The Tokyo Subway Museum (地下鉄博物館) in Higashi-Kasai, Edogawa, is holding a commemorative event called "Chikahaku Memorial 40" to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The series of programs runs from July 7 (Tue) to August 30 (Sun), 2026.
The museum opened on July 12, 1986 — underneath the Kasai Station elevated tracks on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line — as Japan's first museum dedicated exclusively to the subway. This summer's anniversary lineup includes a history panel exhibition, an event train ride, limited-edition collectibles, and more.
Event Schedule
Free Admission for Children – July 11 and 12 Only
Children up to junior high school age will be admitted free of charge on July 11 (Sat) and July 12 (Sun). Accompanying family members of high school age or older will be charged the standard admission fee.
Special Birthday Admission – July 12 Only
On July 12 (Sun), visitors who turn exactly 40 on that day may enter free of charge (individual admission only). Additionally, anyone celebrating their birthday on that specific date can bring all accompanying family members in for free. Friends and acquaintances are not covered by this offer.
40th Anniversary Train Card Distribution
Five limited-edition train card designs will be distributed to visitors, with one new design available during each period below. Cards are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
| Round | Distribution Period |
|---|---|
| 1st | July 7 (Tue) – July 16 (Thu) |
| 2nd | July 17 (Fri) – July 26 (Sun) |
| 3rd | July 28 (Tue) – August 6 (Thu) |
| 4th | August 7 (Fri) – August 16 (Sun) |
| 5th | August 18 (Tue) – August 30 (Sun) |
"Chikahaku Memorial 40" Event Train – July 19
An event train commemorating the 40th anniversary will run on July 19 (Sun). Tickets are priced at ¥8,500 to ¥10,000 per person, or ¥85,000 per car for a private charter (up to 5 passengers). Advance reservations are required on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Application opening: June 11 (Thu) at 2:00 PM
- How to apply: Via the Hato Bus website or the museum's official homepage
- Hato Bus: https://www.hatobus.co.jp/news/metro?c_id=ML
Talk Show – July 26
A special talk show will be held on July 26 (Sun), featuring railway enthusiast comedian Masahiro Yoshikawa (Darling Honey), female railway announcer Tomomi Kuno, and comedian Shosuke Okayasu (Naname 45°). Attendance is by advance lottery application.
- Application period: June 12 (Fri) 10:00 AM to July 5 (Sun) 11:59 PM
- How to apply: Via LivePocket or the museum's official homepage
- LivePocket: https://livepocket.jp/e/kbdb4
Chikahaku Summer Festival / Children's Train Class
A summer festival with hands-on activities — including button badge crafting for ¥100 (admission extra) — will be held on the following Saturdays and Sundays: August 1, 2, 8, 9, 22, 23, 29, and 30.
Diorama Driving Experience – August 18–21 and 25–28
Visitors can try operating a model train diorama for ¥500 (admission extra) during the following weekday sessions: August 18–21 (Tue–Fri) and August 25–28 (Tue–Fri).
Memorial Photo Studio – July 7 to 20
A commemorative photo studio will be available from July 7 (Tue) to July 20 (Mon, public holiday). Prints are ¥600 each (admission extra).
Additional Programs Throughout the Event Period
The following programs will run on all open days throughout the event period:
- 40th anniversary commemorative stamp installation
- 40th anniversary EkiTag installation
- Tokyo Subway Museum 40-Year History Panel Exhibition
- Collaboration event with Kominato Railway
- Collaboration event with Kyoto Railway Museum
- Collaboration event with Toyo Rapid Railway
- Advance commemorative admission tickets on sale
- Commemorative merchandise on sale
For details on each program, visit the museum's official website: https://www.chikahaku.jp/
Note: In-hall movie screenings will be suspended on July 19 and from July 25 through September 4.
Venue Information
Tokyo Subway Museum (地下鉄博物館)
- Address: 6-3-1 Higashi-Kasai, Edogawa, Tokyo 134-0084
- Access: Under the Kasai Station elevated structure, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Every Monday (if a public holiday, the following day); December 30 – January 3
- Admission: Adults ¥220 / Children ¥100 (ages 4 and above through junior high school)
- Phone: 03-3878-5011 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Official website: https://www.chikahaku.jp/
