TripZillaLovers of rail travel, we’re sure you’ve been missing epic train rides all over the world. Fret not, Japan Rail Cafe (JRC) offers exactly what you need to soothe your wanderlust aches: virtual tours and fun activities at The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan!
Also read: This Japan Tourism Video Will Inspire You to Travel There After the Pandemic
The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan: What is it?
Following JRC’s digital makeover earlier this year, The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan is the platform’s way of inspiring travel just until we can do it again. Essentially, The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan is a virtual travel fair that brings together Japan Railway Group, various prefectural governments and travel partners, and Visit Japan Now – Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Singapore Office all in one event.
Catch The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan from 20 to 22 and 27 to 28 Nov 2020. That’s two straight weekends filled with fun in Japan without ever leaving your home!
Gain access to free and ticketed events here and here. When you’ve chosen which events you’re joining, head over to this page to purchase tickets in advance. Some events have special gifts for early bird bookers, so don’t waste any time! For quick updates and more information, check out the virtual travel fair’s official Facebook page.
What’s more, The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan promises to be as experiential as possible even amid the pandemic. How will they do this? Some of its ticketed events come with food and drinks deliveries!
The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan: A list of events and activities
Need help choosing which events you’ll join? We’ve got you covered. Here’s an easy overview to guide you:
20 Nov 2020, Friday: Experience Ehime While Staying at Home
- 7pm to 8pm, FREE via Facebook Live.
- A virtual tour of Ehime prefecture, which is known for its world-class, seaside cycling route, hot springs, and well-preserved castles.
- Attendees are encouraged to ask questions for future trips!
20 Nov 2020, Friday: Japan’s Best-Kept Secret Volume 1 – Shochu Flavour Basics
- 9pm to 10pm, ticketed via Zoom, $40 per person.
- A Shochu workshop featuring Shochu sommelier, Christopher Pellegrini.
- Shochu is a type of Japanese distilled alcoholic beverage similar to Korean soju. The drink packs a punch and is often made from rice, barley, or sweet potato.
- This event comes with pre-delivered sampling sets for Singaporean attendees. Cheers!
21 Nov 2020, Saturday: Enjoy Autumn Rail Travel With Ekiben
- 11am to 12pm, ticketed via Zoom, $19 per person.
- A virtual tour showing breathtaking autumn scenes in Eastern Japan.
- Feel as if you’re experiencing JR East’s Joyful Trains in person!
- This event comes with pre-delivered ekiben or railway bento boxes per head, plus JR East train memorabilia, for Singaporean attendees.
- Can’t make the first session? Don’t miss the second one! It’s happening on 28 Nov from 1pm to 2pm.
Also read: Experience Autumn with Tohoku’s Joyful Trains: Pikachus, Footbaths, Nature Walks & More!
21 Nov 2020, Saturday: Tokyo Station: The “0 km” Trip
- 3pm to 4pm, FREE via Facebook Live.
- A virtual tour that starts at Tokyo Station.
- The perfect beginner’s guide to Japan’s rail culture, with a spotlight on the Shinkansen lines!
- Let special guest Ghib Ojisan show you must-buy souvenirs from Tokyo Station.
22 Nov 2020, Sunday: JR Stories: Rail Travel in Japan
- 7pm to 8pm, FREE via Facebook Live.
- Interact with the friendly and lively Japan Rail Cafe community.
- Hear personal travel stories that will inspire your own adventures.
- Get first dibs on the most recent updates on rail travel in Japan!
- End the session with a special segment on food products from nomono, a popular Japanese treats store.
27 Nov 2020, Friday: Enjoy an Authentic Farm Stay in Akita
- 9pm to 10pm, FREE via Facebook Live.
- A webinar hosted by Akita Inu Tourism.
- Enjoy a virtual stay at Sakekoshimai, a local farm inn. You’lll get to meet the owners of the guesthouse, too!
- Witness rice harvesting and cooking a local delicacy called kiritanpo from freshly picked ingredients.
28 Nov 2020, Saturday: Full of Love: Furoshiki Gift Wrapping with Japan Airlines
- 3pm to 4pm, FREE via Facebook Live.
- A creative tutorial conducted by Japan Airlines (JAL) cabin crew.
- Learn how to wrap gifts the Furoshiki way, which is the art of traditional Japanese gift-wrapping. This also teaches attendees the proper way of transporting valuable items in Japanese culture.
- Get a glimpse of a JAL cabin attendant’s life and hear their top travel tips!
- The first 30 to pre-register for this event will receive free Furoshiki fabric from JAL.
28 Nov 2020, Saturday: Okinawa — Oasis of Japan
- 5pm to 6pm, FREE via Facebook Live.
- A seminar on experiencing the best of Okinawa, Japan’s own tropical paradise.
- Take delight in a live shanshin performance. Shansin is Okinawa’s famed musical instrument that somewhat resembles a sitar.
Also read: First Time in Japan: I Travelled to Okinawa And Didn’t Regret It
There you have it: The Japan Rail Fair – A Virtual Trip to Japan’s jam-packed calendar of virtual events. We don’t know about you, but we’re tempted to join them all! Which activities are you signing up for?
Information extracted from a press release issued by Sixth Sense PR & Communications for Japan Rail Cafe.
