Hello, everyone! I’m Momoko with another travel blog. Then this blog is for you if you’re a fan of Pokemon, particularly Pikachu. Here I’m going to share my experience of travelling on the famous Pikachu Train in Japan.
To see Pikachu, I travelled three hours by bullet train from Tokyo to the Tohoku region in northern Japan.
The Pikachu Train is formally known as the “Pokémon Train.” And this time, my fashion statement is a Pikachu bag.
What is Pikachu Train?
The concept of the train is “for parents and children to have fun with Pikachu,” and there are many Pikachu designs on the train, as well as a lot of fun points inside where you can play with Pikachu. The train travels between the stations of Ichinoseki and Kesennuma on the Ofunato Line, and passengers may obtain “POKÉMON with YOU original train items” when riding the train between the stations.
I started my trip at Ichinoseki Station!
This began as a disaster relief initiative after the disastrous earthquake in Japan in 2011, and it eventually took over Japan Railway East in 2012 with a Pokémon-themed tourist train.
This is not available all year round, but it provides a unique experience that is unlike anything you would get on typical rail service. The Pokémon with You train, which was created primarily with children in mind, is adorned with Pikachu artwork, plush, and other mementoes throughout.
Even before I boarded the train, there was a slew of Pikachus swarming about the station! It gave me a genuine sense of fulfilment. Make sure to take a picture with the Pikachu train before you board if you get the time before boarding. The Pikachu peeking out of the window is quite endearing.
The things inside the Pikachu Train
The Pokémon Train has two cars and requires a reserved seat ticket in order to board. Pikachu has also been painted on the exterior of the building! This made me more and more excited.
Pikachu has been painted over the back of the seat, the drapes, and just much everywhere else around the room. In addition, the train employees stamped Pikachu on my ticket!
The handrails are Poké Balls! It’s the amazing touches like this that make fans’ hearts sing! Pokémon candies are also available for purchase onboard the train.
The Pokémon Train makes a stop at each of the stations. There are several opportunities to meet the Pokémon at the various locations along the journey.
It is separated into 2 sections, one for sitting and the other for playing. You may also go to the playroom car at a time that is convenient for you! Anyone may hire Pikachu’s ears and tail. Even adults may recreate their childhood fantasies in this place of wonder.
Adults and children alike can have a good time here while taking in the rural beauty via the train windows. When I returned to my childhood, I felt content and joyful.
There is a massive “Lying Pikachu” in the middle! It looks like a large Pikachu-shaped motorcycle.
You may also borrow a train driver’s hat and get a feel for what it’s like to run a train.
You’ll be surrounded by a large number of Pikachus and will have a great time interacting with them.
Collect Pikachu Stamps!
A unique feature that distinguishes the Pokémon with You train from other trains is that it makes brief stops at each station, allowing passengers to leave and get a Pikachu stamp.
To commemorate your visit, you’ll get a unique notebook that can be used to collect Pokemon stamps at every location. Don’t be late coming back to the station since the train leaves after 10 or 15 minutes.
With each passing year, this has earned the train a well-deserved reputation, bringing in an increasing number of passengers from Tokyo, mainly families with children, who come to snap photographs and collect stamps.
A variety of Pokémon will appear at different stops along the road as the train makes its journey to its final destination!
When I finally arrived in Kesennuma, it had taken me approximately two hours one trip, and I was delighted to be surrounded by so many Pokémon!
Aside from that, there are a large number of regional ambassadors in Japan. Lapras is the ambassador Pokémon of Miyagi Prefecture. Hence Lapras merchandise can be found at a variety of locations across Miyagi.
Both children and adults may ride along with Pikachu and have a good time on this adorable train! Would you be interested in taking the Pokemon Train?
