Hello Kitty shinkansen to bow out in 2026

Published on : 15/12/2025
by : Phoebe

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An old version of the Hello Kitty train
Wikipedia

After 8 years of loyal service, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen will bow out next spring. For the occasion, JR West has planned a number of events in tribute to Sanrio's little cat. Japan Experience explains.

Sayonara Hello Kitty

After eight years of service, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen shinkansen will cease operations next spring. To celebrate its departure, JR West will be running a series of campaigns right up to the train's last run.

What's on the agenda? Gift giveaways, encounters with Hello Kitty, and a host of new collectible goodies created especially for the occasion! These limited-edition items will be available on board the train, at the Kyoto Railway Museum and in selected JR West station stores. They will also be available for sale online.

Further information, including the exact date of the train's last operation, will be announced in early 2026 on the hello Kitty Shinkansen official website.

Immerse yourself in the world of Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland!

Hello Kitty, My Melody, Gudetama, Pom Pom Purin ... If you haven't heard of these characters, well, it's not too late. Sanrio is a Japanese company that has been designing cute characters since 1973 and setting the tone for "kawaii" culture ever since. Japanese Disney, if you will.

Your tickets

Christmas musical at Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio

A kawaii train

Inaugurated in 2018, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen links Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka). Imagined by JR West to revitalize western Japan, it runs on two Kodama 500 series trains, entirely decorated with the effigy of the famous tomcat.

The first two carriages are dedicated to his world: Car 1, "Hello! Plaza", features local specialties from the eight prefectures it passes through; Car 2, "Kawaii-Room", immerses passengers in a 100% kawaii setting, with rest areas and photo spots alongside Kitty.

A host of merchandising products are also on sale on board.

Shinkansen Hello Kitty — Hello Kitty Shinkansen
@wikimedia

To make the most of it, several rail passes allow you to take the Hello Kitty Shinkansen at no extra charge. Add a bucolic touch to your train journeys!