JR Central announced the Shinkansen's depot in Hamamatsu will be opened to the public on July 24 and 25, 2010.

On the days, visitors can see many Shinkansen cars, demonstaration of car hanging work and stepping into the cockpit. This annual depot tour is very popular, attracting 10-20 thousand people each year. It appeals to famlies with setting of like conductor's work experience for elementary school pupils.

No advanced reservation is required. But advanced applications are needed for visiting the cockpit and conductor's work experience. The entry must arrive by June 21. To ensure stepping into the cockpit, JR Tokai Tours sells depot visiting tour including the ingress. And participants talk about necessity of prepare for the hotness on their blog.

Overview of the Hamamatsu depot tour

• Date and Hour: July 24 and 25, 2010, 10:00 to 15:00
  ※ Last admission at 14:30
  ※ Rain or shine, but may canceled due to heavy weather
• Location: Hamamatsu Shinkansen's Depot in Hamamatsu city
• Events:
  • Flying 0 Series Vehicle by a Crane
  • Visiting Cockpits of N700, 700 and 300 Series [Advanced Application Required]
  • Conductor's Work Experience for Elementary School Pupils [Advanced Application Required]
  • Display of Various Shinkansen Cars like Inspection Trains Called "Doctor Yellow" and 100 Series, etc
• Access: about 15 min. from Hamamatsu Station by complimentary shuttle service
• Admission Fee: free
• Tips:
  • Comfortable shoes and cooler clothes are necessary.
  • Frozen bottled drinks will good for the heat.
  • Join the stamp rally and questionnaire and get specialty items.
  And more, see Hamanyako Blog.