Pikachu Chu! All Aboard the Exciting Pokémon-Themed Train in Japan

Combine the captivating scenery of the Tohoku region with one of the most adorable and entertaining trains in Japan, and what do you get? The POKÉMON with YOU Train!

The themed train doesn’t feature just any Pokémon. Pikachu, the most famous of them all, covers the exterior and interior with appearances in toys and accessories as well. With plenty of chances for play and photos, there won’t be a dull moment in your trip to Japan’s Northeast.

Don’t miss the train on your next holiday! Here are all the essentials you need to catch ‘em all:

Opened in 2012, the Pokémon with You train was designed to cheer up the local kids  after a devastating earthquake and tsunami the year before. Since then, it’s become visitor-favourite of the region. 

With plenty of stops throughout the Tohoku region, it’s the ideal way to travel around Japan with kids. No matter how long the trip is, they won’t get bored since there are so many toys to play with and decorations to admire.

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Inside one of the most electrifying trains in Japan, you’ll find two types of Pikachu-themed cars. The Playroom Car is the place to be for kids and kids at heart. There are plenty of small Pikachu plushies around as well as  a big Pikachu plushie right at the centre. There’s also a small ball pit as well as headbands and accessories. Kids can even put on their conductor hats and try “driving” the train at the mini driver’s seat, how adorbs!

POKÉMON with YOUFor something closer to the traditional train seats, you can head over to the Communication Seat Car. It features comfy seats decorated with Pikachu and Pokeballs. With its wide windows, it’s the ideal place if you just want to soak in the view of the Tohoku region’s vibrant fields.

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The Pokémon with You train operates along the JR Ofunato Line and connects Ichinoseki and Kesennuma. Its stops are:

A one-way trip usually takes around two hours. Unlike other trains in Japan, it may run daily or only on weekends. Make sure to check the schedule before leaving for your trip.

Wondering how you can ride the Pokémon train while you’re staying in Tokyo? Thanks to the well-connected Japan train system, you can ride the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Ichinoseki Station, where you can take the Pokémon with You train.

Here are different ticket options for a seamless travel experience:

With the JR East Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on the area’s main railway networks, including the Pokemon with You train! With access to the Tokyo Monorail, Sendai Airport line, and even to some of the buses, you can save money and time while enjoying the picturesque vistas of the region.

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If you can’t get enough of Japan’s north, go for the JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Pass. It’s where you can discover some of the best things to do in Japan, from skiing down the slopes in the winter at Hokkaido to admiring Biei’s floral fields in full bloom in the spring.

If you’re interested in seeing classic Japanese architecture against the backdrop of picture-perfect snow-capped mountains, then the JR East Pass Nagano and Niigata is the one for you. Thanks to the unlimited access to the train network, you can visit well-preserved historical monuments, relax at traditional bathhouses, try out the local cuisine, and more. 

To enjoy one of the quirkiest trains in Japan, you’ll have to use your JR East Pass to secure your place at the POKÉMON with YOU train. They are typically open one month before the travel date. Seats run out quickly, so make sure you reserve as early as possible.