⚠️ Notice: Services Have Ended
The Hello Kitty-themed Haruka Limited Express ended its service in March 2026, and the Hello Kitty Shinkansen ran its final journey on Sunday, May 17, 2026. This article is preserved as a record of our experience on board at the time of travel.
Did You Know? There Were Two Hello Kitty Trains Running in Kansai
Even among railway fans, many people didn’t know — but there were actually two Hello Kitty-themed trains running in the Kansai region. One was the Haruka Limited Express airport train, and the other was the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. In this article, we’ll introduce both!
① Haruka Limited Express — Peek Inside and You’ll Find Hello Kitty Headcovers!
The Haruka Limited Express is a convenient way to travel between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto or Shin-Osaka. Take a peek inside the cabin and you’ll spot adorable Hello Kitty headcovers on the seats. Sadly, the Hello Kitty version of Haruka ended its service in March 2026 — sooner than many fans expected.
The Haruka is operated by JR West and connects Kansai International Airport to Kyoto in approximately 75 minutes. It accepts IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica. The “ICOCA & HARUKA” combo ticket was also a great value option, especially popular among international visitors.
② Hello Kitty Shinkansen — The 500 Series Train Worth Planning a Trip Around
And then there was the Hello Kitty Shinkansen — the train I had always dreamed of riding, and finally got to experience!
Running just one round trip per day between Hakata and Shin-Osaka, this was a rare train that required advance reservations for anyone hoping to get on board.
Hello Kitty Everywhere — Inside and Out!
What made the Hello Kitty Shinkansen truly special was that the Hello Kitty theme didn’t stop at the exterior — the entire interior was Hello Kitty too. Seats, walls, floors… Hello Kitty appeared everywhere, and the excitement kicked in the moment you stepped on board.
Hello Kitty Merchandise Available On Board
Another highlight was the exclusive Hello Kitty Shinkansen merchandise sold inside the train. Even if you’re not a die-hard Hello Kitty fan, the cuteness was hard to resist — and before I knew it, I had a bag full of souvenirs! (laughs)
The Hello Kitty Shinkansen was operated by JR West using the 500 Series Shinkansen, running one round trip daily between Hakata and Shin-Osaka. The 500 Series itself is a beloved classic among railway enthusiasts, known for its distinctive rounded nose design.
Who Would Love the Hello Kitty Shinkansen?
- Hello Kitty fans of all ages
- Anyone who wants to ride the iconic 500 Series Shinkansen
- Travelers looking for a fun and unique train experience
- Families with young children
- Anyone planning a special trip for international friends
For Those Who Missed It — Keep the Memories with Merchandise
While both trains have now retired from service, Hello Kitty Shinkansen commemorative merchandise is still available on platforms like Rakuten. Even if you never got the chance to ride, picking up a souvenir is a wonderful way to connect with the magic of these trains.
It’s also worth noting that the 500 Series Shinkansen itself continues to run on some routes, even after the Hello Kitty wrap was removed. Its iconic rounded nose remains a favorite among railway fans, and spotting one still makes you want to reach for your camera.
Summary: Two Hello Kitty Trains of Kansai
| Train | Route | Hello Kitty Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Haruka Limited Express | Kansai Airport → Kyoto | Hello Kitty headcovers on seats |
| Hello Kitty Shinkansen | Hakata → Shin-Osaka (1 round trip/day) | Full Hello Kitty interior, exterior & exclusive merchandise |
Both trains have completed their service, but the joy they brought to passengers lives on in the memories of railway fans everywhere. Whether you were lucky enough to ride them or not, the Hello Kitty trains will always hold a special place in the story of Japanese railway history.