Arakawa Ward Hosts Unique 'Locomotive Riding & Work Experience' as a Furusato Nozei Return Gift

On Sunday, June 14, Arakawa Ward conducted the 'Locomotive Riding & Work Experience' event at JR Freight's Sumidagawa Station (4-1-1 Minami-Senju, Arakawa Ward) for individuals who made furusato nozei donations to the ward. This initiative was made possible through the cooperation of JR Freight Corporation's Kanto Branch, Sumidagawa Station, and Sumidagawa Locomotive Depot, and was implemented as an experiential hometown tax return gift that highlights the unique appeal of Arakawa Ward.

Locomotives gathered for this experience event

【Event Highlights】

At JR Freight's Sumidagawa Station, which served as the venue, activities included a 'Mini Locomotive Photo Session,' 'Cab Ride-Along Experience on Cargo Handling Equipment (Forklifts and Top Loaders),' and 'Hands-On Experience Operating Manual Track Switches (devices that change train directions).' Additionally, participants rode on locomotives and conductor cars—vehicles normally inaccessible to the public—while moving between activity sites, making even the transit a memorable experience.

During the mini photo session, locomotives not typically in operation were specially brought out, allowing participants to freely enjoy photography. Following the session, attendees experienced sitting in the locomotive driver's seat, immersing themselves in the role of a train operator and enjoying a rare and valuable moment.

In the cargo handling equipment cab ride-along experience, participants sat in the operator cabins of forklifts and top loaders, observing container loading operations from the same viewpoint as actual workers. In the subsequent track switch operation experience, they physically operated the lever mechanisms used to change train routes. Many expressed surprise at the physical effort required, saying, 'It's so heavy!' Through operating this critical infrastructure supporting freight station operations, participants gained a deeper appreciation for the responsibility involved in ensuring safe and smooth railway operations.

Participants left with smiles, having enjoyed a rare opportunity to experience areas normally closed to the public.

Participants experiencing the locomotive driver's seat

Top loader cab ride-along experience

Participants receiving explanations from station staff

【Comment from a Representative of JR Freight Corporation Kanto Branch】

This was our first initiative of this kind. We conducted extensive planning and discussions during the preparation phase. Seeing the participants enjoy the event has given us strong positive feedback. We hope this experiential return gift will help more people understand the importance of freight rail transportation.