Japan’s first Hello Kitty shinkansen has been operating for slightly over a week now, and social media has gone crazy over the country’s new pink high-speed train.
For its maiden voyage between Hakata Station in Fukuoka and Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka on June 30, Hello Kitty made an appearance at the official send-off ceremony.
West Japan Railway Company, Sanrio Co., Ltd.
Hundreds of fans gathered at both stations to welcome this new cat-themed train, and passengers were finally able to explore the super-cute interior of the first two cars.
West Japan Railway Company, Sanrio Co., Ltd.
Judging from these official photos, the interior looks great, all decked out in the cat-girl’s signature ribbon and the colour pink – just the way we expect it to be.
Ekiben Zukan Nishi Nihon-hen
What’s a train ride without a bento set – remember to get your hands on the special edition Hello Kitty shinkansen bento at Okayama Station to fill you up on the journey. It takes four hours and thirty three minutes to get from Hakata to Shin-Osaka, whereas it’s only four hours and nine minutes the other way around.
Not to worry if you can’t get hold of this special Hello Kitty shinkansen bento. A Hello Kitty Shinkansen café awaits at Fukuoka’s Hakata Station, where you can choose from a menu full of cute dishes inspired by Japan’s beloved cat-girl.
Want to get on board the cute express? Check the rail company’s official booking page to see which trains have been Kitty-fied.