The Hello Kitty Shinkansen is a special service bullet train operated by West Japan Railway Company. To help make traveling throughout the nine prefectures of western Japan (Osaka, Nara, Hyogo, Tottori, Okayama, Shimane, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and Fukuoka) more enjoyable, they assigned Hello Kitty to be your guide!

This Shinkansen bullet train's service concept is to connect people from all walks of life. You can feel this just by looking at the train, too! The Shinkansen's streamlined shape, with its cute wrapping, has proved incredibly popular.

With raving reviews claiming that no such bullet train has ever existed before, it's not only popular among Hello Kitty fans or train lovers but has gained attention from people of all ages.

In addition to the pink ribbons, each train car is decorated with different images of Hello Kitty. Available for a limited time only, these colorful designs showcase Hello Kitty holding delicacies from each prefecture of western Japan.

Along with being shown on the train cars, you can enjoy the design through a range of limited-edition products.

Most of the Hello Kitty designs inside the train can be found in either the first train car, called HELLO! PLAZA, or the second train car, known as the KAWAII! ROOM. Both train cars can be boarded using non-reserved tickets. Additional fees or reservations are not needed.

Once inside, you will be greeted by a cute Hello Kitty design and poster, getting you pumped for your trip!

Entering the non-reserved area of the second train car, also known as the KAWAII! ROOM, will have you at a loss for words! A pink corridor, pink headrest covers, as well as images of Hello Kitty wherever you look, will take you on a journey to the land of Kawaii!

Even our writer, a frequent bullet train user, had to admit it was their first time riding one that was so adorably decorated. Just sitting in the Hello Kitty seats is exciting and will have you loving your adventure all the more!

In the baggage storage space towards the front of the train car, Hello Kitty and her friends dressed in train conductor clothing wait to welcome you!

Some of the charming characters you'll find include Hello Kitty's parents, Hello Kitty's lamb friend, Fifi, and Tippy, the lovable brown bear who has a crush on Hello Kitty.

Across from the baggage area are a map of the nine prefectures of western Japan and a 3D statue of Hello Kitty holding her hands out to welcome new passengers!

One of the concierge attendants recommends snapping many photos like the one shown above. Train fans might also note that the attendant's scarf and apron are limited edition versions only available to those who work on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.

Located in the first car is our next stop, HELLO! PLAZA! With no need for additional fees or reservations, here you can enjoy the charm of western Japan's nine prefectures through a series of unique designs and decorations. One area is featured per period or season. During our visit, we got to take a look at some special designs for Hiroshima Prefecture.

The entirety of the first train car can be seen in the photo above. Once you step inside, you are immediately transported to the fairytale-like world of Hello Kitty!

Towards the front of the car are many Hello Kitty products. You can purchase these at the counter where the concierge attendant is ready to assist you. Service in foreign languages, by using a portable Pocketalk translation device, is available.

This is the souvenir corner. Here you can find many limited-edition products, including stationery goods and sweets, available exclusively inside the Hello Kitty Shinkansen! With most items having a bright, pink design, there are sure to be a hit with younger fans!

Relaxing while watching the scenery from a window is another highlight of traveling! But this is an entirely unique 'only in Japan' experience. You'll love enjoying the peaceful landscapes of western Japan while allowing yourself to be enveloped in a world of Hello Kitty!

In the back of the train car, you'll find a video playing (on your left) and a photo spot (on your right) introducing the charm of various regions in western Japan!

We were introduced to the famous tourist spots and saw beautiful footage of Hiroshima Prefecture during our visit. It's a perfect place to visit to get tips on traveling around this area of Japan!

Snap a selfie with posters introducing the charm of western Japan's nine prefectures! And feel free to ask the concierge attendant to take a commemorative photo of you and your family or friends.

Now we will introduce recommendations for souvenirs you should buy at HELLO! PLAZA. With some of these items only sold inside the bullet train, they're perfect for taking back home as a memento!

(*Some items may not be available depending on the inventory situation at the time.)

(1) Clear Plastic Folder and Mini Towels

The Hello Kitty Shinkansen's Kira Testsu Folder and Original Three Towel Set are perfect lightweight souvenir options!

In addition to not taking up much space and being easy to transport, these items are very reasonably priced! The towel set is also only sold inside the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.

(2) Mini Gaufrettes

Next is the Hello Kitty Shinkansen Mini Gaufrette Two-Tin Box Set. Inside the tins are perfectly sized mini versions of the French cookie known as a gaufrette — round wafer cookies sandwiched with cream.

These gaufrettes are produced by Hyogo Prefecture's long-established confectionery manufacturer, Kobe Fugetsudo. What's more, the tins are decorated with an adorable Hello Kitty Shinkansen design! You won't be disappointed by the harmonious textures of a crispy cookie and smooth cream!

(3) Momiji Manju

Momiji Manju is kind of a yaki manju, a roasted sweet bun that's formed into the shape of a Japanese maple leaf and filled with a sweet bean paste.

With Hiroshima Prefecture's confectionery manufacturer, Nishikido, being well-known for making these sweets, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has partnered up with the brand to offer the Nishikido Hello Kitty Box.

Using the Hello Kitty Shinkansen as a motif for the package's design, you can slide the box forward to reveal the sweet and delicious treats inside. It's so cute, you'll want to decorate your room with this box as a reminder of your travels!

In cars three to eight, which are for reserved seating, you can find hidden Hello Kitty characters! Generally, these hidden characters are supposed to be a special surprise for those who book seats to find, but we've been given the go-ahead to show our readers a sneak peek!

Shown in the photo above is the back of train car eight. This space has been designed to resemble the cockpit of a bullet train. Although anyone can sit here to enjoy feeling like a train driver, when looking at this section from the side...

you'll find an image of Hello Kitty!

Plus, when pulling down the window screen...

another Kitty appears!

And...

Next to a certain special seat, you'll find Hello Kitty peeking out from a window screen.

There are even Hello Kitty characters located in small spaces between seats.

As shown above, many Hello Kitty characters are hidden throughout the train so keep your fingers crossed that you're lucky enough to come across one!

The Hello Kitty Shinkansen isn’t just one of Japan’s cutest rides; it’s a fun way to explore western Japan. Here are a few recommended stops with great family-friendly attractions.

Himeji – See Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “White Heron Castle.”

Okayama – Explore Okayama Castle and the famous Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens. Kids will love spotting the Momotaro (Peach Boy) statues and symbols around the city, or taking a short side trip to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter for a scenic canal boat ride.

Hiroshima – Visit Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine) to see the “floating” torii gate, meet friendly deer, and ride the Misen Ropeway. Families with older children may also visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to learn about history and peace.

Hakata (Fukuoka) – Fukuoka is filled with family fun! Check out the Fukuoka Anpanman Children’s Museum, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, or teamLab Forest Fukuoka.

Timing is key when riding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen! It runs just twice a day between Hakata Station in Fukuoka and Shin-Osaka Station and is listed under the following train names.

・Kodama 842: Departs Hakata at 7:04 AM and arrives in Shin-Osaka at 11:25 AM
・Kodama 849: Departs Shin-Osaka at 11:37 AM and arrives back in Hakata at 3:51 PM

To ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, you’ll need a ticket—just like any other bullet train. Choose between reserved or non-reserved seating, with non-reserved tickets offering a fun and affordable way to enjoy the ride. (Note: Both a basic fare ticket and an express charge ticket are required.)

Tickets can be purchased online, at JR ticket machines, or at JR travel service centers, and reservations are also available on the day of travel. For more details on how to buy, see the information below.

You can easily book JR train tickets from outside Japan through the JR-West Online Train Reservation website. The site lets you check routes, fares, and train details before confirming your reservation.

In addition to Hello Kitty Shinkansen tickets, there are also day-use and special discount tickets available exclusively for international visitors. Before boarding, simply pick up your tickets at JR stations using ‘green’ ticket machines marked with the 5489 logo or at JR Travel Service Centers.

Tickets can also be purchased directly at Travel Service Centers located in major JR stations. At JR Osaka Station’s Travel Service Center Osaka and JR Shin-Osaka Station’s Travel Service Center Shin-Osaka, multilingual staff are available to assist with reservations and ticket purchases, making the process smooth and stress-free for overseas travelers.

‘Green’ ticket vending machines are the easiest way to buy Hello Kitty Shinkansen tickets without lining up at service counters—and you can even reserve your seat right there. Simply follow the on-screen guide to select your train line, departure time, and seat type (reserved or non-reserved).

The process is the same as purchasing a regular bullet train ticket, and reserved tickets can be printed in advance directly from the machine. Guides are available in Japanese, English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

Foreign visitors who've purchased discounted tickets for short-term stays can ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen!

The Japan Rail Pass, offered by the JR Group, allows you to ride on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen for free.

There are many options for discounted ticket packages, including the Kansai Wide Area Pass and the Setouchi Area Pass. We recommend choosing one based on what your travel plans are!

(*Please keep in mind that some discounted ticket packages don't allow you to take certain bullet train lines.)

For a safer and smoother trip, consider using the Travel Support by JR-WEST web app. Designed for international travelers, it offers multilingual assistance in case of illness or natural disasters. The app provides details on nearby medical facilities, supports medical consultations in multiple languages, and lists evacuation sites during emergencies.

Available in English, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Korean, and Thai, this service isn’t limited to Hello Kitty Shinkansen users; it’s also helpful for anyone traveling on JR trains. Keep it bookmarked for peace of mind while exploring Japan.

Also, you can find free Wi-Fi in some train cars! Be sure to use the free services available while enjoying traveling.

Make the most of your trip across western Japan by riding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen or one of JR’s other special trains. Hello Kitty fans flying into Kansai International Airport should also check out the Hello Kitty HARUKA train—see the link below for details!

(*Photos in this article are from December 2021 and item availability may have since changed; information was updated in October 2025. For latest information, please refer to the official websites listed.)

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