Noto Railway kicked off a limited time Christmas train from Anamizu Station with an event for local kindergarteners on December 9.

The event was held after a difficult year in Noto Peninsula, which experienced a 7.6 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day and record rainfall with subsequent flooding and mudslides in September.

The children sang Christmas songs and ate cakes with Santa and a reindeer mascot onboard the train.

S/ Child/ The sponge cake and whipped cream mixed together made it sweet and delicious.

S/ Child/ I’m happy I got to high five the reindeer.

Santa gave the children a gift of sweets as they approached the final destination Nanao Station.

S/ Child/ I’m happy (I received candy)!

S/ Child/ Seeing Santa and the reindeer (was the most fun).

The children appeared to enjoy the early Christmas celebration.

Noto Railway will operate the Christmas train until December 25.