Japan Railways Highlights Taiwan: San'yō Electric Railway Launches Limited-Edition “Taiwan Train”

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department | Photos by San'yō Electric Railway

In recent years, the Taiwanese government has been actively promoting Japanese tourism, and this month has further intensified its promotional efforts in the Kansai region by launching a marketing campaign featuring a newly decorated train with a full exterior and interior design. The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Japan's San'yō Electric Railway Co., Ltd. have joined forces to unveil the first “Meet Colors！Taiwan Train.” The train officially launched in Japan on June 5 of this year for a one-year period.

The new appeal promotion plan driven by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation is based on the concept of discovering a colorful Taiwan. Specifically, it has curated and launched the “Meet Colors！Taiwan Train,” a sightseeing painted electric train, welcoming Japanese travelers to explore and find their favorite aspects of Taiwan by visiting in person.

Taking advantage of the 110th anniversary of San'yō Electric Railway and the opportunity of a railway tourism ticket exchange and cooperation program between San'yō Electric Railway and Taiwan Railways, the diverse charms of Taiwan’s food, shopping, wellness, and romantic experiences have been painted on the train’s exterior and interior door panels. This allows all passengers in Japan to feel as if they’ve stepped into Taiwan the moment they board the painted train, experiencing the vibrant and colorful tourism appeal of Taiwan up close.

The “Meet Colors！Taiwan Train” sightseeing painted train also features Taiwanese tourism promotional posters inside the carriages. The train runs between Osaka and Yodogawa, serving as a mobile advertisement for Japanese tourists interested in Taiwan. The train stops at major stations including Osaka, Nishikujo, and Jūsō, passing through busy commuter routes. It is estimated that over 100,000 people will see the painted train each month (with approximately 30,000 sightings on busy days), offering numerous opportunities for exposure.