By NOBORU TOMURA/ Staff Writer
November 23, 2024 at 07:00 JST
TOYOHASHI, Aichi Prefecture--It really is a one-of-a-kind opportunity: Tucking into “oden” hotpot aboard a moving tram.
The dining service along Toyohashi Rail Road Co.’s Shinai Line is named Odensha, blending the words “oden” and “densha” (train). The themed streetcar that kicked off Nov. 8 will operate every Friday through Sunday until May 5.
This year, an additional train serving the winter delicacy alongside alcohol-free beverages is slated to run once a month.
An Odensha demonstration was held Nov. 5 for students from three colleges in Toyohashi that had signed cooperation and collaboration agreements with Toyohashi Rail Road.
The standard cost per diner is 5,800 yen ($37) through the end of March. Draught beer will be combined with a boxed meal and oden under an all-you-can-drink offer.
From April 4 to May 5, an Odensha Premium program will be offered on Friday through Sunday at 7,200 yen per person.
A dedicated “non-alcohol” package is pitched at those who prefer soft drinks, and will be held on Nov. 24, Dec. 22, Jan. 26, Feb. 23 and March 30. Newly introduced this year, the service is priced at 4,800 yen.
Odensha trips in November were fully booked. Reservations for tours for December are being taken from 9:30 a.m on Nov. 15.
For appointments, contact Toyotetsu Travel Service’s Emoa tourism bureau. Reservations can be made via the agency’s official Japanese website at (https://www.mei-rakuraku.jp/toyotetsukankobus/BTCS/Tour/Detail?course=888).
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College students raise toasts Nov. 5 on an Odensha tram in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture. (Noboru Tomura)
