By Choo-Choo Travel
For fans of trains, miniature worlds, or Japanese craftsmanship, the Éclair Exhibition at Sakatsu Gallery in Sugamo, Tokyo, offers an unforgettable experience. Hosted by Choo-Choo Travel and supported by top creators and collaborators from Gekidan Sanpole, the exhibition showcases an incredible variety of railway model dioramas and modular layouts that take realism to a whole new level.
The video guides viewers through the Sakatsu Gallery, a specialty model shop located just a few minutes from JR Sugamo Station. This store is not only a retail hub for diorama and model railway supplies, but also serves as an exhibition venue where model enthusiasts can immerse themselves in stunningly detailed scenes in miniature scale. The Éclair Exhibition ran from February 22 to March 2, 2025, and packed an impressive array of scenes into a small gallery space, offering both artistic wonder and technical skill in equal measure.
Highlights of the exhibition included works in various scales such as N gauge (1:150) and HO gauge (1:80), showcasing ultra-realistic cityscapes, countryside landscapes, and even specific Japanese settings. Standout models included the Nekoyama Station module, the Hatonosu Valley diorama, a detailed unmanned countryside station, and the charming Soba Restaurant Tamagawa scene — each finely crafted to represent minute real-world details using a blend of traditional handcrafting, laser cutting, and 3D printing.
The collaboration of artists meant modular layouts were put together like puzzle pieces, enabling diverse styling but seamless transitions between each segment. Whether you are a seasoned model railway fan or new to the world of dioramas, this exhibition displays both creativity and craftsmanship at the highest level. Sakatsu Gallery itself is open year-round and regularly hosts similar exhibits, making it a must-visit for hobbyists visiting Tokyo.
With breathtaking attention to detail and a heartwarming celebration of railway culture in Japan, this video offers a fantastic glimpse into both Tokyo’s vibrant model hobby community and the beautiful worlds they create—in miniature.