Are you a Pokémon fan visiting Japan? If you love both Pokémon and trains, there is a special train journey in Tohoku that you should know about.
The POKÉMON with YOU Train is a colorful sightseeing train operated by JR East. Covered with Pikachu from the outside to the inside, this unusual train takes you through the Tohoku region of Japan.
But this is more than just a fun Pokémon attraction.
The train was created as part of the POKÉMON with YOU project following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Its purpose is to bring smiles to children and encourage people to travel around Tohoku.
Today, it offers Pokémon fans of all ages a fun way to explore a part of Japan that many international visitors never get to see.
In this guide, I’ll explain what the Pokémon Train is, where it goes, how to book it, what you can see along the route, and how to plan a trip from Tokyo.
If you’re spending time in Tokyo, you can also visit one of the Pokémon Centers before heading to Tohoku.
What Is the POKÉMON with YOU Train?
The POKÉMON with YOU Train is one of JR East’s special sightseeing trains, known in Japan as a “Joyful Train.”
It first began operating in December 2012 on the Ofunato Line. The train was created with the support of the POKÉMON with YOU project, which began after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
The idea was simple: use Pokémon to bring smiles to children affected by the disaster and encourage families from across Japan to visit Tohoku.
The train was later renewed in 2017, and its Pikachu-filled design makes it one of the most recognizable sightseeing trains in the region.
JR East describes the train as a journey through areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, continuing the idea of bringing smiles to children and encouraging travel to Tohoku.
Where Does the Pokémon Train Go?
The route most travelers think of when they hear “Pokémon Train” is the POKÉMON with YOU Train Kesennuma.
It runs between:
Ichinoseki Station → Kesennuma Station
and
Kesennuma Station → Ichinoseki Station
The train travels along the JR Ofunato Line in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures.
Along the way, it stops at several stations, including:
- Ichinoseki
- Rikuchu-Matsukawa
- Geibikei
- Senmaya
- Kesennuma
The journey takes a little over two hours each way.
The exact timetable and operating dates can change, so always check the latest JR East schedule before planning your trip.
What Is Special About the Route?
One of the best things about this train is that the journey itself is part of the experience.
Instead of traveling between major tourist cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you’ll be traveling through rural Tohoku.
You’ll see mountains, countryside, small towns, and the scenery of inland Iwate before eventually reaching Kesennuma on the Pacific coast.
For travelers who have already visited Japan’s major tourist destinations, this can be a completely different side of Japan.
What Is Inside the Pokémon Train?
If you like Pokémon, the train is probably going to make you smile before you even sit down.
Pikachu appears everywhere, including the exterior, seats, curtains, walls, and other parts of the train.
There are two main cars, each with a different purpose.
Car No. 1: Communication Seats
The first car has reserved seats decorated with Pikachu.
You’ll find Pikachu on the seat backs, curtains, and other parts of the interior.
It’s a normal seating area, but with a very Pokémon-like atmosphere.
And yes, you’ll probably want to take a lot of photos.
Car No. 2: The Playroom
The second car is the playroom.
It has a large open floor area decorated with Pikachu, including a huge Pikachu that passengers can take photos with.
This is particularly popular with children, but you don’t have to be traveling with kids to enjoy the train.
If you’re an adult Pokémon fan, there’s nothing wrong with having fun here, too!
JR East also provides passengers with a commemorative notebook and boarding pass.
How to Book the Pokémon Train
This is one of the most important things to know before you plan your trip.
The POKÉMON with YOU Train is reservation-only.
You cannot simply show up at Ichinoseki Station and board with a regular train ticket.
You need:
- A basic fare ticket or an eligible rail pass
- A reserved-seat ticket
Reservations are available from 10:00 a.m. one month before the departure date.
JR East recommends booking through JR-EAST Train Reservation. You can also check reservation options through the train’s official timetable page.
Planning your trip to Tohoku?
Check train and accommodation options for your journey from Tokyo to Ichinoseki and beyond.
Can I Use a Japan Rail Pass?
If you have a rail pass that covers the journey, your basic fare may be covered.
However, you still need to reserve a seat because all seats on the POKÉMON with YOU Train are reserved.
Don’t assume that having a rail pass automatically guarantees you a seat.
Always make the reservation separately.
When Should I Book?
I’d recommend booking as soon as reservations open if your travel schedule is fixed.
The train does not operate every day, and operating dates vary throughout the year.
This means that you need to coordinate three things:
- Your visit to Tohoku
- The Pokémon Train operating date
- Your train reservation
Check the official calendar before making other non-refundable travel arrangements.
Pokémon Train Schedule
The POKÉMON with YOU Train does not operate every day.
The operating calendar changes depending on the season, and JR East publishes the schedule in advance.
For example, the 2026 calendar includes multiple operating dates for the Kesennuma route in October and November, but the exact dates are subject to change.
There are also periods when other POKÉMON with YOU Train routes operate, including special services between Morioka and Miyako or Hanamaki and Kamaishi.
For your trip, don’t rely on an old blog post or social media post. Check the latest official calendar before booking your accommodation and transportation.
How to Get to the Pokémon Train from Tokyo
If you’re traveling from Tokyo, Ichinoseki is the easiest starting point for the Kesennuma route.
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Ichinoseki Station.
From Ichinoseki, you can transfer to the POKÉMON with YOU Train.
This makes it possible to include the Pokémon Train in a larger Tohoku trip.
For example:
Tokyo → Ichinoseki → Pokémon Train → Kesennuma
You can then continue exploring the area instead of immediately returning to Tokyo.
Should You Make It a Day Trip?
Technically, you can plan a day trip depending on the train schedule.
However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend treating this as just a quick ride from Tokyo and back.
The Pokémon Train runs through a part of Tohoku that deserves more time.
If you have the opportunity, consider staying overnight in the Tohoku region and combining the train with other sightseeing.
That way, the Pokémon Train becomes part of your Tohoku adventure rather than the entire reason for traveling there.
Staying overnight in Tohoku?
Compare hotels in Ichinoseki and Kesennuma for your Pokémon Train trip.
Things to See Along the Pokémon Train Route
One of the biggest advantages of taking the Pokémon Train is that you can combine it with other attractions.
Geibikei Gorge
Geibikei is one of the highlights along the route.
The area is famous for its dramatic gorge and traditional boat rides through the valley.
If you’re interested in Japanese nature and landscapes, this is a great place to add to your itinerary.
The Pokémon Train makes a stop at Geibikei Station, although you’ll need to carefully check the train timetable and your sightseeing schedule if you plan to get off here.
Ichinoseki
Ichinoseki is a convenient base for exploring southern Iwate.
It is also a useful gateway to Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage area known for its Buddhist temples, gardens, and historical sites.
If you’re traveling all the way from Tokyo, combining the Pokémon Train with Hiraizumi can turn the journey into a much more substantial Tohoku trip.
Kesennuma
The Pokémon Train’s destination is Kesennuma, a coastal city in Miyagi Prefecture.
Kesennuma is known for its seafood and its connection to the Pacific Ocean.
It is also a place where you can learn more about the impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and the region’s recovery.
The Pokémon Train itself is part of the broader effort to encourage people to visit Tohoku.
At Kesennuma, JR East also highlights a stamp rally connected with Kesennuma’s recovery. Passengers can look for stamps around the city and receive a paper model of the Pokémon Train after completing the activity.
Planning to stay in Kesennuma?
Check available hotels and accommodation options for your Tohoku trip.
The Pokémon Train Is More Than a Character Train
For me, one of the most interesting things about the POKÉMON with YOU Train is its connection to Tohoku.
If you only look at the train’s bright colors and Pikachu decorations, it might seem like a simple character attraction.
But the story behind it is much deeper.
The train was introduced as part of tourism and regional revitalization efforts following the 2011 disaster.
So when you ride it, you’re not simply visiting a Pokémon attraction.
You’re also traveling through Tohoku and supporting the idea of encouraging visitors to discover the region.
That makes the experience different from visiting a Pokémon Center in Tokyo.
Who Is the Pokémon Train For?
Pokémon Fans
Obviously, this is an easy choice if you’re a serious Pokémon fan.
There are Pikachu everywhere, and the train itself is a memorable Pokémon experience.
Families with Children
The playroom makes the train particularly appealing to families.
Children can enjoy the Pokémon-themed interior while parents get to experience a sightseeing train through Tohoku.
Train Enthusiasts
If you love Japanese trains, this is another interesting JR East Joyful Train to add to your list.
It’s not simply transportation from A to B. The train itself is part of the attraction.
Repeat Visitors to Japan
This is where I think the Pokémon Train becomes especially interesting.
If you’ve already visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other major destinations, why not use Pokémon as an excuse to explore somewhere completely different?
Tohoku is often overlooked by international visitors, despite having beautiful scenery, historic towns, great food, hot springs, and a fascinating modern history.
Is the Pokémon Train Worth Riding?
If you’re visiting Japan specifically for Pokémon, the POKÉMON with YOU Train is a unique experience.
But it’s important to understand what kind of trip you’re signing up for.
This isn’t a quick attraction that you can squeeze between two Tokyo sightseeing spots.
You’ll need to travel to Tohoku, check the operating calendar, make a reservation, and plan your transportation carefully.
In return, you’ll get something that you can’t really experience anywhere else: a Pokémon-themed train journey through rural Tohoku.
For me, that’s the real appeal.
The Pokémon Train gives you a reason to leave the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route and discover another part of Japan.
Tips for Riding the Pokémon Train
Before you go, keep these points in mind:
- Check the operating calendar first. The train does not run every day.
- Reserve your seat in advance. All seats are reserved.
- Reservations open at 10:00 a.m. one month before the departure date.
- Allow extra time for transfers at Ichinoseki.
- Don’t plan too many sightseeing activities around the train schedule. Rural train services can be limited.
- Consider staying overnight in Tohoku rather than trying to return to Tokyo immediately.
- Check the latest JR East information before your trip, because operating dates and timetables can change.
Planning a Tohoku trip around the Pokémon Train?
Book your accommodation early, especially if your trip falls on a popular weekend.
Final Thoughts
The POKÉMON with YOU Train is one of those experiences that combines several things I love about traveling in Japan: trains, regional travel, Japanese scenery, and pop culture.
Yes, there are plenty of places to meet Pikachu in Tokyo.
But riding a Pikachu-covered train through the Tohoku countryside is something completely different.
If you’re a Pokémon fan looking for an unusual experience in Japan, consider going beyond Tokyo and making the Pokémon Train part of a Tohoku trip.
You might start the journey because of Pikachu, but you’ll probably remember the Tohoku scenery and the journey itself just as much.
If you’re interested in finding Pokémon around Japan rather than just visiting Pokémon stores, don’t miss Japan’s Pokémon manhole covers, known as Poké Lids.
Official Information
For the latest operating dates, timetable, and reservations, always check the official JR East website before your trip.