All aboard the power-up express.
Get ready for entirely Super Mario inspired train decorated exteriors, stations transformed into mini Nintendo zones, and a brand-new traveling event series dubbed "Super Mario Festa in Kyushu," which will begin at Oita Station on November 29. This is one of Japan's largest themed train announcements in years for tourists, families, and gamers.
Date: November 2025
Location: Kyushu, Japan
Type of News: Japan Travel Trend / Themed Trains / Japan Experience News
Audience Affected: Tourists, Families, Pop-culture Travelers, Local Residents
Official Source: JR Kyushu & Nintendo public announcements (highlighted for internal review)
Although Japan has always been adept at transforming transportation into entertainment, this partnership between JR Kyushu and Nintendo stands out. As part of the regional initiative "Super Mario × JR Kyushu ~Let’s GO KYUSHU!~," which runs until June 2026, passengers will be able to board a new fleet of Super Mario-themed Shinkansen starting in November 2025.
What’s Happening?
JR Kyushu will remodel select Shinkansen and limited express trains with complete Mario branding, including vivid colors, famous characters, and iconic Mario insignia wrapped around the exterior. It's bold and retro, and it's impossible to miss on this platform.
The designs will vary by train, but expect appearances from:
Mario
Luigi
Peach
Yoshi
Toad
Bowser
…along with the whole Mushroom Kingdom lineup.
Inside select stations, travelers will also find photo spots, themed signage, and interactive decorations, making the experience feel more “game world” than train station.
Super Mario Festa in Kyushu
To kick off the debut, JR Kyushu will organize a six-stop traveling festival with live weekend events at major stations. The first destination is Oita Station on November 29th, offering Mario-themed activities, games, live entertainment, and exclusive goods. The Festa will spread to other major Kyushu stations over the winter and spring, transforming station plazas into small Mario theme parks for a weekend at a time.
Why This Is Big News
Although Japan is well-known for its themed trains, a partnership this size, involving numerous trains, stations, and live events, is uncommon. It's a lighthearted celebration of two global icons: Super Mario and the Shinkansen.
.jpg "There is no more famous train in Japan than the shinkansen 'bullet train'.")
Why Super Mario Shinkansen Matters for Travelers
This announcement makes Kyushu even more alluring, whether you're traveling to Japan with children, are an avid gamer, or just like a special vacation experience.
What it entails for travelers is as follows:
1. The Train Ride Becomes the Attraction
This isn’t just transportation, it’s a photo op, a memory, and a story to bring home. The themed trains turn long-distance travel into part of the adventure.
2. Perfect Timing for 2026 Trip Planning
The campaign runs through June 2026, ideal for winter, spring break, Golden Week, and early summer travelers.
3. Families Get an Instant Crowd-Pleaser
Parents know the magic of keeping kids entertained while traveling. A Mario train? Consider the job done.
4. It Highlights Kyushu as a Rising Tourist Favorite
Kyushu has been climbing travel wishlists, from hot springs to volcanoes to great food. This campaign is the region’s signal to the world: come visit, and have fun doing it.
5. Ideal for JR Pass & Regional Pass Users
Travelers planning to hop between cities (Hakata, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima) can upgrade their journey with a themed ride, making the JR Pass or Kyushu Regional Pass even more appealing.
What Comes Next
When It Starts
Train designs debut: November 2025
Campaign ends: June 2026
How to Ride the Super Mario Shinkansen
Purchase a standard Shinkansen ticket
Or use a JR Pass or Kyushu Regional Pass
Where to Stay
With events spread across Kyushu, consider staying near major stations like:
Hakata
Kumamoto
Nagasaki
Kagoshima
What to Bring
Your camera or phone fully charged
Pocket Wi-Fi for smooth navigation and fast uploads
More Details Coming Soon
JR Kyushu is expected to release full train schedules, Festa locations, and additional event details closer to November.
FAQs
What are the Super Mario Shinkansen trains?
Special themed bullet trains in Kyushu featuring Mario and friends, running from November 2025–June 2026.
Do I need a special ticket?
No, regular Shinkansen tickets or JR Passes work.
Where does the Super Mario Festa happen?
The Festa tours six major station plazas, starting at Oita Station on November 29th.
Will the inside of the trains be themed too?
Details vary by train, but expect both exterior and interior Mario design elements.
People Also Ask
Which train lines will have Super Mario designs?
Several JR Kyushu Shinkansen and limited express lines, including the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen and 800-series Tsubame trains.
Will stations be decorated too?
Yes, 20+ stations will have Mario-themed photo spots, signage, and interactive displays during the campaign.
Is the Super Mario Shinkansen good for families?
Absolutely. The themed trains and Festa events are designed with families and kids in mind.
