Tatsuno Station 120th Anniversary: 2026 Special Train & Festa Guide
Official Guide: Tatsuno Station 120th Anniversary Festa on July 18, 2026
This guidance applies to rail passengers, local residents, and railway enthusiasts planning to participate in the commemorative events at Tatsuno Station (辰野駅) on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The event marks the 120th anniversary of the station's opening and is organized jointly by Tatsuno Town and the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) Nagano Branch. All information is based on the official notice published on May 28, 2026.
Who This Applies To
This guide is relevant for:
- Rail Passengers who wish to ride the special limited express train "Tatsuno Station Opening 120th Anniversary."
- Visitors to Tatsuno Station interested in attending the station-side ceremonies, exhibits, and activities on July 18, 2026.
- Families with Children planning to participate in the "Kids Stationmaster" photo session or the mini Azusa train experience.
- Railway Enthusiasts seeking to observe the special ceremony and stock associated with the anniversary.
- Local Residents and Businesses involved in or planning to attend the community hospitality events.
Steps to Participate in the Anniversary Events
The commemorative "Tatsuno Station Opening 120th Anniversary Festa" consists of multiple scheduled events. Here is a concise, ordered overview of the day's program.
- Arrive at Tatsuno Station by 10:00 AM. The event area includes the station platform, station building, and surrounding areas (e.g., Shimotatsuno 1-chome parking lot). The source states the event runs from 10:00 to 14:30.
- Attend the Opening Ceremony (10:30~). A one-day stationmaster appointment ceremony for the mayor of Tatsuno Town will be held in front of the station.
- Welcome the Special Train (11:22 arrival). The special rapid train "Tatsuno Station Opening 120th Anniversary" is scheduled to arrive at Platform 1. Welcome greetings will involve the mayor, JR East Shiojiri Station Master, JR Central Ina City Station Master, mascots "Pikkari-chan" and "Alkuma," and a performance by Tatsuno High School's Sakuragi Taiko Club.
- Participate in Station-side Activities (10:00~14:30). Various activities are available throughout the event duration:
- Children's Stationmaster Photo Session (12:30~13:30): Children can wear a child-sized stationmaster uniform for photos at the station plaza or adjacent venue. Participants must bring their own camera.
- Mini Azusa Train Ride Experience (11:30~14:30): A "Mini Azusa (E353 series)" ride for children is held at the Shimotatsuno 1-chome parking lot. Preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian (18 years or older).
- JR Employee Work Introduction (11:30~14:00): Exhibits on track maintenance history, experiences like fitting fishplates, and demonstrations using track vehicles and a model level crossing.
- Community Hospitality Area (10:00~14:30): Food trucks and local events at the adjacent special venue.
- Take a Commemorative Photo with Mascots (13:15~13:30). A photo session with Nagano's PR character "Alkuma" and Tatsuno's character "Pikkari-chan" is scheduled at the station plaza or adjacent venue.
- Observe the Departure Ceremony (14:05~approx. 14:18). A send-off ceremony for the special train's return trip will be held on Platform 2. The departure signal will be given by the dignitaries, accompanied by taiko drumming. Note: A platform ticket (nyūjō-ken) is required to enter the platform for viewing. The special train "Tatsuno Station Opening 120th Anniversary" is scheduled to depart at 14:16.
Limits and Exceptions
Key constraints and conditions for participation, as stated in the official notice:
- Special Train Reservation Required: Riding the special limited express train "Tatsuno Station Opening 120th Anniversary" requires both a regular ticket and a reserved seat ticket. The source does not specify reservation windows or prices.
- Platform Access for Departure Ceremony: To view the departure ceremony on the platform, passengers must purchase a platform ticket (nyūjō-ken).
- Event Subject to Change: The event may be modified or cancelled without prior notice due to weather or other reasons.
- Photography by Organizers: The organizers may take photographs or videos (including photo sessions) for records and PR purposes.
- Promotional Gift Limit: Passengers on the special train will receive a small gift (one per person per trip, for both outbound and return journeys). The nature of the gift is not specified.
- Activity-Specific Rules:
- Children's uniform fitting and mascot photos require participants to provide their own camera.
- The mini train experience requires preschool children to be accompanied by a guardian 18+.
What Travelers Should Prepare
Based on the official notice, travelers planning to attend should prepare for the following:
- Transportation to Tatsuno Station: The organizers request visitors use public transportation. The source notes to check the Tatsuno Town official website for event-specific parking information. The source does not specify parking locations or costs beyond this reference.
- Platform Ticket: If you intend to view the departure ceremony on the platform (14:05~), be prepared to purchase a platform ticket at the station.
- Reserved Seat Ticket (for Train Ride): If you plan to ride the special train, you must secure a reserved seat ticket in advance. The reservation process is not detailed in the source.
- Camera/Smartphone: For the children's stationmaster photo session and mascot photo opportunity, as you must bring your own device.
- Weather Preparedness: Parts of the event are outdoors. Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly (e.g., umbrella, sunscreen).
- Cash: For purchasing platform tickets, food from kitchen cars, or other potential local offerings. The source does not detail pricing for any event activities or items.
Event Location and Access
The primary venue is Tatsuno Station (辰野駅) and its immediate vicinity, including the platform, station building, station plaza, and the adjacent special venue. Some activities, like the Mini Azusa ride, are at the Shimotatsuno 1-chome Parking Lot (下辰野一丁目駐車場).
Tatsuno Station is located on the JR East Chuo Main Line (中央本線) and the Iida Line (飯田線), which is operated by JR Central. For detailed access information, station facilities, and connections, please refer to our Tatsuno Station guide. For information on the special train's stops and the general route, see our Chuo Main Line guide and Iida Line guide.
Special Train Schedule and Details
The commemorative train "Tatsuno Station Opening 120th Anniversary" has a fixed schedule for July 18, 2026.
| Segment | Route (Key Stations) | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outbound (往路) | Nagano (長野) → Matsumoto (松本) → Tatsuno (辰野) | Nagano: 8:36 | Tatsuno: 11:22 |
| Return (復路) | Tatsuno (辰野) → Matsumoto (松本) → Nagano (長野) | Tatsuno: 14:16 | Nagano: 16:28 |
Stops: The train stops at Nagano, Shinonoi, Obasute, Matsumoto, Shiojiri, Ono, Shinano-Kawashima, and Tatsuno (same for both directions).
Formation: HB-E300 series, 2 cars. All seats are reserved. Riding requires a reserved seat ticket in addition to a passenger ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a ticket to enter the station area for the events?
Access to the station building, plaza, and special venue for most activities (10:00-14:30) appears to be open to the public. However, to enter the platform to view the arrival or departure ceremonies, a valid ticket (such as a platform ticket or a passenger ticket for a train) is required. The source specifically notes that a platform ticket is needed for the departure ceremony viewing.
2. How do I reserve a seat on the special commemorative train?
The official notice states that a reserved seat ticket is mandatory for riding the train. However, the source does not provide details on the reservation process, availability, or pricing. You should check official JR East and JR Central reservation channels (e.g., ticket counters, online reservation systems like Eki-Net or SmartEX) closer to the date. For general advice on reserving seats on JR lines, see our Seat Reservation Guide.
3. Is the event accessible and are there facilities for families?
The source does not detail specific accessibility features or family facilities. The event includes child-focused activities (mini train, photo sessions). For general station accessibility information, refer to the Tatsuno Station guide.
4. What happens if the weather is bad on July 18?
As stated in the official notice, the event may be changed or cancelled without prior notice due to weather or other reasons. There is no mention of a backup date. It is advisable to check for updates on the day of the event via official channels like the JR East Press Release page or local information.
5. Are there any costs for the activities at the station?
The source does not specify any admission fees for the station-side events, ceremonies, exhibits, or photo sessions. However, purchasing food from kitchen cars or other items may incur costs. A platform ticket will have a cost (standard JR fare, not specified for this event).
Official Source
This article is based on the following official publication.
- Source Label: Official Press Release
- Original Japanese Headline: 辰野駅開業 120 周年記念フェスタを開催します!!
- Publication Time: 2026-05-28 05:07 UTC
- Source Site: JR East Press (jreast.co.jp)
- Source Link: Press Release PDF (2026/05/28)
Information is accurate as of the source publication date (May 28, 2026). For the most current details on the day of the event, consult official sources from JR East and Tatsuno Town.
