How to Book 'Thomas the Tank Engine' Tickets & Tips for Sold Out Dates
Riding the Legendary Thomas Train
Thomas the Tank Engine running on the Oigawa Railway is like a scene from a picture book come to life. It is extremely popular, and tickets are hard to get. Here are the strategies to increase your chances of getting a ticket.
⚠️ Event Info Characters and locations may change depending on the year. Please check the Official Website for the latest information.
1. Three Ways to Get Tickets
There are three main routes to ride Thomas.
| Method | Where | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Lottery | Lawson Ticket | High |
| 2. Tour | Travel Agency | Medium |
| 3. Last Minute | Lawson Ticket | Very High |
- 1. Official Lottery: Standard price, but very high competition. It depends on luck.
- 2. Tour Package: Includes lunch box and factory tour. If you book, your seat is guaranteed. Certainty is high.
- 3. Last Minute Sales: Resale of cancelled tickets only. The final resort.
2. Tour vs. Individual Booking
Which one should you choose?
| Feature | Tour | Individual |
|---|---|---|
| Seat | ◎ Guaranteed | △ Lottery |
| Effort | ◎ Easy | △ Hard |
| Cost | High | Low |
- Tour: Expensive (10,000 JPY+), but easy. Hotel and transport are all included. Recommended for those who definitely want to ride.
- Individual: Cheap (4,000 JPY+), but you have to arrange everything yourself. Recommended for those who want to save money.
Editor's Tip: If you are traveling with small children and "cannot afford to fail," booking a Tour is the best choice for peace of mind.
3. Don't Give Up! When to Check for Cancellations
Even if it says "Sold Out (×)", inventory may return at these timings.
| Timing | Chance | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 4 days after result | Medium | Payment deadline missed |
| 11 days before | High | Before cancel fee starts |
| Day before | Low | Sudden illness etc. |
Especially "10 to 11 days before the ride date" is a hidden opportunity as people cancel to avoid fees.
4. Thomas Fair (If you can't ride)
Even if you can't get a ticket, you can enjoy the "Thomas Fair" at the stations. Actually, you can see the characters closer than when riding!
| Character | Place | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas | Senzu / Shin-Kanaya | Turntable / Prep |
| James | Senzu / Shin-Kanaya | Photo (Run days only) |
| Hiro | Senzu Station | Life-size Exhibition |
| Flynn | Shin-Kanaya | Factory Tour |
Message from the Editor
Thomas is not just a train; he is a hero for children. The ticket war is tough, but the smile on your child's face is priceless. We hope you have a wonderful trip to the world of Thomas.