A scenic train journey connecting Tokyo and Saitama prefecture in Japan is set to offer passengers a unique culinary experience with a Singaporean twist starting in January. For a limited three-month period, travelers will be able to enjoy authentic Singaporean dishes while taking in the picturesque seasonal landscapes of Japan. This Singapore-inspired train ride is a collaboration between Seibu Railway and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The initiative aims to achieve a dual purpose: showcasing Japan’s rural areas to international tourists and encouraging Japanese travelers to visit Singapore.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese visitor numbers to Singapore have struggled to recover to pre-pandemic levels. This collaboration is part of STB’s efforts to rekindle interest among Japanese tourists. Outbound travel from Japan has remained subdued, partly due to the depreciation of the yen. As of July 2024, approximately 300,000 Japanese tourists had visited Singapore, according to STB figures. Despite the challenges, there has been a positive trend. Serene Tan, STB’s regional director for North Asia, reported an 80% increase in arrivals from Japan between January and July 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Seibu Railway, which serves about 1.6 million passengers daily across its 180km network spanning Tokyo and Saitama, is at the heart of this initiative aimed at rekindling tourism between the two countries. This collaboration is a creative way to attract travelers and showcase the culinary delights of both countries, strengthening the bonds between Japan and Singapore.
