Inban is super colorful to explore this season—anime-style train makes its debut
Last updated 2026-09-24 — The Hsinchu County Government and Taiwan Railways jointly created the "Anime Hsinchu" painted train, featuring two carriages themed on the "Cute Monster Shinjira" and "Cola King." They made their first appearance at Inban Station on February 2nd and have quickly won the hearts of many visitors with their eye-catching designs...
Credit: MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team
The Hsinchu County Government and Taiwan Railways jointly created the "Anime Hsinchu" painted train, featuring two carriages themed on the "Cute Monster Shinjira" and "Cola King." Making their first appearance at Inban Station on February 2nd, these charming designs have won over many tourists. Additionally, the county government has incorporated elements from the tourism mascot "Piplion" into the interior handles, seats, and plush toys inside the carriages. With themes based on the four seasons—"Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter"—the outfits of Piplion plushies were specially designed. Many visitors came specifically to find and take photos with the adorable Piplion plush characters.
The Hsinchu County Government and Taiwan Railways jointly created the "Anime Hsinchu" painted train, featuring two carriages themed on the "Cute Monster Shinjira" and "Cola King." Making their first appearance at Inban Station on February 2nd, these charming designs have won over many tourists. Additionally, the county government has incorporated elements from the tourism mascot "Piplion" into the interior handles, seats, and plush toys inside the carriages. With themes based on the four seasons—"Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter"—the outfits of Piplion plushies were specially designed. Many visitors came specifically to find and take photos with the adorable Piplion plush characters.
The Hsinchu County Government and Taiwan Railways have collaborated to launch the "Anime Hsinchu" painted train. (Image source: Inban Dream Railway, Taiwan Comics Dream Factory)
Hsinchu County Magistrate Chiu Ching-chun noted that eight carriages on the Inban Branch Line feature painted train designs. The first four were themed around selected works from the “Hometown Story Creative Open Call & Inban Dream Railway Anime Competition,” showcasing local creativity. The newly launched latter four carriages incorporate creations from “domestic, international, and cross-strait comic and picture book artists,” making them perfect for family-friendly train rides through Inban—offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both adults and children.
The carriages are adorned with adorable Piplion design elements, making them extra cute. (Image source: Taiwan Railways Press)
Hsinchu County promotes the "One County, Nine Stations" train-travel initiative, integrating the lovable Piplion into the train designs. (Image source: Hsinchu County Government)
This set of four painted carriages includes Japan’s master illustrator Shinji Nishikawa’s special creation for Hsinchu County, the “Cute Monster Shinjira,” as well as representations of global participation by Taiwanese contemporary artist and cultural creative genius “Cola King.” Cola King’s works are full of childlike charm and innocence, vividly expressed throughout the painted carriages. There's also the highly popular cross-strait anime collaboration “Anime Dragon Relay,” which features artworks from 25 comic artists and the widely beloved “Steamed Bun Family Tour of Inban,” where Steamed Bun Piplion takes everyone to discover a new world in Inban, among other painted themes. Through a blend of master artists and emerging designers, this railway line that traverses nine stations brings the moving historical charm of Inban to life with intergenerational visual appeal.
The adorable Piplion has also been given four outfits representing the four seasons, making it extra charming. (Image source: Taiwan Railways Press)
Now, traveling along the Inban Branch Line offers cherry blossom views that rival those in Japan. (Image source: Taiwan Railways Press)
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