A Fun Day Trip to Kobe on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen
"Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you."If you’re visiting the Kansai region, a day trip to Kobe on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is a fun and unique experience. Riding this themed train had been on our bucket list for a while, and even though the journey from Shin-Osaka takes less than 15 minutes, the train itself turns it into a mini adventure. For more details about the train, you can check out its official website.
The Hello Kitty Shinkansen Experience
The Hello Kitty Shinkansen isn’t just a train—it’s an experience. From the themed seats and windows to the cute decorations throughout the cars, it’s fun for both kids and adults. My daughter was absolutely thrilled to see it in person!
Since our ride to Kobe was short, we had to move quickly to explore the train and check out the merchandise. We booked unreserved seats through the SmartEX app and lined up early to board Car 2, the Kawaii Room, which is filled with adorable designs meant to delight passengers of all ages. Don’t miss the Photo Spot, where you can snap a few pictures with Hello Kitty for a fun keepsake from the ride.
As soon as the train was ready, we boarded Car 2, secured our seats, and headed straight to check out the merchandise. Everything happened fast—we had limited time, so it was a bit of a whirlwind!
Car 1, the Hello Plaza, is designed as a special display space where passengers can browse and purchase all the merchandise. Snacks and small souvenirs are also available on board, making even a short ride memorable. We managed to take plenty of photos and picked up a few souvenirs before arriving in Kobe.
Our Hello Kitty Haul: a limited-edition bullet train, a keychain, a spoon-and-fork set for my daughter, and a notepad
Exploring Kobe Harbourland
Getting There: Since we took the Shinkansen, it stopped at Shin-Kobe Station. From there, we transferred to Sannomiya Station via the Seishin-Yamate Line to reach Kobe Harborland.
Because it was New Year’s Day, we weren’t sure which shops would be open. We walked from the station through Kobe Chinatown and all the way to Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street. Some stores were closed while others were open, and we saw crowds wandering the streets and enjoying the holiday atmosphere. Many people were heading toward Ikuta-Jinja Shrine, which is about a five-minute walk from the station.
Eventually, we arrived at Kobe Harborland, a waterfront area with plenty to see and do. We spent time shopping, walking around, and exploring the family-friendly shops and attractions. With so many restaurants and cafés nearby, it was easy to grab lunch and snacks along the way.
We didn’t end up taking many photos here since we were busy eating, shopping, and exploring Harborland—but it’s definitely a place we’d love to return to and explore more of Kobe next time.
Our Kobe Haul: postcards, magnets, cookies & chocolates, and our favorite is the pudding
Tips for the Trip
The easiest way to book Shinkansen tickets is through the SmartEX—check here if you want more tips and helpful details.
If you’re visiting during a holiday, double-check which shops and attractions are open.
For short rides like this, plan your time well so you can explore and browse the merchandise at Car 1. It gets really crowded especially during the holidays.
Why It’s Worth It
Riding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, even for a short trip to Kobe, makes for a perfect day trip from Osaka. It’s easy, convenient, and adds a fun, memorable touch to any Kansai itinerary. I’m so glad we were able to experience it before operations end in May 2026.
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