Themed trains in Japan
There are all sorts of transportation modes to get around Japan, but riding a Japanese train is an experience like no other. If you’re planning a trip across the different regions of Japan, skip the flights and make the trip extra memorable by trying out all these unique themed trains in Japan.
P.S. Many of these trains won’t cost extra if you’ve already purchased a Japan Rail Pass.
Note: Prices and route information are accurate at the time of writing, and are subject to change.
The current exchange rate is ¥100 = ~S$0.93 as of 22nd April 2025.
1. Hello Kitty Shinkansen
Themed carriages with exclusive Hello Kitty merch on board
Image adapted from: @LowerSuggestion5344 via Reddit, @jrailpass via Instagram
Whether you’re a Sanrio fan or not, everyone will be able to appreciate the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. Adorned in pink and her iconic bow motif, this train brings joy everywhere it goes, running once per day between Shin-Osaka Station and Hakata Station in both directions.
The train consists of 8 carriages, of which 3 are for passengers with seat reservations. 4 carriages are for non-reserved seats, and the remaining carriage features a display area for pictures. While all carriages feature Hello Kitty decals and decorative touches, you’ll want to do most of your photo-taking in carriages 1 and 2.
Image credit: Live Japan
Car 1 has a Sanrio shop called Hello! Plaza for you to stock up on adorable Hello Kitty-themed merchandise and snacks. You’ll find exclusive Hello Kitty Shinkansen goods such as stationery, sweets, and even a limited edition Hello Kitty plush in the form of stationmaster Kitty-chan. Remember to snag a complimentary original design timetable card and booklet as a souvenir from Car 1 on your way out.
Image adapted from JR Pass, @longtailtruth01 via Instagram
Car 2 is the Kawaii! Room, a Hello Kitty-themed passenger car which includes pink flooring, stylish purple seats, and a designated photo area for you to take pictures in. Pro tip: turn up early to queue for a seat, as Car 2 is entirely non-reserved seating.
Image credit: Sun via Xiaohongshu
Finally, if you’re feeling peckish, pick up a special Hello Kitty ekiben for just ¥1,350 and dig in after saying itadakimasu.
You can board the Hello Kitty Shinkansen with a JR West All Area Rail Pass at no extra cost. Otherwise, you can also use other area-specific passes like the Kansai Wide Area Pass or the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass to ride this train.
Price: From ¥10,900 (one-way ticket), or covered under JR-West All Area Pass/area specific passes
Route: Shin-Osaka > Hakata > Shin Osaka
Frequency: Once daily
Reserved seating: Selected carriages
Season: Throughout the year
2. POKÉMON With YOU Train
Pikachus galore with a designated play area
Image adapted from: @jreast_au via Instagram
As the birthplace of Pokémon, there are plenty of Poké-themed activities and attractions throughout Japan. Sporting Pikachu’s signature yellow and brown colours both inside and out, the POKÉMON With YOU train runs between Ichinoseki Station and Kesennuma Station in the Tochigi region.
Image credit: JR East
The train also has a Playroom Car which has been designed as a lively playroom for kids. It features a spacious play area and a collection of Pikachu plushies. You can also catch a glimpse of the actual engine room next to the cabin.
On this charming ride, you’ll receive a souvenir notebook and commemorative boarding pass to keep as mementoes of your trip.
You can get tickets at the JR East Travel Service Centres or JR Ticket offices, or use the JR East Pass. Seats require reservations no matter which ticket you hold, so make sure you do so online or at the ticket office.
Price: From ¥2,010 (one-way ticket), or covered under JR East Pass/area specific passes
Route: Ichinoseki > Kesennuma > Ichinoseki
Frequency: Once daily on weekends & select weekdays
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
3. Fukui Dinosaur Train
Fossils & T-Rex head replica on the train
Image adapted from: Echizen Tetudo
Fukui Prefecture is famous for the fantastic Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, and there’s no better train to hop on than the themed Fukui Dinosaur Train when visiting the museum.
The train runs on the Echizen line between Fukui Station and Katsuyama Station on weekends and holidays, excluding winter, and consists of 2 carriages all decked out in dinosaurs. You’ll be able to snap pictures with a replica of a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex head, and other depictions of dinosaur fossils and prints, habitat landscapes, and excavation motifs.
There is 1 train each day for both outbound and return trips, and you must reserve tickets in advance. The tickets are sold in a package together with the museum’s admission fee and bus fare there. Currently, tickets have to be reserved online.
The outbound adult ticket to the museum is priced at ¥4,900 and the return ticket is ¥1,500. The outbound fee includes everything you need to get around the city, like a one-day ticket for the railways and unlimited city bus rides.
Price: ¥6,400 (round trip ticket)
Route: Fukui > Katsuyama > Fukui
Frequency: Multiple trains daily on selected days, starting from 9.35am
Reserved seating: None
Season: Throughout the year
Book the Fukui Dinosaur Train via Asoview.
4. Anpanman Train
Superhero train with rainbow chairs & colourful interiors
Image adapted from: Japan Rail & Travel, Visit Kagawa
The Anpanman Train is inspired by Anpanman, a popular cartoon hero who is actually a red bean pastry. Operating on the scenic Shikoku Island, there are 3 different trains featuring this beloved character – the Anpanman Torroko, the Dosan Line Anpanman, and the Yuyu Anpanman.
Each train is super unique in their design and features – all while servicing different routes. The Dosan Line Anpanman train has rainbow upholstery and character-themed chairs, while the Yuyu Anpanman train comes with a lively playroom car for children and a tranquil forest-themed design.
Image credit: Visit Kochi Japan
Apart from riding the Anpanman train, you can also visit the Anpanman Train Plaza at Kochi Station, where there is an interactive Anpanman-themed area. The space has photo areas, colourful murals, and play structures that’s sure to keep kids entertained while you’re waiting for the train.
You can board these trains with the JR Rail Pass and the All Shikoku Rail Pass. Tickets can be bought up to one month in advance through JR West’s online train reservations and at JR ticket offices.
Price: From ¥12,000 (3-Day Shikoku Rail Pass), or covered under JR West Pass
Route: Multiple routes
Frequency: Multiple trains daily on selected days
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
5. Thomas The Tank Engine Train
Ride on life-sized Thomas & friends trains
Image credit: Oigawa Railway
The Thomas The Tank Engine Train has been operating along the Oigawa Line between Shin-Kanaya Station and Ieyama Station since 2014. Running from June to December, the train updates its schedule annually and brings nostalgic excitement wherever it stops.
Image credit: Oigawa Railway
For April, May, and June dates only, you can try and catch the Day Out With Thomas event at the Thomas Fair at Shin-Kanaya Station. There, you’ll relive your childhood as you explore the Thomas Maintenance Facility and meet other Thomas characters in the forms of fire engines and trains like Hiro, Percy, Flynn, and James.
Image credit: Japan National Tourism Organisation
Before boarding, pick up a Thomas bento box from Shin-Kanaya Station to feast on while you journey across the Japanese countryside.
Tickets cost ¥6,000 for adults and ¥3,000 for children via Lawson Ticket or Asoview, but take note that their websites are only available in Japanese, and English support is limited. These are the exclusive purchase sites, and Oigawa Railway does not accept direct reservations from abroad.
Price: ¥6,000
Route: Multiple routes
Frequency: Multiple trains daily on selected days
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
Book your Thomas The Tank Engine Train tickets via Lawson.
6. Doraemon Tram
A tour around Takaoka, the hometown of Doraemon
Image adapted from: Visit Toyama Japan, exzekestence via WordPress
The Doraemon Tram is situated in Takaoka, the hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio, the creator of the popular robotic cat cartoon. Serving all stops on the Manyo Line between Takaoka Station and Koshinokata Station, the tram is decorated with Doraemon decals inside and out, and is completely decked out in Doraemon’s signature blue. There’s even a life-sized print of Doraemon on the tram’s interior wall, allowing you to measure your height against Doraemon’s.
The entire journey on the tram is 50 minutes long, and treats you to a variety of landscapes, ranging from blooming flower fields to the snowy Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Doraemon enthusiasts can also take the time to discover various Doraemon attractions around Takaoka, like the Doraemon Walking Road, the Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park, and the Takaoka Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery.
There are no additional tickets required for the Doraemon Tram. The initial fare on the Manyo Line is ¥200, and the fare from Takaoka Station to Koshinokata Station is ¥400.
Price: From ¥200
Route: Takaoka > Koshinokata > Takaoka
Frequency: Multiple trains on Thursdays-Tuesdays
Reserved seating: None
Season: Throughout the year
7. One Piece Sunny-go Train
Based on One Piece’s Thousand Sunny ship, with hidden anime references
Image adapted from: Maeda Akihiko via Wikimedia, OP Kumamoto
Based on the famous Thousand Sunny ship of the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece, the One Piece Sunny-go Train shuttles between Tateno Station and Takamori Station along the Minamiaso Railway three times a day. You can spot the iconic lion figurehead on the front of the train on Thursdays to Sundays and even on public holidays.
For One Piece fans, this is a must-visit, as the train is filled to the brim with One Piece paraphernalia. From the Luffy straw hat lighting to the manga panel headrests, there are plenty of Easter eggs for fans to spot. Plus, characters Luffy and Robin are in charge of the in-car announcements, providing information about the Minamiaso Railway and the surrounding attractions.
Tickets are ¥490 for adults and ¥250 for children for a one-way ride. The Minamiaso Railway is a separate company from Japan Rail, so you cannot use a JR Pass on the Sunny-go and will need to purchase a ticket.
The Minamiaso Railway also only accepts cash at the current time, so make sure to have cash on hand when riding the train. You will need to take a ticket as you board the train and then pay when you get off.
Price: From ¥490
Route: Tateno > Takamori > Tateno
Frequency: Thrice daily on selected days
Reserved seating: Selected trains
Season: Throughout the year
8. Tamaden
Cat-themed carriages & a feline stationmaster
Image adapted from: @stevenkim91 via Instagram
Tama Densha, henceforth the “Tamaden”, is a kitty-themed train running along the Kishigawa Line between Wakayama Station and Kishi Station. There’s no way to miss it: the carriage is white and plastered all over with images of the calico cat stationmaster itself. It even has little cat ears and whiskers on the front, keeping the cat theme consistent.
Tama was a calico cat adopted by Wakayama Electric Railway’s president, Mitsunobu Kojima, and began “work” as a stationmaster for Kishi Station in 2007. Tama’s presence boosted foot traffic and attracted tourists from all over the world, reviving the struggling railway line.
You can immerse yourself in a cat paradise while riding the Tamaden – the carriages have Tama motifs covering their walls and corridors. There’s even a library with cat-themed books, posters, and trinkets.
Nitama, the cat station master
Image credit: @kenji.src via Instagram
Tama has since passed, but no train station can function without its stationmaster. Luckily, new cats Nitama and Yontama have risen to the occasion and taken on the role of furry stationmasters. Both cats “work” on specific days, so be sure to look out for them when their schedules align with yours.
The JR Pass is not covered, as it is a private railway, so opt for the Kishigawa Line 1-Day Pass. The pass goes for ¥800, which is equivalent to a round trip ticket between Wakayama Station and Kishi Station.
Depending on the timetable, the Wakayama train line rotates with other themed trains, such as its Ichigo (strawberry) and Umeboshi (plum) trains. If you’re not a big cat lover, you can look out for these trains on the Wakayama Line timetable and check them out instead.
Price: ¥800
Route: Wakayama > Kishi > Wakayama
Frequency: Thrice daily on selected days
Reserved seating: Selected trains
Season: Throughout the year
9. Oykot Train
A return to traditional Japanese countryside life
Image adapted from: JR East
If you’re thinking the Oykot Train has a bit of a weird name, don’t worry – it’s just Tokyo spelt backwards. It’s named that way because the train experience is supposed to offer a relaxed experience for travellers – an “anti-Tokyo” countryside experience. The train runs along the Iiyama line from Nagano Station to Tokamachi Station, allowing for an idyllic journey through the countryside.
As opposed to the bustling city life of the capital, the Oykot Train is meant to invoke the warmth of a grandmother’s love. Featuring window shades modelled after shoji, which are Japanese lattice room dividers with translucent paper sheets, each little detail is meant to be reminiscent of a traditional Japanese home. You’ll even get a complimentary serving of pickled nozawana, a vegetable often consumed in Shinshu when people return home in the countryside.
You can ride this train for free if you already possess a JR pass that covers the Nagano and Niigata areas. However, prior seat reservations are still required. Seat reservations can be made online or at JR EAST Travel Service Centres and JR Ticket Offices.
Price: From ¥2,620, or covered by JR East Pass
Route: Nagano > Tokamachi > Nagano
Frequency: Once daily on weekends & selected days
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
10. Hankyu Kyo-Train Garaku
Elegant wood-grained decor with seasonal themes
Image credit: Hankyu Railway
The Hankyu Kyo-Train Garaku is one of the many scenic train rides in Japan. The train is well known for its interior design inspired by old machiyas (traditional wooden townhouses) and operates between Osaka’s Umeda Station and Kyoto’s Kawaramachi Station. Each of the train’s six cars has been specially designed to represent a particular aspect of the seasons in Kyoto.
Image adapted from: Hankyu Railway
No two cars are the same – car 1, for example, has seats patterned with “maples in flowing water” as part of a botanical theme, and incorporates tatami mats into the seats themselves.
Image credit: @akkun918f via Instagram
Cars 2 and 5 – representing winter and early autumn, respectively – feature small, beautifully designed karesansui (rock gardens) in the carriages themselves.
You can board the Kyo-Train GARAKU at six stations, but taking the train from either end of the line will let you enjoy the full 45-minute journey between both cities. With train tickets priced at ¥400, it’s the same price as a regular train ride, with no additional fare or extra reservations needed.
Price: ¥400
Route: Osaka-umeda > Kyoto-kawaramachi > Osaka-umeda
Frequency: Once daily on weekends & selected days
Reserved seating: None
Season: Throughout the year
11. Hanayome Noren
Craft & lacquerware-themed train
Image adapted from: Super View Odoriko via Trip Advisor, Ishikawa Travel
Based on the traditional crafts of the Hokuriku region, the Hanayome Noren is a grand sightseeing train that runs every weekend along the Nanao line, connecting Kanazawa Station and the hot spring resort of Wakura Onsen.
Craft elements are visible throughout the train – from Wajima-nuri lacquerware and Kaga Yuzen dyeing, to Kanazawa gold leaf, the vibe is luxurious and sophisticated. Separated partially by wooden lattice structures mimicking bamboo trees, the seats on this train are fitted with bright red mesh fabric and surrounded by floral wallpapers depicting cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, and autumn foliage.
Image credit: Japan Rail Club
You’ll also find a traditional crafts exhibit on board, with a selection of Ishikawa’s numerous traditional crafts stemming from the rich Kaga culture, including Kaga Mizuhiki string work, Wajima-nuri lacquerware, and Kaga Temari balls.
The Japan Rail Pass will cover a ride on this train, but seat reservations are still required and can be made at any JR ticket office. Separate ticket purchases and seat reservations are available at a range of prices from ¥1,390 to ¥2,570 depending on where you board and alight.
Price: From ¥1,390, or covered by JR-East Pass
Route: Kanazawa > Wakura Onsen > Kanazawa
Frequency: Twice daily on weekends & selected days
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
12. Koshino Shu*Kura
Speciality sake tasting on board
Image adapted from: TRJN via Wikimedia, JR East
As the king of locally brewed sake, Niigata Prefecture, it’s only right that a sake-themed train exists. The Koshino Shu*Kura train runs from Joetsumyoko to Tokamachi stations. Its carriages were modelled after sake breweries and the architectural landscape of Echigo. “Shu*Kura” means sake brewery in Japanese, while the * symbol in the middle represents the Japanese character for rice (米), snow crystals, and flowers.
While on the train, you can enjoy up to 5 different brands of famous sake from Niigata Prefecture for a fee. If not, there will be free local sake available to passengers as a tasting service. Otsumami snacks with local ingredients are also offered onboard to enjoy with your alcoholic beverages.
At the Kuramori bar counter, you can purchase a variety of ekiben, snacks, and souvenirs. As the items for sale are regularly rotated, do check the counter for what’s on sale when you ride. Special Koshino Shu*Kura souvenirs such as ochoko cups, pens, and keychains will also be available.
You can ride this train for free if you have a JR East pass. Simply reserve a seat beforehand at a JR Pass office or online. If not, book a regular fare ticket and reserve a seat at a JR East Travel Service Centre or JR Ticket office.
Price: From ¥10,300, or covered by JR-East Pass
Route: Joetsumyoko > Tokamachi > Joetsumyoko
Frequency: Once daily on Fridays-Sundays & selected days
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
13. High Rail 1375
Planetarium on wheels
Image adapted from: JR East
Dubbed the highest train in Japan, travelling at altitudes up to 1,375m, the High Rail 1375 is one way to get “closest to the heavens”. The train runs on the Koumi Line, plying the route between Kobuchizawa Station in Yamanashi and Komoro Station in Nagano. With train seats orientated towards the unobstructed windows, you’ll be able to observe panoramic sky views and the stunning highland scenery of the Yatsugatake Mountain Range.
While on the train, check out the High Rail gallery, a recreational space with circular bookcases filled with books on astronomy. In this gallery, images of the night sky are projected on a hemispherical “dome” installed in the ceiling. Exclusive galaxy-themed gifts and souvenirs are also available on board for purchase should you wish to commemorate your trip.
The train also offers an evening Hoshizora stargazing tour, subject to weather and season. On this tour, you learn about different seasonal constellations and listen to stories of the stars in the sky. We recommend going in the winter, as the cooler air will mean fewer clouds and a better chance to see the stars.
A JR East pass or JR Tokyo Wide Pass will allow you to board for free. Make sure you reserve a seat at a JR Pass office or online, as seat reservations are mandatory. Alternatively, you can also book a regular fare ticket and reserve a seat at a JR East Travel Service Centre or JR Ticket office.
Price: From ¥2,360, or covered by JR-East Pass & JR Tokyo Wide Pass
Route: Kobuchizawa > Komoro > Kobuchizawa
Frequency: Thrice daily on weekends & selected days
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
14. Tohoku Emotion
Fine dining restaurant train for foodies
Image adapted from: Ctunglee via Blogspot
The Tohoku Emotion is a train that brings the fine dining restaurant experience right into your commute. This train runs between Hachinohe Station in Aomori Prefecture and Kuji Station in Iwate Prefecture and traverses the Sanriku Coast. You’ll enjoy a menu crafted from local ingredients sourced from the Tohoku region while being treated to expansive waterfront views.
Image credit: Japan Rail Club
On the train, an array of delectable dishes and beverages will be served – this autumnal appetiser from a previous ride was identified as a favourite of many passengers. Consisting of onion mousse, pacific saury, AKA the autumn knife fish, and other seasonal vegetables, this dish is a perfect example of how the food on board fuses Western and Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients to create a truly novel gastronomic experience.
Whether you choose the private compartment railcar or the open kitchen railcar, you’ll be able to enjoy an original menu curated specifically by local chefs. With the former, you’ll have your privacy and space to enjoy your meal in peace and quiet. For the latter, you’ll be provided a front-row seat to the culinary action, and you’ll get to witness your food being prepared for some interactive dining. As the menu changes every 3-6 months, coming back for another ride will be unique each time.
Note that you can only board the Tohoku Emotion train through package tickets – meaning you will not be able to board the train with just a rail pass. Depending on where you board and alight as well as the meal experience selected, the prices range from ¥6,300 to ¥18,200.
Book the Tohoku Emotion Train via Joyful Trains.
Price: From ¥6,300
Route: Hachinohe > Kuji > Hachinohe
Frequency: Once daily on selected days
Reserved seating: All carriages
Season: Throughout the year
Ride on one of these unique themed trains in Japan
Japan is a beautiful country, and you can’t just limit yourself to one area. Luckily, with these themed trains in Japan, you won’t just be looking forward to exploring the other regions of the country – the journey itself will be a treat.
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Cover image adapted from: Hankyu Railway, @stevenkim91 via Instagram, Oigawa Railway, @jrailpass via Instagram
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