Anpanman Train
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The Anpanman train is a special train operating in Shikoku, with lively interior decoration based on the popular Anpanman manga and anime series for children.
The Happiest Train in Japan!
The JR Anpanman train is a contemporary tribute to manga author Takashi Yanase (1919-2013), the Kochi-born creator of the Anpanman manga and anime series for children, and to his various characters: Anpanman (with his red bean paste head), his eternal rival Baikinman ("the bacteria man"), his ally Jam Ojisan and his many friends, including Currypanman, Shokupanman, Creampanda, Melonpanna, and others.
The Anpanman train is painted in a lively way featuring various Anpanman characters. The seats and headrests also bear the Anpanman effigy.
]Go anywhere in Shikoku with the Anpanman Train!
There are actually several Anpanman Trains that go throughout Shikoku. They cross the Seto Ohashi bridge between Okayama station and Okayama (Honshu) to connect all the major stations on the island of Shikoku: Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Tokushima, Kochi. So you're sure to see and ride one of the Anpanman trains if you're touring the island.
One of the Anpanman train runs on the Dosan line from Okayama to Kubokawa via Kochi, then along the Nakamura line of the Tosa Kuroshio Railway to Nakamura in Shimanto. This line is one of the most picturesque in Japan, passing through the Iya Valley and Oboke Gorge regions.
Each line has its own unique design: the trains on the Yosan line have a white background, while those on the Dosan line are painted in brighter colors. The designs have also changed and been renewed with the different trains in circulation. Since 2017, the new JR 2600 and 2700 series (in 2019) have given a new lease of life to the trains of happy children, who can't stand still as soon as they see it coming. Anpanman is ultra-famous in Japan, and is truly the hero of children across Japan!
Inside the carriages themselves, Anpanman characters and his friends can be found on seats, headrests, ceilings, and even curtains to drive children crazy! If you want to travel in peace and quiet, this may not be the best choice, but if you have kids...
Ride the Anpanman Torokko for even more character-filled fun!
An even more special train is the Anpanman Torokko. This train is made up of a carriage with wooden benches and large windows, with Anpanman-themed music and announcements, but above all, a windowless 'punnet' carriage for travelling with your hair blowing in the wind. When an announcement allows access, all travelers rush into this special 'torokko' car. There's even a glass floor so you can see underneath the train. Crossing the great Seto Ohashi bridge is a fabulous experience on this train!
The Anpanman Torokko train runs only on weekends, on public holidays, and during vacation periods such as Golden Week.
Anpanman Train at Okayama Station
@Japan Visitor
Anpanman Train, Japan
@Japan Visitor
Shikoku holds Takashi Yanase, the author of the Anpanman manga and anime series, in as much regard as Sakomoto Ryoma (1836-1867), a legenary samurai from the area.
Both men were born in Kochi. Images and statues of Ryoma and Anpanman can be found throughout Kochi prefecture, and a number of museums are dedicated to them. Anpanman fans can visit the Anpanman Museum near Tosa-Yamada, outside Kochi city, and see a number of statues of Anpanman and his friends on the sidewalks on the way from Kochi station to Harimayabashi.
You can access the various Anpanman trains with the Japan Rail Pass and the All Shikoku Rail Pass.
Anpanman Train, Okayama Station
@Japan Visitor
Anpanman Train, Shikoku, Japan
@Japan Visitor
