The Hello Kitty Shinkansen will cease operations on May 17th, 2026. As a token of gratitude for the support received over the years, a series of special initiatives has been launched to create lasting memories with passengers. Following the "Finale Art Photo Campaign" that began last November and original merchandise sales, additional programs have been announced to let fans fully experience the unique world of this special train. Choose your favorite way to celebrate!
Since its debut, the train has spent eight years racing through the Western Japan area under the concept of "connecting regions." More wonderful programs are being prepared to deliver special moments! Stay tuned for further announcements.
The farewell isn't over yet! Enjoy the Hello Kitty Shinkansen to the fullest until its very last run.
1. Hello Kitty Shinkansen FAREWELL DAY
On February 20th (Friday) and February 22nd (Sunday), Hello Kitty from Sanrio Co., Ltd. will board the Hello Kitty Shinkansen to meet everyone! She will appear on the Kodama train between Fukuyama Station and Mihara Station along with a concierge.
Take photos, purchase merchandise, and create wonderful memories with Hello Kitty!
You'll receive exclusive message cards from Hello Kitty available only on these days, and hear a special message from her through the in-car announcement system—a truly rare experience!
Event Dates: February 20th (Friday) and February 22nd (Sunday), two days only
Segments and Times:
- 1st appearance (Kodama 842): Departs Mihara Station at 9:12 AM / Arrives at Fukuyama Station at 9:26 AM
- 2nd appearance (Kodama 849): Departs Fukuyama Station at 1:16 PM / Arrives at Mihara Station at 1:34 PM
Car Numbers:
Cars 4, 5, and 6 (Reserved seat tickets are required.)
Additional Information:
For event details, please check the special website.
https://www.jr-hellokittyshinkansen.jp/cp/finale/
※The images are for illustrative purposes.
※The costume is subject to change.
※Please refrain from requesting two-shot photos.
2. Special Group Charter Train Tour
A special collaboration between Hello Kitty Shinkansen and "tabiwa Travel"! The Hello Kitty Shinkansen will operate as a private charter between Shin-Osaka Station and Hakata Station for round-trip travel. Hello Kitty will visit each car wearing different costumes on the outbound and return journeys. Wagon service will provide in-car sales.
The tour also includes an original commemorative boarding certificate! Enjoy a special time aboard the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
Tour Name:
"A Day Trip to Hakata on the 500 Series Hello Kitty Shinkansen Ending Operations in May 2026"
Tour Departure Date:
March 7th, 2026 (Saturday)
Sales Start Date:
February 6th, 2026 (Friday) at 1:00 PM
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy the Hello Kitty Shinkansen to the fullest! Experience a round-trip journey between Shin-Osaka Station and Hakata Station on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen—impossible with the current schedule!
- Hello Kitty will visit the Hello Kitty Shinkansen in different costumes on both the outbound and return trips! A fun lottery drawing will be held on board! An original commemorative boarding certificate is also provided!
- On both round-trip trains, wagon service will offer in-car sales!
- A lunch bento themed around the Hello Kitty Shinkansen will be provided on the outbound trip!
- On the outbound journey, the train will stop for approximately 30 minutes at a station en route. Passengers can step onto the platform to take photos of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen! Which station? That's a surprise for the day!
Tour Booking:
Limited sales through "tabiwa Travel" on tabiwa by WESTER.
For details, visit the tabiwa Travel "Nishi no Hi Campaign" page! (Published on February 2nd)
https://www.nta.co.jp/jrodekakenet/nishinohicp/?SITE_ID=66104023
※Phone reservations are not accepted. Please book online.
※WESTER membership registration is required for booking.
If you are not yet registered, we recommend registering in advance.
3. Original Merchandise Phase Two Sales
THANKS ART Original Merchandise Phase Two will go on sale on Saturday, February 7th!
For details, visit the Hello Kitty Shinkansen website's merchandise introduction page.
https://www.jr-hellokittyshinkansen.jp/goods/
Sales Locations:
- Hello Kitty Shinkansen Car 1 "HELLO! PLAZA"
- Kyoto Railway Museum
- Select eki-naka (station retail) stores in JR West Japan areas
- JR West Japan official direct online shop "DISCOVER WEST mall"
https://dwmall.westjr.co.jp/shop/default.aspx - JR West Japan Trading Company online shop "Trainbox" https://www.trainbox.jp/
- Trainbox WESTER Mall store https://wester-mall.westjr.co.jp/home and others
※"Hello Kitty Shinkansen Candy" is exclusive to the Hello Kitty Shinkansen Car 1 "HELLO! PLAZA."
© 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L664814
