The entire interior and exterior are covered in Japanese Okayama’s “Tape Train” – just 3 days left before its final run

▲ Tape Train.

Reported and photographed by You T-Ru / Japan

Can you imagine a train decorated both inside and out with tape? In late February 2016, Okayama, Japan, launched its very first-ever “Tape Train,” in collaboration with mt tape company, decorating the entire exterior of the train with paper tape. With only three days left on its schedule, the train will be retired after June 30.


▲ The train showcases Okayama’s famous products – muscat grapes, peaches, and jeans in shades of green, peach, and blue.


Decorated entirely with paper tape, the train’s exterior features extensive use of the material, as does its interior. The “Tape Train” primarily uses light green, pink, and light blue – colors representing Okayama’s three major local specialties: muscat grapes, peaches, and jeans. As the train travels between stations, it helps more passengers learn about Okayama’s famous products and cultural characteristics.

The interior also makes creative use of the tape.


Reporters who rode the Tape Train noted that the overall decor wasn’t simply small strips of tape stuck onto surfaces as one might imagine, but rather made using large-format printing techniques to apply the tape over large areas of the carriages and vehicle body. The train also takes advantage of onboard advertising space to introduce areas such as Bitchū Town in western Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City known for its famous white-walled townscapes, and Kasaoka City facing the Seto Inland Sea.

Route: San’yō Main Line (JR Okayama ~ JR Kurashiki ~ JR Mihara)
Operating period: Now until June 30