The world’s fastest moving art gallery: Interior of Japan’s “Imabari Shinkansen” unveiled

▲ Imabari Shinkansen confirmed to start running on April 29 (Image / Courtesy of JR East Japan)

Travel Center / General Report

Dubbed the “world’s fastest moving art gallery,” the Imabari Shinkansen has finally been confirmed to begin service on April 29. The interior design of this uniquely artistic train, stunning from the inside out, has also been revealed recently. The train is expected to run daily from April 29 to May 8, after which it will operate regularly every weekend.

The Imabari Shinkansen consists of six cars and operates on the Joetsu Shinkansen line between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata. It offers three round-trip services per day. The exterior of the Imabari Shinkansen was designed by renowned Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa, featuring the summer fireworks of Nagaoka blossoming across the dark car body. The fireworks appear to burst forth in brilliant hues against the deep-colored train, allowing more people to catch a glimpse of their beauty as the train travels back and forth.

▲ Car No. 11 is the only reserved-seating car on the entire train (Image / Screenshot from)Gadget Tsushin)

Each of the six cars also features distinct and vivid interior designs. The only reserved-seating car, No. 11, is designed with elements such as harvest grains and light — from seats to carpeting — decorated with bright patterns that make passengers feel as if they’ve stepped into a kaleidoscope world.

▲ Car No. 12 (Image / Screenshot from)Sankei Shimbun)

Simple white is the color theme of Car No. 12. It is furnished with several beige sofa chairs, creating a comfortable space where one side features an outward-facing window and the other a full-length mirrored wall that unfolds like origami. The subtle lines throughout echo the texture of the walls while reflecting the scenery rushing past outside.

▲ Car No. 13 includes dining and children’s play areas (Image / Screenshot from Gadget Tsushin)

Car No. 13 serves as the main dining area, offering coffee and desserts made with local ingredients. Passengers can enjoy their coffee and meals while admiring beautiful paintings depicting the scenery of the Joetsu region on the carriage walls. Additionally, there is a children’s play area designed with artistic flair using blue and white colors. The toys provided are, of course, all railway-themed.

▲ Car No. 14 (Image / Screenshot from Sankei Shimbun)

Car No. 14 shares a largely similar design to Car No. 12, also featuring comfortable beige sofa chairs. However, its plain white walls display a series of works by a well-known photographer themed around “Niigata and Satoyama.”

▲ Car No. 15 (Image / Screenshot from Gadget Tsushin)

One wall of Car No. 15 features an 11-meter-long flower horizon created with artificial flowers. This colorful floral installation allows passengers to appreciate each blooming flower up close or view it as a vibrant streak of color from afar, offering different perspectives and experiences of the artwork. Finally, Car No. 16 is designed with square screens resembling windows, through which passengers can enjoy animations showcasing the natural and cultural charm of Niigata.

▲ Car No. 16 (Image / Screenshot from Sankei Shimbun)

The Imabari Shinkansen will run daily from April 29 to May 8, reaching a top speed of 210 km/h. Starting May 14, it will operate every weekend and national holiday.