On January 1, 2025, thousands of rail enthusiasts began the year aboard trains crisscrossing Japan's Greater Tokyo area, participating in a beloved tradition known as the New Year’s railway journeys. One of the most iconic undertakings is the overnight trip taken by numerous passengers starting from the Jōban Line’s Kitakogane Station.
This special trip leverages the commuter zone ticket system, allowing intrepid travelers to ride approximately 1,035.4 kilometers for just 150 yen. They traverse this expansive distance over about 33 hours, making it a unique way to ring in the New Year. The event has grown to almost cult-like status, with throngs showing up at Kitakogane Station around 7 AM on December 31 to join the adventure, armed with their discounted tickets.
Enthusiasts partake not only to enjoy the scenic views of rail lines but also for the camaraderie and shared sense of adventure among fellow travelers. Many travelers report the thrill of meeting others who participate year after year, forming strong bonds forged through shared experiences on these lengthy journeys.
By midnight, as 2025 arrived, celebrants found themselves on the Musashino Line, with many passengers taking breaks to sleep aboard their trains, turning them effectively overnight lodgings. Upon arrival at Narita Station at approximately 1:50 AM, the atmosphere was electric, filled with the chatter of both tourists arriving for the New Year’s shrine visits and railway aficionados complete with their rucksacks.
"Narita Station was just packed with people converging for the New Year’s prayers at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, as well as those finishing their long journeys from the night before," noted one participant.
Interestingly, the Narita Station experience included trains behaving like temporary hotels, with some participants using the bare benches as makeshift beds, referring to the station's overnight stay options as ‘train hotels.’ With the warmth inside the trains versus the chill creeping in at times, many travelers were relieved they had bundled up for the night.
One early tweet from the event reported how stunned participants were when two railway staff members at Narita intervened at around 2:46 AM. "Many of you have been enjoying our facilities overnight. For the sake of fairness, we would kindly ask those lying down to refrain from doing so," they announced, prompting lighthearted banter among the spirited patrons. After all, it was all part of the fun!
Meanwhile, as Sanyo Electric Railway welcomed the dawn of the new year, they too extended their greetings to riders, stating: "Happy New Year! Thank you for utilizing our services. We will continue striving to become more beloved by our passengers this year, and we hope for your continued support!" This cheerful acknowledgment resonates with the spirits of the adventurous travelers.
Occasionally, participants also take these journeys as opportunities to partake of special food offerings they find along their route, ensuring the experience is one filled with tasty bites and delightful interactions, making this not just about the travels but the memories created along the way.
With every passing year, going on these extensive New Year train journeys has become more than just about travel; it's about traditions, relationships, and delighting in the vibrant public transportation culture of Japan. From the festive crowds to the reflective travelers, this communal way of celebrating the arrival of the New Year on Japan's railways assures this cultural practice remains lively and adored.
Indeed, the New Year’s railway operations continue to bind the culture of rail traveling with vibrant festivity, proving this cherished practice is likely to thrive within Japan's rich transport traditions for many years to come.