What is Pokémon Train?
The official name is “Pokémon With You Train”. One of the “Joyful train”(Trains designed according to concept) operated by JR EAST. This train was born from the earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit the Tohoku region in 2011.
This is a special train that not only children but also adults can enjoy as a child again. There is also a playroom car for children.
Book a personalized video from your kid on Cameo.
The train crosses from Ichinoseki Station in Iwate Prefecture, located in the inland Tohoku region, to Kesennuma Station in Miyagi Prefecture on the Pacific Ocean side.
At each station where the train stops, there are various Pokemon decorations and many photo spots. Along with the scenery from the train windows, you can also enjoy an original Pokémon stamp rally.
Routes, Dates of Operation, and Timetables
Route
JR Ofunato Line
Ichinoseki Station (Iwate Prefecture) —- Kesennuma Station (Miyagi Prefecture)
Operating days
Operates only on weekends. Also operates on Japanese holidays.
Timetable (As of July 2023)
To Kesennuma: Ichinoseki Sta. 11:01 am — Kesennuma Sta. 12:52 pm
To Ichinoseki: Kesennuma Sta. 2:37 pm — Ichinoseki Sta. 4:32 pm
Check here for details: Pokémon train by JR EAST
How to get on
The Pokémon Train only has reserved seats. So you need a seat reservation ticket.
Reservations start one month in advance.
The same day one month in advance. If there is no same day, it is the next day. For example, if you want to get on March 30, reservation starts on March 1.
JR PASS covering the Tohoku area allows you to ride at no extra charge.
- JAPAN RAIL PASS
- JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area)
Notes
This is a popular train and seats fill up quickly. It is recommended to make a reservation as soon as possible after the reservation starts.
Seats are for 4 people in a box; if there are less than 3 people on the train, someone else will sit in the same seat.
Click here to make a reservation: JR EAST train reservation
From the Tokyo area
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station, then take the train bound for Kesennuma from Ichinoseki Station.
It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Tokyo Station to Ichinoseki.
A day trip from Tokyo is also possible by taking the train bound for Ichinoseki Station again from Kesennuma Station.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Area
Hiraizumi
Remnants of the golden city that flourished from the late Heian to Kamakura periods can be seen here.
Chuson-ji Konjikido, a World Heritage site, is a must-see.
From Ichinoseki Station, transfer to the Tohoku Honsen Line for the 10-minute ride to Hiraizumi Station. From there, a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride will take you to Chuson-ji Temple.
Geibikei Gorge
Visitors can enjoy a boat ride through a 2-km-long gorge with limestone cliffs more than 50 meters high.
Get off at “Geibikei Station,” a stop along the way, and walk for 5 minutes.
Kesennuma
Kesennuma is a port town that was severely damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 10 years have passed, and the town has been restored. You can taste seafood unique to this port town. You can also see the remains of the traces left by the earthquake and tsunami. Kesennuma Onsen hot springs are also available, and staying overnight is also recommended.
A trip to Kesennuma is a great way to get there, or just to get on the Pokémon train!