Can you ride character trains with the Japan Rail Pass?- Travel around Japan in style!

Published on : 14/10/2018
by : Japan Experience

Hello Kitty Haruka
© By Hironoyama - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81937452

Japan as a country is known for its adorable mascot characters that are ubiquitous yet beloved in their marketing. Even public transportation serves as a canvas for these beloved motifs, with many trains having designs based on popular characters! Ride around in style throughout Japan with these trains, many of which are rideable with the Japan Rail Pass!

The most fun way to travel around Japan—board theme and character trains in Japan with the Japan Rail Pass!

Character trains in Japan, adorned with well-known anime, manga, and video game characters, provide both visitors and anime enthusiasts with an enjoyable and unique travel experience. These themed trains, which run on different railway lines throughout the nation and incorporate designs from popular franchises and mascots, bring a whimsical element to regular travel. Travelers can ride many of these unique trains with a Japan Rail Pass, which is a cost-effective and practical choice for tourists.

Simultaneously, there are a number of specialty-themed trains throughout Japan that embrace the local culture and sites, many of which are also available with the Japan Rail Pass! This makes it simpler to explore Japan while taking part in immersive, character-themed adventures. These trains add even more magic to the journey, regardless of whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for an exciting and vibrant mode of transportation.

Some of the most notable of these trains that are rideable with the Japan Rail Pass include:

Pokémon With You Train Resort
High Rail 1375 (Gunma)
The Anpanman Train (Matsuyama ↔ Okayama or Takamatsu)
Aso Boy! (Beppu/Oita ↔ Aso)
Umineko Resort View (Tohoku)Umineko Resort View (Tohoku)

Here is a list (sourced from the JR Company‘s website):

Character trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass in JR East Area :

High Rail 1375 (Gunma)
Izu Craile
Kirakira Uetsu
Koshino Shu*Kura, Yuzawa Shu*Kura, Ryuto Shu*Kura ( Niigata)
Pokémon With You Train Resort
Asunaro (Shimokita)
Resort Minori (Miyagi - Yamagata)
Resort Yamadori ( Gunma)
Resort Asunaro (Tohoku)
Resort Shirakami (Akita, Aomori)

Koshino Shu*Kura
©By TRJN - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34943415

Umineko Resort View (Tohoku)
Furusato SL Banetsu
Monogatari SL
Genbi Shinkansen (Niigata)
SL Gumma Minakami
SL Gumma Yokokawa
Zipangu (Hiraizumi) (Iwate)

For some trains, online seat reservation are available since Wednesday, September 5th, 2018.

Character trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass in Shikoku area :

The Anpanman Train (Matsuyama ↔ Okayama or Takamatsu)
Shiman Torocco
Iyonada Monogatari (Tadotsu ↔ Oboke)

Genbi Shinkansen
© By Rebirth10 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59655146

Character trains covered by the Japan Rail Pass in Kyushu area :

Yufuin no Mori (Hakata ↔ Yufuin/Beppu),
Sonic (Hakata ↔ Saiki)
Yufu (Hakata ↔ Beppu/Oita),
Ibusuki no Tamatebako (Kagoshima-Chuo ↔ Ibusuki),
Huis Ten Bosch (Hakata - Huis Ten Bosch)
Kawasemi Yamasemi (Kumamoto ↔ Hitoyoshi), - A-Train (Kumamoto ↔ Misumi),
Umisachi-Yamasachi (Miyazaki ↔ Nango),
Aso Boy! (Beppu/Oita ↔ Aso),
SL Hitoyoshi (Kumamoto ↔ Hitoyoshi)

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