foto: seorin369 on X (Twitter)/The Pokémon with You train, Japan
It’s yellow, it’s adorable, and it’s got a mission. Japan’s Pikachu-themed Pokémon with You train is a feel-good journey born out of recovery, and it’s been turning rail travel into joy since 2012.
In Japan’s Tohoku region, one very yellow train is restoring joy, one ride at a time. The Pokémon with You train, operated by JR East, is a vibrant, Pikachu-covered experience that has become a heartwarming fixture of the area since it began running in early 2010s. Originally launched to bring comfort to children affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, it’s now a beloved symbol of healing, hope, and pure fun — for kids and adults alike.
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As reported by Jrailpass.com, the train has already welcomed tens of thousands of passengers, many of whom come specifically for the experience. In 2017, it got a full makeover that gave it the cheerful Pikachu look it sports today. According to Curly Tales, "No corner of this brilliant creation is void of the happiness and charm of Pokémon." That’s no exaggeration — from the exterior paint job to the tiniest curtain detail, it’s Pikachu all the way.
What’s Onboard: A Playground on Rails
Step inside, and the train feels more like a themed amusement space than a mode of transportation. There are two main carriages: one for playing, the other for relaxing — both fully Pikachu-themed. The Playroom Car is the main attraction for kids. It's filled with life-sized plush toys, a ball pit, conductor hats, and even a mini driver's seat, where children can "drive" the train in their own imaginations. The staff are all in on the fun, happy to help snap photos or hand out Pikachu badges and boarding passes that serve as keepsakes.
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Over in the Communication Seat Car, parents and other travellers can enjoy standard seating, but even that’s far from plain. Pokéball seatbacks, yellow-and-brown Pikachu stripes, and wide windows with countryside views make it a uniquely relaxing space. "Riding the train is no longer just about the destination," notes Jrailpass.com, "but about how you get there." And that’s exactly the point.
Where It Goes, and How to Ride It
The Pokémon with You train runs along the JR Ofunato Line, which stretches between Ichinoseki and Kesennuma. The journey takes just under two hours and includes stops at Rikuchu-Matsukawa, Geibikei, Surisawa, Semmaya, and Orikabe.
You won’t find this train running every day. According to Klook, the schedule varies, with most rides operating on weekends or during special periods. Tickets go fast, and you’ll need a seat reservation in advance — ideally one month before your intended date. JR East Pass holders can ride without additional fare, but reservations are still required.
Getting there is simple. Just take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Ichinoseki Station, a ride of about 2.5 hours. From there, it’s just a matter of boarding the yellow-and-red Pikachu express.
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A Feel-Good Project That Keeps Giving Back
Beyond the plush toys and Instagrammable moments, there’s a deeper story. The train was created not just for fun, but for healing. According to Jrailpass.com, it was introduced to "bring smiles back to the children of the disaster-stricken areas" and to help draw visitors back to Tohoku. That mission still drives it today. Curly Tales points out how the design evolved to focus solely on Pikachu, making it instantly recognisable and easy to love.
The route between Ichinoseki and Kesennuma passes through areas that were heavily damaged in 2011. The final stop, Kesennuma, has worked hard to rebuild and now welcomes tourists eager to explore, eat fresh seafood, and support local businesses. The train plays a key role in that economic recovery — one that Klook notes is built on tourism, storytelling, and shared joy.
In a country known for sleek, efficient trains, this one stands out — not because it’s fast or futuristic, but because it’s genuinely heartfelt. It’s a rare mix of entertainment, nostalgia, and social purpose. You don’t need to be a child to ride it, but you might feel like one by the time the journey’s over. As one traveller wrote in All About Japan, "The Pikachu train was the highlight of this short trip… I felt happy after returning to my childhood."
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Sources: Jrailpass.com; Curly Tales; Klook; All About Japan