Even Without Participating, 40% Show 'Interest' in Railway Events! 'Train Depot Open Days/Factory Tours' Most Captivating.

■Survey on Interest and Participation in Railway Events and Experiences

Trains are a familiar presence in our daily lives, supporting our commutes.

In recent years, more "enjoyable participation" events such as train depot open days, driving experiences, and photo sessions have emerged. Opportunities to experience the charm of railways up close by seeing and touching them are expanding.

So, among those interested in railways, how many are interested in events and experiences, and what kind of content attracts them?

To find out, we conducted a survey on "Railway Events and Experiences" targeting 180 men and women nationwide who responded "interested in railways" in a preliminary survey, in collaboration with Tethiroba.

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Survey Overview: "Survey on Railway Events and Experiences"

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: February 20, 2026 - March 1, 2026

Target Respondents: Men and women nationwide who responded "interested in railways" in the preliminary survey

Valid Responses: 180 samples

Questions:

Question 1: Are you interested in railway-related events and experiences (train depot open days, driving experiences, photo sessions, railway festivals, etc.)?

Question 2: Have you ever participated in railway-related events and experiences (train depot open days, driving experiences, photo sessions, railway festivals, etc.)?

Question 3: Which events have you participated in? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 4: Are there any railway events or experiences you are interested in?

Question 5: What kind of events are you interested in? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 6: What are your reasons for participating in (or wanting to participate in) railway events? (Multiple selections allowed)

*Percentages are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not equal 100%.

■50.0% Respond 'Interested' in Railway Events and Experiences

First, we asked about interest in events and experiences such as train depot open days, driving experiences, photo sessions, and railway festivals.

The results showed that 50.0% answered "Yes" and 50.0% answered "No," splitting evenly. This indicates that about half of those interested in railways are also interested in event-based and experiential plans.

The ways people enjoy railways vary.

Some are satisfied simply by gazing out the train window, taking photos, or enjoying looking at timetables.

On the other hand, some people want to see trains up close or have experiences they can't normally have. These differences in how people enjoy railways might be contributing to the variation in interest towards events.

■38.9% Have Participated in Railway Events and Experiences

Next, we asked those who expressed interest in railway events and experiences if they had actually participated.

The results showed that 38.9% answered "Yes" and 61.1% answered "No." This suggests that over 60% of respondents are interested but haven't yet attended an event, indicating many are in the "want to go but haven't yet" category.

Furthermore, we asked those who had participated about the types of events they had attended.

The most common response was "Train depot open days/Factory tours" at 68.6%. This was followed by "Railway festivals/Merchandise events" at 37.1%, "Driving experiences (including simulators)" at 31.4%, and "Railway museum special events" at 22.9%.

Train depot open days are regularly held by various JR companies and private railways, making them well-known and accessible events. The special feeling of being able to see places normally off-limits seems to be a major attraction.

■40.0% of Non-Participants Respond 'Interested in Railway Events/Experiences'

Next, we asked those who had not participated in events if they were interested in any railway events or experiences.

The results showed that 40.0% answered "Yes" and 60.0% answered "No." This indicates that even among those who haven't participated, 40% feel there are events they would like to attend, showing a clear interest despite lack of experience.

We further asked those who responded "interested" what kind of events attracted them.

The most common response was "Train depot open days/Factory tours" at 72.7%. This was followed by "Special train rides/Limited express services" at 63.6%, "Driving experiences (including simulators)" at 59.1%, and "Railway festivals/Merchandise events" at 45.5%.

The order is similar to the results from participants, suggesting that "Train depot open days/Factory tours" and "Driving experiences" are popular among many railway fans, regardless of whether they have participated before.

■Top Reason for Participating (or Wanting to Participate) in Railway Events is 'Because I Like Trains' at 58.9%

Finally, we asked those interested in railway events and experiences for their reasons for participating (or wanting to participate).

The most frequent answer was "Because I like trains" at 58.9%. This was followed by "Wanting to see places and trains not usually visible" at 42.2%, "Wanting to have an extraordinary experience" at 34.4%, "Wanting to make it a purpose for travel or outings" at 22.2%, and "Wanting to deepen knowledge/learning" at 21.1%.

While a pure affection for trains forms the base, the desire to "visit places normally inaccessible" and "have experiences different from daily life" are also significant motivators for participation.

Getting a glimpse behind the scenes of the trains we ride every day can be a special memory in itself.

■Conclusion

This survey found that half of those interested in railways are also interested in railway events and experiences. Both participants and non-participants alike identified "Train depot open days/Factory tours" as the most appealing content.

The primary reason for wanting to participate is "because I like trains," but there were also many responses indicating a desire to "see places and trains not usually visible" and "have an extraordinary experience." The anticipation of special experiences seems to boost participation intent.

Events that allow people to interact with trains from a different perspective, such as train depot open days and driving experiences, are likely to create lasting memories. If you're interested in such an event, why not consider attending one?

＜For Use in Articles, etc.＞

- State that the source is a "Survey by NEXER Inc. and Tethiroba."

- Include a link to Tethiroba (https://www.tetuhiro.com/).

【About Tethiroba】

Operator Name: Yashima Kizai Co., Ltd.

Person in Charge: Kazuaki Takada

Operator Address: 6-5 Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0026

Phone Number: 03-6758-2572

【About NEXER Inc.】

Head Office: Rise Arena Bldg. 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

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