The domestic travel market is growing in Japan. The number of travelers has recently returned to pre-COVID times. In addition, the weak yen contributes to the increase in inbound tourists. Tokyo Disney Resort is no exception. Many holidaymakers flock to the kingdom of dreams and magic. How could railway companies pass it up?
On December 22nd, 2023, JR East started to operate a special poster train, named "Magical Dream Shinkansen", on their Tohoku Shinkansen. The purpose of this train is to promote tourism to Tokyo Disney Resort from the northern part of Japan. Magical Dream Shinkansen is decorated with Micky Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends on the exterior of the train. They're wearing special costumes to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort. Following the debut of the poster train, JR East started to deal in a special package tour to Tokyo Disney Resort including the Shinkansen ticket and the hotel staying coupon.
The vehicle of Magical Dream Shinkansen is set J69 of the EMU JR East E2-J (E2-1000) series. Set J69 is composed of 10 cars, and was originally built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 2005. The timetable of Magical Dream Shinkansen is officially released on JR East's website after 10pm on the day before operation. Last weekend, I could observe it for the first time in Tokyo station, but many passengers and rail-fans were flocking to the platform... very crowded. It's hugely popular, isn't it? Magical Dream Shinkansen will be operated until March 31st, 2024.
