Are you a train enthusiast and are interested in checking out unique railway themed-cafes to hang out and enjoy its offerings?
You might be interested in this newly opened cafe which has arrived at — *ding dong!* Somerset, featuring a mesmerising display of moving Japanese train models!
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Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo Coffee House
Opened by a local train enthusiast, Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo is a Japanese rail-themed cafe located on the second floor of the 111 Somerset shopping mall.
The cafe’s literal translation (新宿喫茶鉄道) is the ‘Railway Cafe of Shinjuku,’ where ‘Shinjuku’ refers to a city in the capital of Tokyo, Japan.
Customers can not only immerse themselves by savouring Japanese coffee or pastries, but they can also get an opportunity to rent and operate a train diorama for themselves!
Diorama Display at Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo
A ‘diorama’ is the art of replicating real-world scenery in a miniature, three-dimensional form.
The diorama display replicates Tokyo, Japan and it features iconic buildings such as the Tokyo Tower. (Photo: SGTrains)
The Series 103 model on the Yamotte Line (Light Green) and Keihin–Tōhoku Line (Light Blue). (Photo: SGTrains)
Train control panels are available for customers to drive and operate a train diorama. (Photo: SGTrains)
Ambience and Experience at Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo
Before you indulge yourself in Japanese coffee and pastries offered, you will be required to get a ticket first, before being shown to your seat – mimicking a Japanese train ride.
Seat Tickets at Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo. (Photo: SGTrains)
We purchased a ticket for the Counter Seat (from $2.00/pax), which offered us a birds-eye view of the mesmerising diorama display.
Sakura Blend at Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo. (Photo: SGTrains)
With several coffee options to choose from, we opted for the Sakura Blend (from $7.00), touted as the ‘perfect blend for cold winter.’ Its aroma and richness complement the whole experience of the cafe.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to watch the E235 Series train model in action.
Our Train of Thought
Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo is a unique cafe and is one-of-a-kind in Singapore to feature dioramas in a cafe setting.
The pricing structure may be a bit daunting at first, as you have to obtain a Seat Ticket ($0.00 – $2.00, excl. Diorama Seat) for an allocated seat.
You can only interact with the train dioramas by purchasing the Diorama Seat (from $3.50), along with a Rental Track Fee (from $10.00) and Diorama Train Rental Fee (up to $10.00).
With the limited seating at the cafe, it is recommended to make a reservation to avoid disappointment – at the time of posting, you can only make reservations in person.
Details of Shinjuku Kissa Tetsudo
Address: 111 Somerset Rd, #02-54, Singapore 238164
Nearest MRT station: NS 23 Somerset
Business Hours: 12:00pm to 6:00pm (Monday to Saturday)
Website: @shinjuku_kissa_tetsudo on Instagram
All reviews are independent, this is not a sponsored article.
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