Located on the second floor of 111 Somerset, Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo is a Japanese rail-themed establishment where you can get behind the controls of model trains and pass the time sipping on coffee.
Anyone who has visited Japan will know how much trains are an integral part of life in the country. After all, Japan is home to the Shinkansen, and it even has museums dedicated to trains and the railways.
Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo: Rent & Drive a Model Train
Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo offers a taste of the train life – but in miniature.
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The main attraction here is the railway diorama where train-lovers can make use of the rental track to experience driving a miniature train.
There are three seats where avid train enthusiasts can take control of the trains.
Be sure to keep the trains running on schedule!
The railway tracks look like a miniature version of Tokyo. You can even spot miniature versions of landmarks like Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree too. In place of LaLaport shopping mall, there is a HaHaport shopping centre. We spotted a mini 7-Eleven too.
Take note it is stated that the train diorama rental is for ages 10 and above. As a guide, the rental rate for 60 minutes costs $15.
In order to experience the train diorama at Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo, a reservation is required.
At the moment, reservations can only be done at the reception area, found opposite from the diorama area. Even this is themed to look like a railway counter in Japan.
Coffee Cafe
In addition to the diorama, there are also “Self Drinking Spaces” or seating areas at Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo.
Take note that these seats are very limited. There are the three diorama seats for train operators, counter seats and tatami mats seat. The prices for the seats (think of them as train tickets) range from $0.60 to $3.50.
For younger children, there is a Plarail area, i.e. toy play-rail tracks, set up at the tatami mats. Train sets can be rented for a fee from Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo. Alternatively, kids can bring their own trains.
There is a range of coffees, brought in from Japan, available to choose from.
Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo: Japanese Railway Diorama Cafe At 111 Somerset
Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo is located at 111 Somerset Rd, #02-54, Singapore 238164. It is above the NTUC FairPrice. The model railway cafe is open from 12 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sunday. You can also follow Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo on Instagram here.
