Hello Kitty Shinkansen – Himeji Station – Himeji, Japan
The 500 series (500系, 500-kei) is a Shinkansen high-speed train type that was operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) in Japan. Initially introduced on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line in 1997, it later became a part of the San’yō Shinkansen line starting in 2008. The trains were designed with a capability of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h (199 mph) but were operated at a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The 500 series served on the primary Nozomi service until its retirement in 2010.
Following their retirement from the Nozomi service, the trainsets underwent refurbishment and were repurposed for the all-stations Kodama service, connecting Shin-Ōsaka and Hakata.
In March 2018, JR West introduced a special edition of the 500 series, featuring a distinctive “Hello Kitty” theme. This uniquely themed train commenced its service on Sanyo Shinkansen Kodama routes starting from June 30, 2018. The incorporation of the popular “Hello Kitty” theme added a touch of charm and whimsy to the Shinkansen experience for passengers traveling on these particular services.
Himeji Station (姫路駅, Himeji-eki) is a passenger railway station located in the city of Himeji, Japan, operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). Himeji is a major stop on the San’yō Main Line and the Sanyō Shinkansen, and the western end of the JR Kobe Line. The station building is located close to the Sanyo Electric Railway Himeji Station and Himeji Castle.
The 500 series (500系, 500-kei) is a Shinkansen high-speed train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) in Japan on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line from 1997 until 2010, and the San’yō Shinkansen line since 2008. They were designed to be capable of 320 km/h (199 mph) but operated at 300 km/h (186 mph), until they were retired from the primary Nozomi service in 2010. The trainsets were then refurbished and downgraded to the all-stations Kodama service between Shin-Ōsaka and Hakata.
In March 2018, JR West announced the launch of a special “Hello Kitty” themed 500 series train on Sanyo Shinkansen Kodama services. The train entered service on 30 June 2018.
AloJapan.com