Kotoden launches first model train expo in Takamatsu with six manufacturers

Kotoden is turning its first railway-model-specific event into something bigger than a standard train show. On June 6-7, the Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad will open the Kotoden Railway Model EXPO at Vatamachi FLAG, bringing together six domestic manufacturers, giant dioramas, vehicle displays and a driving experience corner inside the basement event space directly connected to Vatamachi Station.

The two-day expo is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with free admission. Kotoden says the event is aimed not only at current hobbyists but also at people who want to get started in model railroading, a framing that gives the show a broader entry point than the usual vendor-heavy layout. The company also plans a merchandise and sales area, making the venue a place to browse, buy and compare products in one stop.

What makes the event stand out is the way Kotoden is using its own railway identity as part of the attraction. Instead of a model show standing apart from the operator, the expo ties directly into Kotoden’s real-world brand, station access and rolling stock. That mix of operating experience, vehicle displays and display layouts gives the weekend a railfan dimension that could be more compelling for visitors than a conventional hobby fair. It is the sort of format other private railways may study closely if turnout is strong.

KATO’s event listing adds more depth to the program, with new-product and prototype displays, layout exhibits and a diorama workshop included in the lineup. With six manufacturers on site, the expo should offer enough variety for N-gauge fans looking for scenery ideas, fresh releases or compact layout inspiration, while the hands-on elements should give newcomers a clearer first step into the hobby.

Kotoden is also steering visitors toward transit access. The company says guests should use Kotoden trains or buses rather than driving, and parking-discount eligibility does not apply to receipts from the event area. The expo will run alongside the same-day N-Gauge Railway Model Festival in Takamatsu at Takamatsu Orne, adding another layer to what is shaping up as a full model-rail weekend in the city. JR Shikoku and KATO say that festival is returning in 2026 after its first run in 2025 drew a strong response, underscoring the momentum building around hands-on railway-model events in Takamatsu and Kagawa Prefecture.