Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train) is one of the best ways to travel around the country. It’s fast, comfortable, and famously punctual.
So, what if you could enjoy all these benefits while riding a train decorated with characters from the hugely popular manga and anime series ONE PIECE?
Sounds like a dream come true for fans, doesn’t it?
The ONE PIECE Shinkansen is a special collaboration between JR West and ONE PIECE. Operating on the Sanyo Shinkansen line between Shin-Osaka and Hakata, these themed trains turn an ordinary train journey into a little adventure.
If you’re a ONE PIECE fan visiting Japan, this is definitely a train worth checking out!
- What Is the ONE PIECE Shinkansen?
- Meet the Three ONE PIECE Shinkansen Trains
- ONE PIECE Shinkansen Design: Look Inside and Outside!
- ONE PIECE Shinkansen Route and Timetable
- How to Ride the ONE PIECE Shinkansen
- ONE PIECE Shinkansen Original Merchandise
- NEXT GEAR: The Special Eighth Carriage
- My Experience Riding the ONE PIECE Shinkansen
- Tips for Taking Photos of the ONE PIECE Shinkansen
- Is the ONE PIECE Shinkansen Worth Riding?
What Is the ONE PIECE Shinkansen?
The ONE PIECE Shinkansen is a collaboration project between JR West and ONE PIECE, one of Japan’s most famous manga and anime series.
The first train, Setouchi Blue, began operating in April 2025. Two more trains followed: Tony Tony Chopper in May 2025 and Monkey D. Luffy in July 2025.
There are now three specially decorated train sets operating on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, which connects Shin-Osaka and Hakata.
One thing to keep in mind is that the three trains operate on a random basis. You cannot choose which design you will get when buying your ticket.
Meet the Three ONE PIECE Shinkansen Trains
Each train has its own theme and original design.
- Setouchi Blue: The first train in the project, featuring a blue-themed design inspired by the Setouchi region.
- Tony Tony Chopper: A cute design inspired by Chopper, with his signature colors and recognizable features.
- Monkey D. Luffy: A train inspired by the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy.
The exterior and interior designs are different for each train, so spotting which one arrives at the station is part of the fun!
ONE PIECE Shinkansen Design: Look Inside and Outside!
The entire train is decorated with ONE PIECE artwork, not just a few promotional stickers.
Exterior Design
Each train has its own character designs and decorations.
What’s especially fun is that the illustrations vary from carriage to carriage. Don’t just take a quick look at the front or the first carriage. Walk along the entire train and check out the designs from one end to the other.
You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities!
Interior Design
The fun continues inside the train.
Each carriage features different ONE PIECE posters and decorations. Even the mirrors around the washbasin areas are worth checking out!
My advice is to explore the entire train if you have enough time. There are lots of little details that you might otherwise miss.
The train also features a special arrangement of the original TV anime opening theme, “We Are!”, as its onboard chime. Onboard announcements by Luffy and Chopper are also available at selected stations.
ONE PIECE Shinkansen Route and Timetable
The ONE PIECE Shinkansen operates on the Sanyo Shinkansen line between Shin-Osaka and Hakata.
The main stations along this route include:
- Shin-Osaka
- Shin-Kobe
- Himeji
- Okayama
- Fukuyama
- Hiroshima
- Shin-Yamaguchi
- Kokura
- Hakata
However, not every train stops at every station, and the operating schedule varies depending on the date.
The three themed trains also operate on different services, so check the official operating calendar before planning your journey.
Important: The operating schedule is subject to change due to train operations and other circumstances. The train you see on the calendar may also be replaced or changed at short notice.
For the latest information, check the official website:
ONE PIECE Shinkansen – Official Train Guide and Operating Calendar
How to Ride the ONE PIECE Shinkansen
The good news is that you don’t need a special ticket or reservation to ride the ONE PIECE Shinkansen.
You can board it with an ordinary Shinkansen ticket, just like any other service.
You need two tickets:
- A basic fare ticket (passenger ticket)
- A Shinkansen limited express ticket
If you want to sit in a reserved seat, purchase a reserved-seat limited express ticket. Non-reserved seats are also available, and tickets can be purchased on the day of travel.
You can buy your tickets online, from ticket machines, or at a JR ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi).
You don’t have to travel the entire route, either. Even a short journey between two neighboring stations is fine!
For example, you can simply ride from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe if you want to experience the themed train without spending too much time traveling.
ONE PIECE Shinkansen Original Merchandise
Want to take home a souvenir?
Original ONE PIECE Shinkansen merchandise is available at selected shops, including shops and souvenir stores at Shinkansen stations.
You can also check the official online shop for available items.
If you’re a fan, picking up an original souvenir is a nice way to remember your journey!
NEXT GEAR: The Special Eighth Carriage
The ONE PIECE Shinkansen is getting even more exciting!
JR West has announced a major upgrade to the eighth carriage of each train, introducing a special space called NEXT GEAR.
The first upgraded carriage, on the Setouchi Blue train, is scheduled to begin operating on December 27, 2026.
The upgraded eighth carriage will feature:
- A special photo booth where you can take pictures with Luffy and Chopper figures
- Original illustrations created especially for the project
- Special wall and floor decorations
- Hidden stickers and other details to discover
The Tony Tony Chopper and Monkey D. Luffy trains are scheduled to receive their upgraded eighth carriages in spring 2027.
Keep in mind that these upgrades will not happen on all three trains at the same time. If you specifically want to experience the new eighth carriage, check the latest information before your trip.
My Experience Riding the ONE PIECE Shinkansen
I rode the ONE PIECE Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Shin-Kobe.
To be honest, I wish I had booked a longer journey!
At Shin-Osaka Station, I walked along the entire train to photograph the exterior. Once I got on board, I did the same thing inside, exploring all the carriages to see the decorations.
I was in such a hurry to see and photograph everything that I barely had time to sit down.
By the time I reached the last carriage, I was already tired, and Shin-Kobe Station arrived before I knew it!
My honest recommendation? Give yourself more time to enjoy the train.
If you’re traveling from Shin-Osaka, how about riding all the way to Himeji? You could enjoy the ONE PIECE Shinkansen and then visit Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most famous castles.
That sounds like a much better adventure than rushing through the train in just one short journey!
Tips for Taking Photos of the ONE PIECE Shinkansen
Taking good photos of a moving Shinkansen is not easy. These trains are fast!
If you want to photograph the exterior, here are a few tips based on my experience.
1. Arrive early at Shin-Osaka Station
Shin-Osaka is the starting point for some of the services, so the train may be waiting at the platform before departure. This gives you a chance to photograph the exterior while it is stationary.
Arriving early is especially helpful if you want to capture the entire train.
2. Walk along the entire train
Since the illustrations differ from carriage to carriage, take your time and walk along the platform to see the full design.
3. Consider buying a station entrance ticket
If you only want to photograph the train and don’t intend to travel, you can purchase a station entrance ticket (nyujo-ken).
This allows you to enter the ticketed area of the station, including the Shinkansen platforms, subject to the station’s entrance-ticket rules.
Just remember that an entrance ticket does not allow you to board the train or explore its interior.
4. Don’t forget the interior!
If you’re actually riding the train, leave enough time to explore the decorations inside. The posters, illustrations, and even the washbasin mirrors are worth a look.
Is the ONE PIECE Shinkansen Worth Riding?
Absolutely, especially if you’re a ONE PIECE fan!
The ONE PIECE Shinkansen is more than just a themed train. It’s a fun way to combine two things Japan is famous for: its world-class railway system and its incredible anime culture.
Even if you only have time for a short journey, it’s worth experiencing. But if possible, I’d recommend booking a longer ride so you can enjoy the exterior, interior, and all the little details without rushing.
So, why not add the ONE PIECE Shinkansen to your Japan travel itinerary?
Your next adventure on the Grand Line might begin at a Shinkansen station!