Photo By: PIXTA/ ミトヨン
Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Fukuoka
Population
5,015,666

Hello Kitty Shinkansen

Experience the joy and cuteness of Japan's Hello Kitty Shinkansen.

By Abhijit Sen

Japan is known for its innovation and creativity. One of its unique additions to the world of transportation is the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. This adorable bullet train started operating in June 2018. It is a delightful treat for fans of the beloved character and train enthusiasts alike.

Hello Kitty Shinkansen

Hello Kitty Shinkansen

Photo by: PIXTA/ s_k_photograph Travel in style aboard the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.

This train operates once a day on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. It makes a daily round trip between Shin-Osaka and Hakata station, with stops at various popular destinations along the way. The train features special Hello Kitty-themed cars, including a “Hello! Plaza” and a “Kawaii! Room.”

Hello! Plaza carriage for a pink wonderland of photo opportunities and limited-edition station master Kitty goods. The “Kawaii! Room” is decked out with plush chairs, pastel carpets, and Kitty-decorated shutters. Even the other cars showcase Hello Kitty designs, creating a truly immersive experience for passengers of all ages.

With its dedicated melody that plays upon arriving at stations and the adorable Hello Kitty mascots showcasing local sightseeing locations and souvenirs, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen promises a captivating ride from start to finish.

Train Interiors

Hello Kitty Shinkansen

Photo by: Abhijit Sen Cuteness overload.

From the moment you see the train adorned with Hello Kitty’s iconic charm, you’ll know that this is no ordinary ride. The train travels through six prefectures, and the ribbon motif running along the train’s windows symbolizes the wish to connect each region.

Hakata station, the final stop of this Shinkansen, offers an opportunity for passengers to indulge further in the Hello Kitty experience. There, a themed cafe and merchandise shop await, offering exclusive products and treats for fans to enjoy. Whether you’re a collector of Hello Kitty memorabilia or just a casual fan, this is a great chance to immerse yourself in all things Hello Kitty.

Things To Know

Fees and prices

From Hakata (Fukuoka), the journey starts at 7:04 A.M. and from Shin-Osaka at 11:37 AM.

The Hello Kitty Shinkansen is included in the JR Pass and runs as a Kodama service between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can buy a normal ticket at any JR Ticket Window. Different regional passes by JR West also cover the route within their validity areas.

How To Get There

Address

Where To Stay

Hotel Clio Court Hakata
  • 5-3 Hakataeki Chuogai, Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0012 Japan
  • ¥17,380 - ¥38,000
  • 0.1 km
Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
  • 4-23 Hakataeki Chuogai, Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0012 Japan
  • ¥19,100 - ¥69,400
  • 4/5 (417 reviews)
  • 0.1 km
Hotel Forza Hakataeki Chikushi-Guchi 1
  • 4-16 Hakataeki Chuogai, Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0012 Japan
  • ¥15,000 - ¥21,500
  • 3.96/5 (3,375 reviews)
  • 0.2 km
Hotel Century Art (Hakata Station)
  • 5-15 Hakataeki Chuogai, Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0012 Japan
  • ¥11,000 - ¥12,100
  • 3.89/5 (2,239 reviews)
  • 0.2 km
Miyako Hotel Hakata
  • 2-1-1 Hakataeki Higashi, Fukuoka-shi Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0013 Japan
  • ¥41,000 - ¥70,000
  • 4.6/5 (688 reviews)
  • 0.2 km

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