- Travel vlogger Mari shared her journey on Japan's Pikachu-themed Joyful Train in Iwate Prefecture
- The train runs on the JR Ofunato Line between Ichinoseki and Kesennuma in northern Japan's Tohoku region
- The Pokemon train project began in 2012 to uplift children after the 2011 earthquake
A travel enthusiast's recent trip to Japan has gone viral on social media after she shared her journey to Iwate Prefecture, located on the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan's main island. What has piqued users' interest in the viral clip is Japan's famous 'Joyful Train', a brightly decorated Pokemon-themed railway experience that remains a top bucket-list attraction for anime and travel lovers alike. Featuring Pikachu-inspired interiors, the train operates in northern Japan, offering scenic views and a unique travel experience.
"I finally made it to the last prefecture I had never visited: Iwate! And what better way to start than from the Pikachu Train? If you're a Pokemon fan (or just love unique Japanese trains), this needs to be on your bucket list. This 'Joyful Train' is essentially a mobile playground covered in Pikachus, and it's just as cool as it looks," the traveller, Italy-based Mari, shared on Instagram.
Also Read: This Indian Train Is So Luxurious, You Will Not Want To Step Out After Reaching Your Destination
Check out the full Instagram video below:
Also Read: Step Inside Japan's Roadside Station Kurukuru Naruto, Where Everything Is A Sweet Potato
Captioning the video, Mari shared that the train operates on the JR Ofunato Line, running between Ichinoseki Station and Kesennuma Station in northern Japan. "The train runs along the JR Ofunato Line in the Tohoku region. It travels between Ichinoseki Station (Iwate) and Kesennuma Station (Miyagi). The 'POKEMON with YOU' project actually started in 2012 to bring smiles to children in the Tohoku region after the 2011 earthquake. The current all-Pikachu design we see today was launched in 2017," Mari further added.
The vlogger also shared details about the journey and how one can book tickets for the train. To enjoy this experience, foreign travellers can use their JR East Rail Pass, which covers the cost, but they still need to reserve a seat, she explained.
Pokemon Joyful Train Japan Booking Tips And Travel Details
Key Details To Know:
- All seats on the 'Joyful Train' are fully reserved, which means passengers cannot board without prior booking.
- Tickets can be booked through the JR East Train Reservation website or at JR ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi).
- The train operates only on select days, mainly weekends and holidays, so travellers are advised to check the schedule in advance.
- The service is covered under the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area); however, seat reservations are mandatory at no extra cost.
- Inside, the train features a dedicated Communication Seat car and a Playroom car filled with giant plush toys, a mini driver's seat and themed photo spots.
- Travellers can make reservations online and collect a paper ticket at the boarding station.
This themed train ride offers a fun and memorable way to explore northern Japan.
