Other than Anime, Manga, and Bullet trains; Japan is also famous for its theme trains that offer a different and more captivating experience of traveling. Let’s check the top 10.
Japan is not only famous for its iconic bullet trains but also a handful of attractive trains that are specially designed for travelers of all ages, whether a child or a grown-up. While the bullet trains go at an average speed of 500 km/h and help you reach any destination in the shortest duration; it is not always about reaching the destination but the journey that you can enjoy. It seems like Japan has mastered the idea already and created a handful of alluring theme trains that can offer you a special experience rather than just a regular ride.
Here are the top 10 themed trains that you should definitely try when you are in Japan.
- Thomas The Tank Engine
Well, everybody knows Thomas the Tank Engine, as it is the iconic train from the British children’s animated show ‘Thomas & Friends’. A child’s dream can come true in Japan as there is Thomas in Japan as well which was launched back in 2014, and operated by Oigawa Railway. It looks absolutely similar to a cartoon and also has a face and googly eyes, straight out of fiction. The train is decorated in a way that travelers would feel themselves being a part of one of the episodes from their favorite show from childhood. The train runs from Shin-Kanaya Station to Ieyama Station on the Oigawa Main Line. There is also an event called “Day Out With Thomas” where passengers can meet Thomas’ friends Hiro, Percy, and James at the Shin-Kanaya Station while visiting the iconic Maintenance Factory.
- The Pokémon with You Train
The popularity of Pokémon is widely spread across the globe and there is no doubt that everybody likes Pikachu, isn’t it? Relive the adventures of Pokémon with this themed train that is run by the East Japan Railway Company. Started in 2017, this train is best known for offering an immersive experience to the passengers. Colored in Yellow and Brown; the train itself feels like Pikachu on the run along with plushies and furnishing. The idea behind the train was to bring smiles to the passengers after the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku.
- Hello Kitty Shinkansen
Probably, this is the cutest train in Japan that has been run by The West Japan Railway Company since 2018. It runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, a Kodama Service. Kodama service refers to the trains that stop at every station. The Kawaii character and the theme represent the connection between the western part of Japan and Shinkansen. There are a total of eight trains in this service and each of them is decked in different colors like pink, purple, blue, orange, and green.
- Fruitea Fukushima
Fruitea is a combination of Fruit & Tea and that is exactly what you are getting when you hop on this train. Often addressed as the ‘traveling cafe’ brings an enthralling experience of desserts on wheels. The train offers a huge range of unique and delicious desserts along with beautiful views and of course some tea to energize you. Starting from local bakeries to fruits like peaches, grapes, pears and many other stuff can be found on this train. And the best part is that everything is included on the ticket!
- Anpanman Train
Japanese children’s manga and anime Anpanman are highly famous in not only Japan but all over the world. The Anpanman Train is strictly dedicated to embracing the fandom of Anpanman with its colorful trains that kids love to ride. There are a total of 5 different types of trains and each of them focuses on the popular characters from the anime such as Baikinman, Jam Ojisan, Currypanman, Shokupanman, and many others. Not only children but even adults do not miss the chance to travel on this beautiful ride.
- Tohoku Emotion
Tohoku Emotion is a highly revered restaurant on wheels that runs from Hachinohe to Kuji Stations. This train is well decorated and offers an open kitchen to satisfy your taste buds with some of the finest Japanese gourmet dishes made by professional chefs. Its outbound services include a full-course lunch and you can enjoy desserts during the inbound services. The gourmet menu is changed every quarter as well as the chef’s twice a year. So, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Tohuku while enjoying a delicious meal.
- Tamaden Train
Embrace the fine feline feeling with the Tamaden Train. If you love cats, this train is going to offer you an exciting experience that runs from Wakayama Station to Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line. The adorable story story behind this train’s history can melt your heart. Back in the 1990s, there was a cat named Tama who used to sit at the station and watch commuters pass by, and later on, it was named Tama the stationmaster of Kishi Station. Tama passed away in 2015 but the presence of this adorable cat can be felt through this train with paw prints and 101 cartoon images of Tama.
- Panda Kuroshio
If you do not know already, this train has the face of a panda!! However, you are fortunate that it is not lazy. Launched in 2017, the train operates from Kyoto and Shingu on the Tokaido and Kisei Line. Celebrating JR West’s 30th anniversary and Adventure World’s 40th anniversary in Wakayama, this train has certain Sustainable Development Goals while creating more awareness about animals. The train looks amazing from both, inside and outside; offering an enjoyable experience to all.
- Aso Boy!
Passing through the beautiful landscapes of Mount Aso, this train runs through the cities of Kumamoto and Beppu. It was launched back in 2011 and embraces the theme of Aso Boy with an adorable black puppy mascot, named Kuro. The train offers panoramic seating to enjoy the enticing views throughout the journey. It also features a Kuro Cafe as well as a playroom for the children to enjoy. You can find multiple images of Kuro both, inside and outside the train.
- Aru Reesha
Aru Reesha is one of the most luxurious trains in Japan that is best known for offering a highly enjoyable culinary experience. This train by JR Kyushu, runs from Hakata to Yufuin. This train can help you “enjoy the best in cuisine, time and hospitality” which was launched by the makers of Seven Stars. Decked up with luxurious furnishing and an aesthetic appeal; this train is also one of the fine-dining restaurants in Japan.
So, do not just reach your destination but also make sure to enjoy your journey before you reach it. Book your tickets in advance and do not miss out on these fabulous trains if you are in Japan.
