Japan’s historic city of Uji is offering travelers a distinctive combination of anime tourism, railway journeys and cultural exploration as Keihan Railway’s Sound! Euphonium collaboration enters its final weeks.
Running until June 30, 2026, the spring campaign brings character displays, themed station announcements, collectible tickets and interactive experiences to the Keihan network. Uji Station is one of the main focal points, giving fans another reason to visit the Kyoto Prefecture city that inspired the setting of the popular anime series.
The initiative is the tenth collaboration since 2015. It aims to encourage visitors to explore Uji Line stations and nearby attractions while connecting the fictional world of Sound! Euphonium with the real streets, riverside scenery and landmarks that appear throughout the series.
Uji Station Welcomes Fans With Character Experiences
Uji Station features a life-size character panel, creating a photo opportunity for anime fans arriving in the city. Similar displays can also be found at Mimurodo, Obaku, Rokujizo and Chushojima stations.
Travelers can hear exclusive character voices through station announcements across the Keihan Line until June 30. The audio experience adds another immersive element to ordinary train journeys, allowing fans to engage with the series while moving between destinations.
Uji Station has also gained a character-themed vending machine featuring Kumiko Oumae. When passengers insert money or select a product, the machine plays character voices. Additional wrapped vending machines are located at Mimurodo, Obaku and Rokujizo stations, each featuring a different character.
These additions transform everyday station facilities into tourism attractions while giving visitors more opportunities to capture memorable photographs during their journey.
Digital Stamp Rally Encourages Wider Exploration
The campaign extends beyond railway platforms through a digital stamp rally designed to lead travelers deeper into Uji.
The second phase runs until June 30 and includes four locations: the Uji River riverbank near the water pipe bridge, Uji Shrine, Agata Shrine and Kanryu Bridge. Participants visiting the designated spots can unlock character-themed augmented-reality photo frames.
Visitors who complete the rally can receive a special digital reward, while participants collecting all stamps during the campaign period can enter a draw for collaboration merchandise.
This interactive format encourages fans to explore the city on foot rather than limiting their visit to the station. It can also support local cafés, restaurants, shops and tourism businesses as travelers spend more time discovering Uji’s streets and riverside scenery.
Railway Tickets Add Collectible Appeal
Keihan is offering limited-edition Sound! Euphonium tickets until June 30. The Keihan Line free ticket allows unlimited travel across the eligible network on one selected day and is priced at 1,700 yen for adults.
For fans, the ticket provides both practical transport and collectible value. It also makes it easier to build a day itinerary linking stations, cultural landmarks and campaign locations.
The Uji Line adds another visual experience through commemorative headmarks displayed on selected trains until June 30. Meanwhile, wrapped trains continue operating on the Otsu Line, extending the campaign beyond Uji and creating additional opportunities for railway photography.
Anime Tourism Reaches Streets, Buses and Cafés
Sound! Euphonium experiences are also appearing beyond the railway network. A specially wrapped Kyoto Keihan bus is operating mainly in the Uji area until August 30, accompanied by collaboration bus stops at Keihan Uji Station, Ujibashi Nishizume, Uji Bunka Center and Taiyogaoka.
Travelers can also visit a limited-time collaboration café at Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi until June 30. The restaurant offers dishes and drinks inspired by characters from the series, creating another way for fans to engage with the anime during a Kyoto itinerary.
Further experiences include exhibits and photo spots at Kyoto Tower and a themed room at Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex, available on selected dates until the end of August.
Uji Combines Anime Fandom With Cultural Tourism
The campaign strengthens Uji’s position as an anime tourism destination while supporting its wider cultural appeal. The city is known for tea heritage, riverside views, temples and shrines, giving travelers opportunities to combine fan experiences with traditional sightseeing.
For international visitors, Sound Euphonium Uji Station experiences can add a distinctive dimension to a Kyoto journey. Fans can travel by train, collect stamps, photograph character displays and explore real-world locations connected with the series.
With the spring campaign concluding on June 30, Uji offers travelers a timely opportunity to experience how railway tourism, digital activities and anime storytelling can bring a destination to life.
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