The Seto Inland Sea, located between the main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, is historically known for piracy, especially during the Sengoku period in Japan. The One Piece Shinkansen incorporates this rich pirate history by adopting a theme inspired by the world of One Piece pirates, with murals, decor, and special designs reflecting the series' iconic pirate imagery.

The first train in the series, “Setouchi Blue,” features the Straw Hat Crew led by none other than Monkey D. Luffy. Inspired by the stunning blue hues of the Seto Inland Sea, the train’s design uses original illustrations that bring the One Piece universe to life. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just stepping into this world of adventure, this train promises a truly immersive experience.

But that’s not all - two additional trains with unique designs are planned to launch as the project comes along, each offering its own spin on the One Piece magic. We will of course update this article as soon as more information has been released, so stay tuned!

The One Piece Shinkansen will travel along the Sanyo Shinkansen line, connecting Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations.

This high-speed train stops at 19 stations in total, including several popular sightseeing destinations. Along the way, you can hop off at Himeji, home to the world-famous Himeji Castle, or Okayama, where the stunning Korakuen Garden and nearby Kurashiki Historical Quarter await. Further west, Hiroshima invites you to explore its Peace Memorial Park and iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Finally, Kokura, in Kitakyushu, offers access to Kokura Castle and the vibrant local culture of Kyushu before the train completes its journey at Hakata, the heart of Fukuoka’s culinary scene.

Whether you're a fan of One Piece or a traveler looking to explore Japan, this train is set to make your journey unforgettable.

If you plan on visiting Japan and want to hop aboard this adventure, ticketing details will be announced on the official website as the launch date approaches. Whether the train requires a regular fare or an additional fee has yet to be revealed, but rest assured, we’ll share updates as they come in, so be sure to bookmark this article to check the latest details.

For international travelers using the JR PASS, this could be your golden ticket to experiencing the One Piece Shinkansen.

The One Piece Shinkansen isn’t the only character-themed train to grace Japan’s railways. Fans of Hello Kitty can also enjoy a ride on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, a popular service that has been around since 2018, running the same route at the upcoming pirate-themed spectacle. Another delightful way to explore Japan!

*The pictures here are images for illustration purposes. They may differ from the final versions.
(All images ©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation)