Character Trains in Japan: 17 Unique Trains with Anime Designs

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Japan is well known for its fascinating transportation system, which is efficient, fast, always on time, and polished. Visitors from far and wide find themselves falling in love with the country's system.

From fast Shinkansens to quaint local trains, Japan has created numerous adorable trains and train stations dedicated to well-beloved characters such as Pikachu, Hello Kitty, Kumamon, and more! In this article, we introduce 18 fascinating and fun trains to experience on your next trip!

17 Fun Character Trains in Japan

1. ​POKÉMON with YOU Train
2. Super Nintendo World Train
3. Hello Kitty Shinkansen
4. Tokyo Disney Resort: Resort Liner
5. Sanrio Puroland Express
6. Fujisan Express Cool Splash
7. The Thomas Train
8. Anpanman Trains
9. Tama Cat Train: Wakayama Electric Railway
10. Panda Kuroshio train
11. Gegege no Kitaro Train
12. Ninja train
13. Doraemon Street Car and Shinkansen
14. Fujikyuline Naruto X Boruto Special train
15. The One Piece Sunny Train
16. Kumamon Train
17. Mangattan Liner

1. POKÉMON with YOU Train

Bringing joy and adorableness to a region that has endured hardships, the Pokémon with You train offers a delightful experience to those who visit northern Japan!

Decorated from head to toe with Pikachu motifs, this shockingly cute train rides through the Tohoku region's quaint countryside, stopping at several stations between Iwate's Ichinoseki Station and Miyagi's Kesennuma Station.

Visitors can enjoy a journey with Pikachu and meet Pokémon along the way! Each station features a photo spot with different Pokémon and a stamp rally area. The train stops at each station for around 8 minutes for guests to explore. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and is a great addition to your itinerary when exploring northern Japan.

Please note that train tickets and seats should be reserved a month in advance. Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, major JR East stations, Ekitabi Concierge, and Ekinet.

2. Super Nintendo World

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Whirling around the Osaka JR Loop Line, the Super Nintendo World train is spreading universal excitement! Created in celebration of Super Nintendo World's installation at USJ, this joyful train is brimming with Super Nintendo charm, adorned with popular characters such as Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Peach, alongside video game stages. It is a must-see for fans of the franchise!

The Super Nintendo World Train can be accessed from any station on the JR Osaka Loop line and the Sakurajima Line, transporting visitors back and forth from USJ Osaka.

3. Hello Kitty Shinkansen

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Racing across Southern Japan, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is here to spread love and friendship, connecting cultures and regions! Adorned in pink, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen can be easily recognized by its iconic exterior bow motif.

Even more impressive is the Shinkansen's interior, which does not disappoint! Guests can explore a Hello Kitty haven in the train's entertainment facilities: Hello Plaza, an open space filled with Hello Kitty goods and photo spots, and Kawaii! Room, an adorable passenger car decorated with a pink carpet and photo spots.

The Hello Kitty Shinkansen, charming and accessible, connects major cities and scenic areas effortlessly in Japan!

Visitors can use the JR West All Area Pass at no extra cost to board the bullet train from Osaka Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka. This pass covers a wide area in western Japan, including cities such as Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Tottori, Okayama, and more!

Click here to book your Hello Kitty Shinkansen experience.

4. Tokyo Disney Resort: Resort Liner

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Situated in Chiba's Tokyo Disneyland, the Resort Liner is a Mickey Mouse motif monorail that encircles Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, and all of the park's official entertainment and accommodation facilities.

Guests can enjoy dazzling views of the park both day and night from Mickey Mouse-shaped windows, while magical music plays, sparking excitement in visitors.

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The interior of the cars is equally entertaining, from the Mickey Mouse-themed chairs to the adorable handrails, making the Resort monorail one of the park's many attractions.

The train is easily accessible from JR Maihama Station and other stations along the monorail route. The journey takes approximately 13 minutes to loop around the park.

5. Sanrio Puroland Express

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The Sanrio Express is an adorable character-adorned train that directly travels to the iconic Sanrio-filled Keio Tama Center Station.

Overflowing with Sanrio delights such as the station centerpiece - a stained glass roof mural showcasing all the franchise characters, and platforms adorned with Hello Kitty motifs, Keio Tama Center station serves as a transportation hub for eager guests visiting the vibrant Sanrio park!

The train can be accessed on the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station and is a great way to get into the spirit of visiting Sanrio Park!

6. Fujisan Express Cool Splash

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The Fujisan Express Cool is a spectacular sightseeing train situated along the Fujiyuko Line in Yamanashi Prefecture. Painted with 58 amusing Mt. Fuji characters, each with distinctive features, this vibrant train is a captivating sight as it zooms past.

The express train follows a scenic route from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko stations, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the region's countryside.

Within each car, you'll find comfortable seats designed for an enjoyable sightseeing journey, including sofas located behind the train conductor's cabin, providing ample space to relax while taking in the passing scenic beauty.

The train offers both reserved and non-reserved seating options and stops at the following stations: Otsuki Station, Tsurubunka Daigaku Mae Station, Shimoyoshida Station, Mt. Fuji Station, Fuji-Q Highland Station, and Kawaguchiko Station.

For more information, please refer to the official website: https://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/fujisan_express.php (Japanese).

7. The Thomas Train

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Riding from Shizuoka's coastal lines to its mountains, the life-sized Thomas Train brings Thomas the Tank Engine to life! Chugging along the Oigawa train line, the Thomas Train offers an exciting journey through the countryside, making stops between Shin-Kanaya Station and Ieyama Station.

Visitors can partake in a variety of events and activities while visiting the friendly tank engine, from exploring the Thomas Maintenance Facility to savoring character bento boxes and purchasing goods onboard. Additionally, visitors can attend the Thomas Fair, where beloved characters like Hiro, Percy, and James join Thomas!

Operating from June to December, the train updates its schedule annually. For this year's schedule, please refer to the official website: https://daitetsu.jp/eng/thomas.

8. Anpanman Trains

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Operating on Japan's scenic Shikoku Island, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and natural charm, the beloved train inspired by the superhero Anpanman and his friends can be spotted touring major cities like Ehime, Tokushima, Okayama, Kochi, and others.

These five colorful trains are adorned with adorable characters from the franchise, featuring unique interior designs and features. From the Seto-Ohashi Anpanman Torroko train, boasting charming wooden interiors and island-inspired furniture, to the Dosan Lines Anpanman trains with rainbow interiors and character-themed chairs, and the Yuyu Anpanman train offering a serene forest-themed car next to a lively playroom car with fun design elements.

Visitors can explore the Anpanman Train Plaza at Kochi Station, an interactive area filled with Anpanman delights, including colorful murals, photo areas, and entertainment for children awaiting their trains.

Tickets can be bought up to one month in advance through travel agencies, JR West's online train reservations, and at the Miodori no Madoguchi at JR train stations. For detailed ticketing, train types, and route information, please visit the official website.

9. Tama Cat Train: Wakayama Electric Railway

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Purrfectly adorable, the Wakayama Electric Railway line is famously known for its Calico Cat Station masters, Tama I and Tama II! Tama the Cat served as the Kishi station master from 2007 to 2015.

During her time as station master, she made a huge impact on visitors and the area's tourism industry, inspiring attractions like a train adorned with adorable Tama character designs and motifs!

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The Tama train runs through beautiful scenic countryside along the Wakayama Electric Line between JR Wakayama Station and Kishi Station. Easily recognizable, the train's exterior palette resembles the markings of a calico cat, featuring 101 Tama illustrations playfully running along the carriage walls, with cat ears and whiskers adorning the train's front.

From its exterior to the interiors, the Tama train is nothing short of delightful! Visitors can immerse themselves in a Tama paradise, with walls, posters, pathways, and handles all featuring Tama motifs, complemented by a library area and themed items.

Interact with the friendly Tama II and relish the scenic journey aboard Japan's cat train. For more information, please visit the official website.

10. Panda Kuroshio Train

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Rolling across Kansai's picturesque landscape, the Panda Kuroshio "Smile Adventure Train" is a popular service that connects Kyoto to Wakayama, stopping at cities like Wakayama, Tanabe, and Shirahama.

Designed with adorable panda-themed exteriors and interiors, the train was a collaboration between the popular theme park Adventure World, home to five amusing pandas, and JR West Japan, commemorating both companies' anniversary in 2018.

Due to its popularity with travelers, the two companies collaborated again to create the Panda Kuroshio Sustainable Smile Train, highlighting United Nations sustainability goals. This distinctive train features a baby panda sitting atop its head throughout the journey.

Both trains feature animals from around the world in their interior and exterior designs, including red pandas, lions, llamas, leopards, zebras, and more. Ideal for Kansai region explorers, these trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, offering breathtaking views from Kyoto Station to Shingu Station in Wakayama.

Tickets are available through JR West's online train reservation system or via designated ticket machines (marked 5489). For more information, please visit the official website.

11. GeGeGe no Kitaro Train

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Renowned as the hometown of manga author Shigeru Mizuki, the town of Sakaiminato is filled with Yokai—spooky ghosts, demons, and enigmatic creatures from his famous anime and manga series, GeGeGe no Kitaro!

Floating along the JR Sakai Line in Tottori Prefecture, the GeGeGe no Kitaro trains offer a remarkable experience in this famous region, making stops at various stations between JR Yonago Station, where characters welcome visitors, and JR Sakaiminato Station, the author's hometown.

Throughout the journey, passengers can encounter character illustrations and themed decor from the series, with local trains passing by adorned with popular anime and manga characters and unique designs at local stations. A total of six character-themed trains, featuring Yokai against backdrops of iconic locations like Tottori Sand Dunes and Starry Skies—local attractions in the region—can be seen along the line.

With spooky yet endearing Yokai decor, visitors can appreciate illustrations on both the train's exterior and interior, spotting ghouls above and sitting on themed seats.

12. Ninja Train

A region beloved for its association with ninjas, Iga, also known as Ninja Town, is a 17th-century castle town in Mie Prefecture, brimming with Ninja delights from its history, castles, museums, and even trains!

From ninja-themed train stations to Kunochi-wrapped train cars featuring illustrations and ninja installations, the Iga railway train line offers an exciting activity to experience within this historical area.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic train journey through the countryside of Mie, lasting approximately 30 minutes from Iga-Ueno Station to Iga-Kambe Station. During the trip, guests can spot three different colored Ninja trains illustrated by the popular manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori.

Immerse yourself in a full day of history and exciting activities, exploring museums, castles, exhibitions, trains, and even a ninja village all within Iga! Uncover more about this hidden gem through our articles.

13. Doraemon Tram and Trains

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A must-visit for Doraemon fans in Tokyo! Seibu Railway introduced the charming DORAEMON-GO! train in 2020 to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary. Guests are greeted by the delightful Doraemon-themed train exterior featuring Doraemon's whiskers, nose, collar, and bell.

Inside, Doraemon playfully appears on doors and chairs, complemented by the iconic color palette of reds, blues, and whites.

The Doraemon-Go travels between Hagiyama Station and Seibu Yuenchi Station, encompassing Seibu Railway's Hagiyama, Shinjuku, and Tamako lines.

Additionally, fans of the franchise can also travel to Noborito Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, where a Doraemon-themed station is around a 10-minute train ride from the Fujiko･F･Fujio Museum!

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In Takaoka, the hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio, fans can ride a special tram with Doraemon-themed designs on the Manyo Line, traveling from Takaoka Station to Koshinokata Station. This 50-minute journey showcases varied landscapes from warehouses to flower fields alongside the snowy Tateyama Kurobe Alpine.

Visitors to Takaoka can discover various Doraemon attractions like the Doraemon Walking Road, the Takaoka Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Gallery, and Takaoka Otogi-no-Mori Park, making it an ideal spot for fans to explore!

14. Fujikyu Line Naruto X Boruto Special Train

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Transporting visitors to the Hidden Leaf Village, the Fujikyu Line Naruto x Boruto Special Train is a must-visit for Naruto fans! Adorned with characters from the anime series, the train offers a perfect photo opportunity for those traveling to Fuji-Q's exciting theme park.

Making a stop at Fuji-Q Highland Station, which is the closest station to the thrilling Naruto x Boruto Fuji Hidden Village of Konoha attraction, the train's colorful exterior and fascinating interiors are sure to excite guests heading to the park!

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The train operates from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station along the Fujikyu Line, with a journey time of just under an hour, stopping at popular stations such as Mt. Fuji Station along the way.

15. The One Piece Sunny Train

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Join the Straw Hat Pirates on an adventure through Minamiaso's lush natural scenery on the Sunny Train!

Designed after the famous Thousand Sunny ship of the Straw Hat Pirates, the train is filled with One Piece motifs from the inside out, featuring Luffy's iconic straw hat hanging lamps on the ceiling, barrels stored above head racks, manga illustrations along the roof, and themed chairs, along with the lion's figurehead on the front of the train.

A must-visit for One Piece fans, those who embark on this journey can enjoy an adventurous trip through Kumamoto's idyllic Aso district, shuttling between Tateni Station and Takamori Station on the Minami Aso Railway three times a day on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays!

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As the train passes through Minamiaso's scenic views and stations, travelers can spot six hidden characters from their seats and enjoy photo opportunities at Tateni and Takamori stations.

For the current train timetable on the mentioned days, the details are as follows:

- Departure Takemori Station 9:10 - Arrival Tateni Station 9:41
- Departure Tateni Station 12:07 - Arrival Takemori Station 12:45
- Departure Takemori Station 14:32 - Arrival Tateni Station 15:03
- Departure Tateni Station 15:10 - Arrival Takemori Station 15:44
- Departure Takemori Station 16:39 - Arrival Tateni Station 17:09
- Departure Tateni Station 17:36 - Arrival Takemori Station 18:06

For any timetable changes and functioning dates, please check the official website: https://op-kumamoto.com/train/

16. Kumamon Train

Everyone's favorite wacky bear mascot, Kumamon, is also joining the fun! A self-confessed train enthusiast, the public relations mascot of Kumamoto oversees three adorable trains that travel along the Kumamoto Dentetsu, stopping at Miyoshi Station, Kita Kumamoto Station, Kami Kumamoto Station, and Fujisakigumae Station.

Decorated with Kumamon illustrations, these trains showcase the friendly bear alongside some of Kumamoto's renowned foods and symbols, such as lotus roots and chili peppers.

On this journey, visitors can delight in these charming trains and explore Kumamon shops within the stations and nearby areas. Additionally, other Kumamon-themed trains in the region include the Kumamon train on the Orange Hisatsu Railway, operating between Yatsushiro in Kumamoto and Sendai in Kagoshima.

For further details on train tickets and sightseeing, please visit the official website: https://www.kumamotodentetsu.co.jp/en/guide/

17. Mangattan Liner

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The Mangattan Liner I debuted in 2003 to honor the 20th anniversary of Shotaro Ishinomori's works. Following the Tohoku earthquake in 2011 and subsequent restoration efforts, the Liner series expanded with creatively themed trains, totaling four in operation.

These trains feature illustrations from Ishinomori's manga works, running between JR Sendai Station and Ishinomaki Station along the Senseki Tohoku Line. Each Sunday, the Senseki Line Mangattan Liner I and II depart from Aoba Dori at 10:48, reaching Ishinomaki at 12:14.

The trains showcase characters from Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider, Gorenger, and Robocon on the silver Mangattan Liner I, and Cyborg 009, Historical Drama, Comedy, and Hero characters on the red Mangattan Liner II. Additionally, the Sengoku Tohoku Line Mangattan Liner operates during the week.

For the latest updates, visit the official website: https://www.mangattan.jp/manga/liner/

Enjoy Amazing Train Rides in Japan!

We hope our list of unique character trains in Japan made you curious and you'll enjoy riding these exciting trains during your trip to Japan.