligible Lucky Draw participants will have the opportunity to contribute a puzzle piece, with individual contributions eventually forming one collective artwork.
Stamp collectors can also take part in two activities. The returning Eki Stamp Rally requires participants to collect six specially designed stamps from designated zones across the 17 booths to qualify for the Daily Lucky Draw at 7pm.
Prizes include rail passes, hotel stays and a cruise voyage for two in a Midship Suite aboard ASUKA III. The cruise prize is worth more than S$10,000 and is sponsored by Prestige by Chan Brothers in collaboration with ASUKA CRUISE. The voyage includes visits to Kobe and Kochi.
The Layered Stamp Trail offers another challenge, with visitors collecting four stamps from four stations. Each stamp reveals another layer of a hidden illustration.
A total of 300 goodie bags will also be given away over the three days to Eki Stamp Rally participants. Each bag includes the limited-edition Event Stamp Passbook, which allows visitors to collect up to 18 stamps from across the fair. The passbook will also be available for purchase at the event for $3.
The stage programme will feature cultural performances, regional presentations, travel showcases and interactive activities. Highlights include a Suzume Odori, or Sparrow Dance, performance from Sendai Tohoku, with visitors invited to learn and join the dance.
Student group Tetsudou Tomodachi will also lead an interactive Bon Odori performance featuring choreography by Reitoku Kai.
Train enthusiasts can try the JR EAST Train Simulator, which uses live footage, authentic train sounds and a dedicated controller interface designed to recreate the experience of driving a train.
Yamaguchi Prefecture will showcase its regional culture through a Lohei demonstration featuring fugu sashimi, while visitors can also take part in the traditional toss for happiness and prosperity.
Other activities include travel presentations, quizzes, mascot appearances and a live snow sports demonstration by Nippon Ski Resort Development.
The fair will also serve as a platform for visitors to discover destinations including Sendai and the wider Tohoku region, Hakodate City, and San’in in Tottori and Shimane.
Returning railway and travel brands include KINTETSU GROUP, while new participant PRESTIGE BY CHAN BROTHERS & ASUKA CRUISES brings together Chan Brothers Travel’s curated travel business and ASUKA CRUISE, a Japanese premium cruise brand operating ASUKA III.
New exhibitor Tokyu Group will showcase a business network centred on Tokyu Corporation, spanning areas including urban development, real estate, hotels, resorts and life services.
Try and Discover Japan by SMRJ will also introduce visitors to Japanese small and medium sized enterprises. SMRJ supports Japan’s SME policies under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and works with businesses across the country.
With its combination of regional showcases, food tastings, cultural performances, stamp activities and travel information, TJRF 2026 aims to give Singapore visitors new ideas for exploring Japan beyond its more familiar destinations.
Japan Rail Fair 2026 takes place from 15 to 17 October 2026, 11am to 8pm daily, at Urban Park, Guoco Tower. Admission is free.
