Few characters have achieved the global recognition of Super Mario, and now the iconic video game hero is making an appearance far beyond the screen. A new fleet of Super Mario–themed express services and high-speed Shinkansen trains is taking to Japan’s rails, combining playful design with some of Kyushu’s most scenic routes. The trains connect key destinations including Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki and Kumamoto, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure.
Fukuoka is set to be a particularly popular stop, with the opening of a brand-new Nintendo store, the company’s first new shop in two years. Packed with Super Mario merchandise and exclusive treats, it adds another layer of appeal for fans travelling through the region.
While younger travellers will undoubtedly be drawn to the novelty of the themed trains, there is plenty to interest adults as well. The routes pass through lesser-visited corners of Kyushu, offering access to historic hot spring towns such as Takeo Onsen and Ureshino Onsen, as well as the traditional sake breweries in the Hizen area. All the while, passengers can relax and take in sweeping regional landscapes from the comfort of their seats.
For more information, get in touch with our reservation team in Japan at: japan@destination-asia.com
