Hello Kitty Shinkansen: The cutest bullet train

The Hello Kitty Shinkansen is a pink-and-white bullet train that runs on Japan’s Sanyo Shinkansen line, connecting Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations. It includes themed cars, a gift shop, and provides a charming travel experience with its stylish Hello Kitty design. Passengers can ride it using a standard train ticket or a valid JR-WEST Rail Pass.

In October 2025, JR West announced that the Hello Kitty Shinkansen would end operations in spring 2026, after around 8 years of service. The exact final running date has not been confirmed yet, but special farewell events and campaigns will be held until the collaboration finishes. Fans still have a limited time to enjoy this iconic pink bullet train.

The Japan Railway West Co., better known as JR West, debuted a Hello Kitty bullet train service on its Sanyo Shinkansen line in 2018. Like other special Shinkansen trains, this train was always planned as a limited-time service. JR West has now confirmed that it will operate only until spring 2026, with operation days announced several months at a time.

Until service is suspended, the iconic Hello Kitty train is covered by your JR Pass! Read on to find out more about this service and final running dates.

Closing of operations in spring 2026

In a press release published on 30 October 2025, JR West confirmed that the Hello Kitty Shinkansen will retire in spring 2026. This marks the end of the collaboration between JR West and Sanrio that began when the themed train entered service on June 30, 2018.

As part of the farewell, JR West is planning special campaigns, onboard events and limited-edition Hello Kitty Shinkansen merchandise. Travelers can expect meet-and-greets with Hello Kitty in Car 1 on selected days, giveaways, and commemorative goods available on board, at the Kyoto Railway Museum, and at some JR West station shops, as well as online.

The exact final day of operation has not yet been announced. JR West has stated that future operation days and the final timetable will be published on the official Hello Kitty Shinkansen website and updated step by step. If you want to ride this iconic train before it disappears, it’s best to plan your trip as early as possible and check the latest information close to your travel dates.

Hello Kitty Shinkansen route

Following the big hit character Evangelion train, which ran from late 2015 until May 2022, the Hello Kitty-themed bullet train has proven to be a worthy successor.

The adorable train provides a Kodama service on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, which connects the western cities of Osaka and Fukuoka.

The train makes stops at each station between Shin-Osaka and Hakata Station in western Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture, including Kobe, Okayama, and Hiroshima, and has some unique features.

Hello Kitty bullet train features

The first two cars are decked out in full Hello Kitty adorable fashion, with motifs from the famous Sanrio character and her friends and even a photo booth!

The first car, called Hello! Plaza, does not have any passenger seats. Instead, it showcases local specialities, delicacies, and souvenirs from the regions in the new JR West’s line.

The second car named Kawaii! Room is a passenger car covered from top to bottom with the popular Sanrio feline character and her friends, featuring a Hello Kitty doll in Shinkansen uniform.

You can explore both of these cars when riding with the JR Pass. You can also sit in the Kawaii! Room car, which is all non-reserved seating. This means you can enjoy the experience with your pass, without any additional reservation fee!

Additionally, instead of the usual Shinkansen jingle, the train rings the original Hello Kitty theme tune as it approaches the stations!

Paying homage to Western Japan

JR West is highlighting every region along the new bullet train’s itinerary. They’ve released eight original Hello Kitty designs holding a local delicacy from each of the places the train stops, like a green apple for Tottori prefecture, a strawberry for Fukuoka, and a black shell for Shimane prefecture.

The first region to be highlighted was Sanin, home to the Shimane and Tottori prefectures. Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka soon followed. In Okayama Station, you can even get your Hello Kitty ekiben (shinkansen-shaped take away box)!

Also, a special Hello Kitty café and a souvenir shop, selling exclusive merchandises related to Hello Kitty Shinkansen, is operating at Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

As the collaboration approaches its end in spring 2026, these limited-edition items are becoming even more sought-after by fans who want a last Hello Kitty Shinkansen memory. Make sure to pick up your commemorative souvenir while you still can!

How to ride the Hello Kitty bullet train

The Hello Kitty Shinkansen is included with your JR Pass, so you can ride it for free as any Kodama Shinkansen service. Since JR West has announced that the Hello Kitty Shinkansen will only run until spring 2026, we recommend booking and planning your ride as early as possible, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons.

Buy your JR Pass

Though it is not necessary, we strongly advise you to reserve your seat, since chances are high it will be packed for the duration of its run.

If you wish to ride on this very special train, especially car 2 Kawaii! Room, don’t forget to reserve your seat at any JR Office. The train numbers are Kodama 842 (Hakata to Shin-Osaka) and Kodama 849 (Shin-Osaka to Hakata).

Hello Kitty Shinkansen timetable

Please find below the Hello Kitty Shinkansen daily schedule (with train number) and all the stops and stations so you can plan your trip to purrrfection!

Unlimited travel within the Kansai and Hiroshima regions

A 7-day pass ideal for exploring the Kansai and Hiroshima regions, including unrestricted use of the Sanyo Shinkansen between Osaka and Hiroshima.

Buy your Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass

Hello Kitty Shinkansen operation 2025 calendar

Check out the operating days calendar before your trip to ensure your Hello Kitty experience!

Operation days are marked on the calendar with a pink ribbon.

• Pink ribbon: Operation days
• /: Non-operative days

For the latest information, please check the website.