Text-free red-and-white local train presented to photographers at a Fuji-area railway depot

Fujikyu Matterhorn Train 35th Anniversary: September 19 Launch and Photo Event

Travel News Watch

Information checked: August 29, 2026, 8:31 AM JST.

Fujikyu Railway will launch a redesigned red-and-white Matterhorn train on Saturday, September 19, 2026, marking 35 years of its sister-railway relationship with Switzerland’s Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. The first listed public working is a local train leaving Kawaguchiko at 3:56 PM for Otsuki.

Short answerThe three-car 6000-series set begins regular operation September 19 on the 3:56 PM Kawaguchiko-Otsuki local service, subject to operating changes. A separate reservation-only depot photo and test-ride event costs 9,000 yen and is limited to junior-high-age visitors and older.

Key Facts For Travelers

Regular-service debutSeptember 19 at 3:56 PM from Kawaguchiko toward Otsuki, subject to change.
TrainThree-car 6000-series set, planned mainly for local services.
Photo and test rideSeptember 19; 9,000 yen; three groups of 20; junior-high age and older.
Commemorative ticket set1,300 yen from September 19 online and at Mt. Fuji Station.

Regular Passengers Can Use The Debut Service

The renewed train is scheduled to enter ordinary service from Kawaguchiko at 3:56 PM on September 19, heading toward Otsuki. The operator says the start can change at short notice because of operating conditions.

After launch, the set is planned mainly for local-train work. No permanent daily assignment is promised, so check the day’s railway information if seeing this specific train matters to you.

The Paid Photo Event Is Separate

The pre-service photo event takes place at the train repair depot about five minutes on foot from Mt. Fuji Station. Sessions begin at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:50 PM, with 20 participants in each group.

The 9,000-yen package is for junior-high-age participants and older. It includes about 40 minutes of photography, a one-way test ride from Mt. Fuji Station to Kawaguchiko, and a Fujikyu limited-express free ticket. Sales are first-come, first-served through the operator’s online shop.

Meeting Time And Souvenir Option

All test-ride participants are instructed to meet near Track 1 at Mt. Fuji Station at 2:50 PM for the 3:05 PM departure. Do not confuse the morning depot session time with the afternoon test-ride meeting.

A separate 35th-anniversary admission-ticket set costs 1,300 yen and goes on sale September 19 through the official online shop and Mt. Fuji Station. The station purchase bonus is limited in quantity.

Traveler Actions

  • Use the 3:56 PM Kawaguchiko departure only after rechecking same-day operation.
  • Reserve the photo-and-test-ride event online; places are limited and first-come.
  • If attending, distinguish your depot session from the 2:50 PM test-ride meeting.
  • Allow at least five minutes to walk from Mt. Fuji Station to the depot.
  • Buy the ticket set early if the limited station bonus matters to you.

Official Sources

Update History

  • August 29, 2026: Created from the official August 27 announcement with the debut train, event sessions, eligibility, price, meeting time, and commemorative ticket details.