Small Chiba train line finds new life through humor, snacks, and global friendship
Choshi Electric Railway Revives Local Spirit With Nauru Cultural Pavilion and Cliff-Edge Branding
A tiny private railway in Chiba Prefecture is turning heads again. Choshi Electric Railway, known for its humor-filled survival campaigns and quirky snacks, has launched a new cultural exchange pavilion with Nauru at Inuboh Station. The initiative celebrates friendship between Japan and the Pacific island while supporting the ongoing Choshi railway revival, boosting local tourism, drawing new visitors, and helping keep the historic line on track.
Date: Ongoing—Pavilion opened October 23, 2025
Location: Choshi, Chiba Prefecture
Type of News: Japan Travel Trend / Cultural Exchange / Railway Revival
Audience Affected: Tourists, local residents, railway fans
Official Source: Choshi Electric Railway
Choshi Electric Railway
Reinventing a Struggling Local Line
Once threatened by bankruptcy, Choshi Electric Railway rebuilt its identity through humor, creativity, and community support. The 6.4 km line, running from Choshi Station to the Inubosaki coast, became famous not just for its trains but for selling local snacks like “Nure Senbei” and “Miso Nuts.” The company’s self-deprecating joke—“we make more from snacks than trains”—turned hardship into charm and attracted fans across Japan.
A New Cultural Link With Nauru
On October 23, 2025, the railway opened the Nauru–Japan Friendship Pavilion at Inuboh Station (pictured below). Created with the Embassy of Nauru and Choshi City, the exhibit showcases Nauru’s history, crafts, and maritime traditions through multilingual displays. Volunteers now welcome visitors with guided explanations and commemorative postcards, turning a once-quiet station into a lively cultural exchange spot.
Humor as a Badge of Pride
Choshi’s playful “cliff-edge” branding, referencing both its seaside cliffs and financial struggles, has become a symbol of local resilience. Posters, souvenirs, and social content lean into slogans like “Running on the edge, literally,” boosted by the popularity of the mascot Densha Kuma. Through humor, storytelling, and community pride, the railway has turned its survival story into a regional attraction.
Why Choshi Electric Railway Matters for Travelers
A Slice of Everyday Japan
For visitors seeking authentic local experiences, the Choshi Electric Railway embodies community determination and Japanese creativity. Each ride is a moving showcase of local life, from fishermen commuting at dawn to tourists snapping photos of the coast.
The short route offers access to Inubosaki Lighthouse, Byobugaura Cliffs, and coastal shrines, all within minutes of each other. These sites, once difficult to reach without a car, now thrive thanks to the railway’s steady trickle of visitors.
Supporting Local Culture Through Travel
Riding the line directly supports the local economy. Many stations sell handmade snacks and souvenirs produced by nearby families. At Nakanocho Station, visitors can sample soy-based sweets inspired by Choshi’s famous Yamasa and Higeta soy sauce factories.
The new Nauru cultural pavilion adds a unique global dimension, reminding travelers that even small towns can connect internationally. This cross-cultural element makes Choshi a meaningful stop for anyone exploring rural Japan.
Easy Access From Tokyo
Travelers can reach Choshi in about two hours by JR Limited Express Shiosai from Tokyo Station. Once there, the local line begins at the same terminal, making it a simple day trip from the country’s capital.
What Comes Next
Expansion and Future Collaborations
The railway plans to expand its tourism programs throughout 2026, introducing themed trains, snack tie-ins, and additional international exchanges with Pacific island nations. Linked to broader Choshi tourism efforts, ongoing talks with the Chiba Prefecture Tourism Office hint at upcoming events that blend coastal sightseeing with local gastronomy.
Planning Your Visit
To visit, take a JR Limited Express Shiosai train from Tokyo to Choshi Station, then transfer to the Choshi Electric Railway. A one-day unlimited pass (approx. ¥700) covers all stations. The line operates daily, with most trains running every 30 minutes.
After visiting the Friendship Pavilion at Inubo Station, continue to Inubosaki Lighthouse for panoramic sea views or explore Choshi Marina Beach Park for sunset photos.
It’s easy to explore Choshi and the surrounding coast using a JR Pass or Regional Pass, with Pocket Wi-Fi keeping navigation and translation simple along the way. And for travelers planning to extend their visit, JapanDen lists convenient nearby hotels for an easy overnight stay close to the railway.
FAQs
What is the Choshi Electric Railway?
It’s a small private train line in Chiba Prefecture operating between Choshi Station and Inubo Station along the Inubo Gakeppuchi Line. Known for its humor-driven campaigns and thriving snack business, it has become a symbol of perseverance and community pride.
Where is the new Nauru cultural pavilion located?
The pavilion sits inside Inubo Station, near the seaside terminal of the Choshi Electric Railway. It opened on October 23, 2025, as part of a Nauru-Japan cultural exchange initiative celebrating the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
How can travelers reach Choshi from Tokyo?
Take the JR Sobu Main Line or Limited Express Shiosai from Tokyo Station to Choshi Station (about two hours). From there, transfer to the local Choshi Electric Railway for access to coastal attractions.
What makes this railway unique?
Its creative marketing and humor set it apart. Instead of relying solely on fares, the company sustains itself through local snack sales, cultural collaborations, and limited-edition merchandise.
Is the train ride scenic?
Yes, the short journey features ocean views, retro stations, and access to attractions like Inubosaki Lighthouse. Many travelers visit specifically for photography and local charm.
