Buses, planes, and now, trains. Japan’s — nay, the world’s — favourite feline mascot has found its way into the country’s famous bullet train line, bestowing upon us this cuteness of a train that we never knew we needed.
These Hello Kitty-themed shinkansen will come fully decked in bows, ribbons and all things Hello Kitty. And we do mean everything. The first look of these carriages released by train operator West Japan Railway Co. shows the adorable character making an appearance from the interior walls, armrests, headrests, and even the floor — basically every inch of the train.
But the ultimate Hello Kitty experience starts even before you board. At the station, the usual jingle will be replaced by a Hello Kitty theme song, signalling the arrival of your very extra transportation. It’ll come adorned with, well, more Hello Kitty, making it impossible to miss.
The Kawaii! Room comes with a photo booth
Hello! Plaza houses an exhibition area and gift shop
Onboard, the ride promises to be a picture-perfect one. Besides motifs of bows and ribbons, and milky pastel pink hues, there is even a car with a Hello Kitty photo booth area — aptly named the Kawaii! Room — where you can strike a pose with a giant Hello Kitty doll. The front car, known as Hello! Plaza, will also be converted into a gift shop and exhibition area to promote various regions of Japan and their specialty products. Some of these regions include Shimane, Tottori, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hyogo.
And when you are done exploring this sweet, sweet ride, take in the views from the window as the train makes its daily round trips between Osaka and Fukuoka. The trains will begin operations from 30 June 2018.
All images from Hello Kitty Shinkansen
For more information, visit JR West
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