The Kato Hobby Center Tokyo recently hosted a spectacular, limited-time ‘Thomas & Friends Model Train Wonderland’ exhibit—a must-see event for railway enthusiasts and Thomas fans of all ages. This exhibition, held on April 26–27, 2025, transformed the famous model train center in Shinjuku, Tokyo, into a dreamland filled with meticulously recreated Thomas & Friends characters and dazzling layouts using N scale, HO scale, and even life-size 1 gauge trains.

Among the event highlights, visitors experienced a special Thomas-themed layout created by KATO, impressive handcrafted HO scale models, and rare character appearances such as Chocolate Percy and the pair Donald & Douglas. The exhibition also featured unique elements like a photo gallery from the official UK Thomas Tour, a merchandise booth with exclusive Oigawa Railway and Medical Art Thomas goods, and an extraordinary life-size diorama recreating ‘Knapford Station.’

An exciting aspect for collectors was the merchandise corner, where aficionados could browse for rare models, signals, vintage finds, and other hard-to-find Thomas memorabilia. On display were iconic characters like Thomas, Percy, Lady, Gordon, Emily, Harold, Sir Topham Hatt, and many more, with close-up looks at filming face molds and intricate eye-motion mechanisms—showcasing the level of detail and artistry behind each piece.

Located just a five-minute walk from Ochiai-Minami-Nagasaki Station on the Toei Oedo Line, the Kato Hobby Center Tokyo is easily accessible for visitors exploring Tokyo’s Shinjuku area. The hobby center is well-known as a hub for both local and overseas model train fans, regularly showcasing elaborate dioramas and special exhibitions. If you missed this limited-time event, Kato Hobby Center continues to be a top destination for those seeking Japan’s vibrant railway model culture and hands-on train displays.