If you’re traveling from one city to another in Japan, the Shinkansen bullet train is the way to go. Fast, clean, easy and efficient, it’ll get you from Kyoto to Yokohama, Tokyo to Sapporo, Nara to Hiroshima, and just about anywhere else.
The operator of the Shinkansen, JR (Japan Railways) occasionally adds a little bit of fun to its bullet trains by giving them an overlay of popular Japanese animated series. In past years there have been Shinkansens adorned with Evangelion and Hello Kitty…
…but the next bullet train will be decorated in homage to the beloved Mickey Mouse…
PC: JRailpass.com
The train is being designed as part of Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday celebration, and Disney and JR have teamed up to create this 6-carriage Shinkansen that will run on the Islands of Kyushu from May 17th through roughly November (the exact ending date is still up in the air). Sadly, it will not run as far as Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Pity. Geesh, haven’t they ever heard of synergy??? 😉
PC: JRailpass.com
The decoration will include Mickey Mouse carrying a loaded suitcase of traditional items from Kyushu (watermelons, a bathing bowl and a local map) and the inside and outside of the bullet train will include a straw hat that’s similar to the ones worn by local schoolchildren to protect them from the sun.
There will also be bunches of limited edition merchandise available for purchase, such as pouches, notebooks, cell phone jewelry, keychains, etc. KAWAII! (“Cute!” in Japanese)
The train promises a waku waku (fun and exciting) journey for passengers. Go to Japan RailPass’ official vendor page for more info.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
