JR Shikoku × KATO N-Gauge Model Train Festival in Takamatsu 2026: Official Event Guide

This guide provides official details on the "JR Shikoku × KATO N-Gauge Model Train Festival in Takamatsu" (ＪＲ四国×ＫＡＴＯ Ｎゲージ鉄道模型まつり ｉｎ 高松), a joint event organized by JR Shikoku (Shikoku Railway Company) and KATO (Kato Precision Railroad Models). The event will be held on June 6–7, 2026, at the Takamatsu Orne complex in central Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture. Admission is free. The information below is drawn directly from the official press release issued on April 30, 2026.

Who This Applies To

This event guide is intended for the following groups:

• Railway enthusiasts and model train hobbyists interested in N-gauge layouts, diorama construction, and Shikoku railway culture.
• Families with children looking for hands-on railway-related activities, including a mini train riding experience and workshop sessions.
• Travelers visiting Takamatsu or Shikoku during the first week of June 2026 who wish to incorporate this event into their itinerary.
• Overseas visitors who need English-language logistics for accessing the venue and understanding event policies.
• Residents of Kagawa Prefecture and surrounding areas seeking local rail-themed weekend activities.

Whether you are a seasoned N-gauge collector or a first-time visitor curious about Japanese railway modeling, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit based on the official announcement.

Event Overview

The JR Shikoku × KATO N-Gauge Model Train Festival in Takamatsu is a collaborative event designed to showcase the appeal and enjoyment of Shikoku's railways and railway modeling through N-gauge (1:160 scale) model trains. According to the official press release, the inaugural edition held in the previous year received a significant positive response from the public, which led to this second edition being organized in 2026.

This year's event features expanded participation. In addition to the two primary organizers — JR Shikoku and KATO — the Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad Corporation (Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad, commonly known as Kotoden) and JR Freight Commerce Co., Ltd. (ジェイアールエフ商事株式会社) will join as guest participants. Their involvement is intended to offer visitors a broader perspective on the railways of Shikoku.

Key Event Highlights

The venue will host a range of activities and exhibits. Based on the official announcement, the following features are confirmed:

• Large-scale N-gauge running layout exhibition — A large, impressive layout featuring N-gauge trains in operation, serving as the centerpiece of the event.
• Mini train riding experience — An interactive attraction suitable for families and children.
• Diorama-making workshop — A hands-on workshop where participants can learn to build their own railway dioramas.
• Additional family-friendly programs — The source states that numerous other enjoyable activities will be available for families, though specific details on individual programs were listed in an attached document not fully available in the press release.

Steps: How to Attend the Event

Follow these steps to plan and attend the JR Shikoku × KATO N-Gauge Model Train Festival in Takamatsu:

1. Confirm the dates. The event takes place over two days: Saturday, June 6, 2026, and Sunday, June 7, 2026. Operating hours on both days are 10:00 to 17:00 (JST).
2. Travel to Takamatsu. Takamatsu is the capital city of Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. It is accessible via JR Shikoku limited express services (e.g., the Shiokaze or Uzushio) from Okayama, or by air to Takamatsu Airport. The city is also served by the Kotoden local rail network.
3. Make your way to the venue. The event will be held at Takamatsu Orne North Building, 4th Floor (オルネパーク・オルネアートギャラリー), located at 1-20 Hamanocho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture (香川県高松市浜ノ町１－２０). Takamatsu Orne is situated in central Takamatsu near the waterfront area, within reasonable walking distance of JR Takamatsu Station and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station.
4. Enter the venue. General admission is free of charge. No advance reservation or ticket is required for entry based on the information provided in the official source.
5. Participate in activities. Browse the large N-gauge layout exhibition, join the mini train riding experience, attend the diorama workshop, and explore the other family-friendly programs available at the venue.
6. Check for participation fees on-site. While admission is free, the official source notes that some events within the festival may require a participation fee. Specific programs and their associated costs were not detailed in the press release. Visitors should inquire at the venue for current information on paid activities.
7. Plan for weather contingencies. The event will proceed rain or shine (雨天決行). However, in the case of severe weather, some programs may be cancelled. Check for updates from the organizers before traveling if weather conditions are unfavorable.

Limits and Exceptions

The following limitations and exceptions apply to this event, as stated or implied by the official source:

• Severe weather cancellations: While the event is rain-or-shine, severe weather conditions (荒天) may result in the cancellation of some programs. The source does not specify which activities are weather-dependent or what constitutes "severe weather" for the purposes of this event.
• Participation fees for select events: General admission is free, but the source explicitly states that certain events within the festival require a participation fee. The source does not enumerate which events carry a fee, nor does it specify the amounts. Attendees should expect to encounter some paid activities and prepare accordingly.
• Detailed program list unavailable: The official press release references an attached document (別紙) for detailed event content. This document was not fully available in the source material provided to us. Therefore, the complete list of workshops, demonstrations, exhibitors, and special programs cannot be confirmed at this time.
• No advance registration information: The source does not mention whether advance registration, reservations, or lottery-based participation is required for any specific activity. It is unclear whether popular workshops (such as the diorama-making session) have capacity limits or require sign-ups.
• Event duration: The event is scheduled for two days only (June 6–7, 2026). There is no indication of additional dates or a traveling version of the festival.
• Guest participants: The involvement of Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad and JR Freight Commerce is noted as "guest" participation. The source does not specify what form their participation takes (e.g., exhibits, merchandise, presentations).

What Travelers Should Prepare

Based on the information available in the official source, the following preparations are recommended for attendees:

• Cash for participation fees: Since some events require a participation fee and the amounts are unspecified, bring sufficient Japanese yen in cash. Many small event activities in Japan are cash-only.
• Comfortable clothing and footwear: The event runs for up to seven hours per day (10:00–17:00) across indoor venue spaces on the 4th floor. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for families with children who may wish to participate in multiple activities.
• Weather-appropriate gear: As the event proceeds rain or shine, and some outdoor-adjacent activities may be affected by weather, carry an umbrella or rain gear if the forecast is uncertain.
• Camera or smartphone: Large-scale N-gauge layouts are visually impressive and photographing the exhibits is a common practice at model railway events in Japan. However, confirm on-site whether photography is permitted in all areas.
• Transportation planning: If arriving by JR Shikoku train, note that Takamatsu Station is a major hub. For those using Kotoden services, the Takamatsu-Chikko Station is conveniently located near the Orne complex. Plan your route in advance, particularly if traveling from outside Kagawa Prefecture.

Getting to Takamatsu: Rail Access

By JR Shikoku

Takamatsu Station is the primary rail gateway to the city and is served by multiple JR Shikoku lines. The most common long-distance access routes include:

• From Okayama: Take the JR Limited Express Shiokaze or Uzushio across the Great Seto Bridge (Seto-Ohashi Line). The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
• From Matsuyama: Take the JR Limited Express Shiokaze along the Yosan Line. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
• From Tokushima: Take the JR Limited Express Tsurugisan. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

By Kotoden (Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad)

The Kotoden network operates local rail services in the Takamatsu metropolitan area. For access to Takamatsu Orne, the Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station is the closest rail station. Kotoden also connects to the Kotohira (Konpira) area, making it possible to combine a visit to the model train festival with a trip to one of Shikoku's most famous shrines.

Venue Proximity

Takamatsu Orne is a commercial complex located in the Hamanocho district of central Takamatsu, near the waterfront. It is within walking distance of both JR Takamatsu Station (approximately 10–15 minutes on foot) and Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station. The event takes place on the 4th floor of the North Building, in the Orne Park and Orne Art Gallery spaces.

Event Schedule Summary

Background: The Second Edition

According to the official press release, this is the second edition of the JR Shikoku × KATO N-Gauge Model Train Festival. The first edition, held in the previous year, was described as having received "significant positive response" (大きな反響) from the public. This strong reception was the driving factor behind organizing the follow-up event in 2026.

The expansion of guest participants for the second edition — with the addition of Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad and JR Freight Commerce — suggests an effort to broaden the scope and appeal of the event beyond the two founding organizers. This is consistent with the event's stated goal of promoting the charm and enjoyment of Shikoku's railways and railway modeling to a wider audience.

Official Source

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an admission fee for the JR Shikoku × KATO N-Gauge Model Train Festival?

General admission to the event is free of charge. However, the official source notes that some individual events or activities within the festival may require a separate participation fee. The specific programs and their costs were not detailed in the press release. Attendees should be prepared to pay for certain hands-on activities and inquire at the venue for current pricing.

Do I need to register in advance to attend?

The official press release does not mention any advance registration, reservation, or ticketing requirement for general admission. It is unclear whether individual workshops or experiences (such as the diorama-making workshop) have capacity limits that require sign-ups. As further details may be released closer to the event date, check the official JR Shikoku website for updates.

What happens if it rains on the event days?

The event is scheduled to proceed rain or shine (雨天決行). However, in the case of severe weather (荒天), some programs may be cancelled. The source does not specify which activities are weather-dependent. If severe weather is forecast, consider checking the organizers' announcements before traveling to the venue.

How do I get to Takamatsu Orne from JR Takamatsu Station?

Takamatsu Orne is located in the Hamanocho district of central Takamatsu, approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from JR Takamatsu Station. It is also accessible from Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station, which is even closer to the venue. The event takes place on the 4th floor of the North Building.

What activities are available at the event?

The confirmed activities include a large-scale N-gauge running layout exhibition, a mini train riding experience, and a diorama-making workshop. The official source references an attached document for the full program list, which was not available in the press release material. Additional family-friendly programs are also mentioned but not individually specified. Attendees can expect a range of railway model exhibits and interactive experiences across the two-day event.

Conclusion

The JR Shikoku × KATO N-Gauge Model Train Festival in Takamatsu represents a unique opportunity to experience Shikoku's railway culture through the lens of N-gauge model railroading. With free admission, a central venue at Takamatsu Orne, and a program that includes large-scale running exhibits and hands-on workshops, the event is accessible to a broad audience — from dedicated hobbyists to families exploring Takamatsu for the weekend.

As this is the second edition of the event, expanded guest participation from Takamatsu Kotohira Electric Railroad and JR Freight Commerce suggests a richer and more diverse experience than the inaugural year. Travelers planning a trip to Shikoku in early June 2026 should consider aligning their itinerary with this two-day festival.

For the most up-to-date information — including the full program list, participation fee details, and any last-minute schedule changes — refer to the official press release and the JR Shikoku website as the event date approaches.