Come Measure Up with Doraemon – Discover Japan’s Top 3 “Cartoon Family Trains”

Travel Center / General Report

Trains in Japan aren’t just transportation between cities — themed trains often combine popular anime and stunning natural scenery to keep passengers entertained during their journey. Here are three family-friendly themed trains designed around famous cartoon characters. Character-themed carriages and seats are just the beginning, as some even feature slides for kids to enjoy.

▲ The Anpanman Train operated by JR Shikoku even has a children’s playroom, ensuring little ones never get bored on board. (Photo / Reproduced from Aunt Alice’s Travels and Memories)

1. Shikoku – Anpanman Train
The “Anpanman Train” running through Shikoku mainly covers routes such as Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Uwajima, and Iyo-Saijo. Among them, the carriage featuring Anpanman and other beloved characters is especially popular with families because it comes with a special kids’ area that keeps young passengers happily occupied during the trip.

In addition to the exterior being covered in designs of Anpanman, Germs Man, and other characters, the interior seats, walls, and more are all decorated with Anpanman motifs. If your child doesn’t want to sit still, one whole carriage is specially designed as a playroom, with staff on hand to supervise, so kids can crawl and play to their heart’s content without worry.

JR Shikoku Anpanman Train Official Website Link

Standard Fare:3,160 yen　Peak Season Fare:3,360 yen

▲ There's also a Thomas the Tank Engine train in Yamanashi Prefecture, not just in Shizuoka. (Photo / Reproduced from find-travel)

2. Yamanashi – Thomas the Tank Engine Train
When people think of Thomas the Tank Engine, many are familiar with the steam train at the Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka. But did you know there’s also a Thomas train in Yamanashi Prefecture?

Although it doesn’t have a replica locomotive like the Oigawa Railway, the train is fully decked out in Thomas decorations both inside and out. It features a “Child Operation Seat” where kids can experience what it’s like to drive the train, as well as themed seats shaped like Thomas and Percy for memorable photo ops, turning the entire train into a mini Thomas land where both kids and adults can enjoy a fun time together.

Children especially love the playful design inside the carriages. (#Link to Strong Travel’s article)