A charming high-speed bullet train featuring exclusive Hello Kitty-themed interiors, souvenirs, and scenic views of Japan’s countryside.

Ride Details

Ride Type

Scenic, Themed

Duration

Varies by route (typically 2-3 hours per leg)

Distance

Approximately 644 km (400 miles) between Shin-Osaka and Hakata

Operating Season & Hours

  • Operates year-round
  • Runs on limited schedules; check official website for updated departure times

Pricing

  • Varies based on seat class and travel distance
  • Approximate price range: ¥9,000 – ¥15,000 JPY ($60 – $100 USD)
  • Japan Rail Pass holders can ride for free with a reserved seat

Hello Kitty-Themed Amenities & Features

1. Interior Decoration

  • Train exterior painted in pink and white with Hello Kitty ribbons and motifs
  • Each car decorated with different Hello Kitty regional themes, promoting local destinations and products from western Japan
  • Hello Kitty statues and displays for photo ops
  • Themed seat covers, window decals, flooring, and walls

2. Photo Spot & Character Area (Car 1)

  • Life-sized Hello Kitty statue for pictures
  • Hello Kitty-themed backdrops
  • Seasonal decorations for special events or holidays
  • Playful lighting and sound effects

3. Kawaii! Room (Car 2)

  • Themed passenger cabin
  • Standard reserved seating, but with exclusive Hello Kitty branding:
    • Pink ribbon seat covers
    • Headrest covers with Hello Kitty
    • Decorative paneling and murals

Shopping & Merchandise (Car 1 – Hello! Plaza)

  • Pop-up shop featuring:
    • Exclusive Hello Kitty Shinkansen souvenirs
    • Regional specialties from western Japan (food, crafts, goods)
    • Limited-edition Sanrio items
  • Seasonal items often rotate
  • Accepts cash and major credit cards

 Seating & Classes

  • Ordinary Class (Standard Reserved Seating Only)
    • No Green Car (First Class) or Gran Class available
    • Comfortable, reclining seats
    • Tray tables, reading lights, and luggage racks
    • Quiet and air-conditioned

 Food & Drink

  • No onboard restaurant or bento cart service (common with Kodama trains)
  • Guests are encouraged to bring their own food or bento
  • Hello Kitty-themed bentos sometimes available for purchase at departure stations or on special occasions

 Passenger Services & Comfort

✅ Accepts Credit Cards – Yes (for tickets and shop purchases)
✅ Allows Pets – Small pets allowed in carriers (as per JR West policy)
✅ Car Parking – Not onboard, but available at train stations
✅ Kid Friendly – Extremely kid-friendly and family-oriented
❌ Outdoor Seating – No (Shinkansen trains are fully enclosed)
✅ Reservations Needed – Yes for reserved cars (especially Car 2)
❌ Smoking Allowed – No smoking onboard (fully non-smoking train)
✅ Wheelchair Accessible – Select cars have barrier-free seating and restrooms
✅ WiFi – Limited availability; only at certain stations, not consistently onboard
✅ Restrooms – Western-style toilets available
✅ Air Conditioning – Fully climate controlled
✅ Luggage Storage – Overhead racks and space at the back of cars

 Route Highlights

  • Operates on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line between:
    • Shin-Osaka
    • Himeji
    • Okayama
    • Hiroshima
    • Kokura
    • Hakata (Fukuoka)

Check the JR West website or app for current schedules, as the Hello Kitty train runs once or twice daily and may alternate between directions.

 Languages

  • Primary language onboard: Japanese
  • Basic English signage and announcements available
  • Staff may have limited English, especially at souvenir shop