The conclusion of one period and the dawn of a new era is a joyous and important moment for any society around the globe. It definitely calls for a country-wide celebaration in Japan. May 1 was declared by the government as a national holiday in order to commemorate the enthronement of the new Japanese Emperor Naruhito. With some extra holidays and the extended golden week ahead, a lot of interesting activities and events are in store both for local and foreign tourists in Japan. Various commercial establishments are now preoccupied in preparing different gimmicks to gear up for the expected influx of tourists.
Among these forms of entertainment are the fascinating package deals being offered by railway operators all over Japan. The package includes overnight tours and fun-filled countdowns for travelers who wish to celebrate the forthcoming imperial transition. Sightseers may also avail of nightlong train operations to be provided by the Tobu Railway Co. The railway train with the signage “Thank You Heisei, Hello Reiwa” will pick up passengers from Minami Kurihashi at 11:55 pm on April 30 to a hot spring resort in Kinugawa Onsen at 5:00 am the next day, as a way of celebrating the passage of one era to another. Passengers will also be given complimentary food and drinks for them to toast to the occasion while on board the train.
In the west side of Japan, trips to experience the magical sunrise at Cape Shionomisaki were also organized by Hankyu Travel International Co. in coordination with West Japan Railway Co.’s express train. A total of 270 available tickets for this overnight trip were circulated. But prior to the event, the company confirmed that these tickets have already been sold out.
Travelers who plan to take a trip to Hokkaido, the northern part of Japan, may also partcipate in their all-night railway tour called “Journey from Showa, Heisei to Reiwa” operated by South Hokkaido Railway Co. between Hakodate and Hokuto.
Meanwhile, in Fukuoka prefecture, the southwestern area of Japan, the Heisei Chikuho Railway will also hold a countdown party within the train carraige as their way of celebrating the transition from Heisei to Reiwa. The Heisei Chikuho Railway is actually the first train company across Japan that uses the era name “Heisei” since 1989.
Reference: Trains celebrating new Japan era provide entertainment for travelers
