October 14 is Railway Day. It marks the opening of Japan’s first railway, Shimbashi–Yokohama, on that day in 1872 (Meiji 5); this year is the twentieth anniversary of the day’s designation. Palaceside Building connects directly to Takebashi on the Tozai Line. The Tozai Line first opened in December 1964 (Showa 39) between Takadanobaba and Kudanshita (4.8 km). In spring 1966 through-running began from Takebashi via Nakano to JNR Chuo Line Ogikubo; that autumn Takebashi–Otemachi opened. Around Railway Day JR and other operators hold many events; Tokyo Metro will sell a one-day pass = photo left from October 13 commemorating the Ginza Line 1000 series’ 2013 Blue Ribbon Award, at six Metro commuter-pass counters on the Ginza Line (Ueno, Nihonbashi, Ginza, Shimbashi, Akasaka-mitsuke, Shibuya).
The 20th Railway Festival marking the day is October 12–13 at the great fountain plaza in Hibiya Park (1 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda). This year they aim at 130,000 visitors over two days; about 64 JR and private-railway companies will have goods booths, plus panel displays, parent-child games, and a Thomas the Tank Engine mini-SL ride (canceled if rain). Families should make it lively.
As the main photo poster shows, special events for the twentieth include a gathering of railway characters from around the country and the unveiling and naming of a girlfriend for the festival symbol Teppy-kun,
they say. Hours 10:00–17:00. Held rain or shine. Free admission.
Also, for the twentieth anniversary of Railway Day, Japan Post will issue a special stamp. A series is planned; “Railway Series vol. 1” = photo below goes on sale October 11 at post offices nationwide, and at the festival venue as well.