Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka 

BY  Sibashree Apr 18, 2026

Yes, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to be discontinued in Japan. Now, during my last trip to Japan, a ride on this themed bullet train was surely my pookie moment.  It was an experience of a lifetime when I tried the best Osaka food and boarded the Hello Kitty Shinkansen train. It was for a day trip to Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima.  However, JR West has decided to stop the operation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from 17th May 2026.  Now, it’s sad for everyone who loves Japanese culture. If the Japanese shrines and temples are the telltale signs of its history, religion, and society, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has been a poster of pop culture.  So, in this article, I will discuss how the beautiful 8-year-old journey of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to come to an end. Also, I will talk about what you can expect in the few days left until the last date of operation.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen: An Iconic Symbol Of Japanese Railway Branding  Hello Kitty Shinkansen started running on the Sanyō Shinkansen line on 30th June, 2018. It used to run from Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka).  Furthermore, during this 8-year run, this themed bullet train has successfully served its purpose of reviving tourism in Japan.  Moreover, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen used 500-series bullet trains and featured the signature white-and-pink colors.  Also, the exterior was adorned with bows, the signature of Hello Kitty.  However, for the train, the bow represented a link between the cities on the route covered.  The Decor Which Made The Hello Kitty Shinkansen So Special Out of eight cars of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, the decor of the first two cars was based on the theme.  Furthermore, the Hello Plaza in Car 1 was dedicated to exhibitions. It had exhibits dedicated to the cities crossed on the route.  Moreover, you could shop for souvenirs at the Hello Plaza.  Again, the second carriage, “KAWAII! ROOM,” was decorated in the style of Hello Kitty. The chairs, the wall art, and the ceiling were done accordingly.  Moreover, there was a photo area.  The rest of the carriage was like a normal bullet train, with subtle hints of the Hello Kitty theme.  Also, a unique melody was used for the announcement.  How Is The Farewell Event Of Hello Kitty Shinkansen Being Planned?  JR West is going to plan a series of commemorative events to bid farewell to this iconic bullet train.  As a passenger, you can leave a message on the board reserved for sharing memories. Furthermore, you can get stickers and limited-edition souvenirs in memory of the train.  Moreover, you can collect special merchandise from the Kyoto Railway Museum and specific JR West Stores. You will even find them online.  Having said that, there is still a month left before the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is discontinued. So, let’s have a quick look at the operation days, timetable, and passes.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Passes And Tickets You can ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen with the Japan Rail Pass and other tickets. So, check out some of the pass options here.  1. JR-WEST All Area Pass You can buy this single pass to explore Sanyo, Hokuriku, Hakata, and other unexplored parts of western Japan.  Furthermore, it has a validity of 7 days.  Also, the pass price for adults is 26000 Yen, and for children, it is 1300 Yen. Moreover, it is free for children from 1 to 5 years.  This is the most recommended pass for riding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.  2. Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass With this Kansai to Hiroshima Pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides between these two locations.  It will also include a ride on the JR West Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Island.  Moreover, the 5-day pass for Kansai - Hiroshima will cost 17000 Yen for adults and 8500 Yen for children.  3. Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides between Fukuoka and Yamaguchi. This pass is valid for 5 days, and for adults, it costs 15000 Yen, and for children, it is 7500 Yen.  Moreover, there are the Kansai-Wide Area Pass, Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass, SANYO-SHINKANSEN One-way Ticket, and Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Days Of Operation And Timetable  Hello Kitty Shikashen will now run every day. You can book the trains from https://www.klook.com/japan-rail/ or the West Japan Railway Company’s website.  Also, there are two trains, Kodama No. 942 and Kodama No. 949, running from Hakata to Shin-Osaka and Shin-Osaka to Hakata, respectively.  1. Time Table Of Kodama No. 942 (Hakata To Shin-Osaka) StationTiming Hakata7:04 AMKokura 7:22 AMShin-Shimonosheki 7:31 AMAsa7:43 AMShin-Yamaguchi7:53 AMTokuyama8:12 AMShin-Iwakuni8:25 AMHiroshima8:40 AMHigashihiroshima8:53 AMMihara9:12 AMShin-Onomichi9:18 AMFukuyama9:31 AMShin-Kurashiki9:45 AMOkayama10:09 AMAioi10:35 AMHimeji10:48 AMNishi-Akashi11:02 AMShin-Kobe11:12 AMShin-Osaka11:25 AM 2. Time Table Of Kodama No. 948 (Shin-Osaka To Hakata) StationTiming Shin-Osaka11:37 AMShin-Kobe11:50 AMNishi-Akashi12:01 PMHimeji12:15 PMAioi12:27 PMOkayama12:50 PMShin-Kurashiki1:02 PMFukuyama1:16 PMShin-Onomichi1:28 PMMihara1:41 PMHigashihiroshima1:56 PMHiroshima2:08 PMShin-Iwakuni2:29 PMTokuyama2:42 PMShin-Yamaguchi2:58 PMAsa3:11 PMShin-Shimonosheki 3:24 PMKokura 3:34 PMHakata3:51 PM There has always been high demand for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. So, hurry a little if you want to experience a ride in the remaining days.  Moreover, train timings can change under unusual circumstances. So, always check the timing with local authorities before booking your tickets. What Are The Places To Visit On The Hello Kitty Shinkansen Route?  There are many stations on the Hello Kitty Bullet Train route. However, you cannot miss these places on the route.  1. Kobe I loved the Nunobiki Ropeway, which was very close to the Kobe Shinkansen station. The ropeway took me on a ride over the Nunobiki Waterfall and the beautiful Kobe Herb Garden.  It dropped us at the Observation Park, and as the name suggests, it offers amazing views of the city.  However, you can also take a local train to the city.  2. Himeji The Himeji Castle is one of the twelve original castles in Japan. It was built in 1609.  Also known as the White Heron Castle, it is the largest in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  3. Okayama The Korakuen Garden in Okayama is beautiful. Furthermore, the Kibutsu Shrine, a little far away from the town, stands out with its amazing “timber-framed corridor.” Also, don’t forget a visit to the Okayama Castle, the main tower of which was completed in 1597.  4. Kurashiki The Bikan Historical Quarter is the main attraction of Kurashiki. Once you reach Kurashiki on the bullet train, you will get off and take a local train to reach the historical center.  It is also a pretty and quaint town. So, it is ideal for relaxation.  5. Hiroshima Hiroshima is one of the historic places to visit in Japan. The Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Museum here remind you of the futility of war.  The Future Of Themed Bullet Trains In Japan  You may think that the discontinuation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has put the future of the themed bullet trains in Japan at stake.  However, that is not the case.  Japan will have a new theme-based bullet train called the Super Mario Shinkansen in 2025. Also, JR Kyushu runs this train in Kyushu.  As the name suggests, Super Mario Shinkansen has pictures of the main characters, Mario and Luigi. Also, it shows how Japan still believes in using themed trains as powerful tools of regional tourism promotion among children and youngsters. 

BY  Sibashree May 5, 2026

I forgot to mention one thing when I shared my experience of a train ride in the Demodara railway loop. This is a lesser-known loop, and I got to know about it from the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa.  This museum is at a distance of just 15.1 km from Kandy. Today, it has many old machines, carriages, equipment, and locomotives.  Though everyone will have a visit to the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, in their itinerary of the things to do in Sri Lanka, I enjoyed my day there.  So, in this blog, I will talk about my experience at the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawan, its entry fee, timings, exhibits, and how it was opened at an opportune moment.  National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa: Quick Facts Opening Date27th December, 2014 Opening Hours 9 AM to 4 PM (Only closed on Poya Day)Ticket Price - For Sri Lankan Adults: Rs. 50- Foreign Adults: Rs. 500- Children: Rs. 20- Children in School Uniform: Rs. 10  Why Was The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, Opened?  The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, was opened on 27th December, 2014, on the occasion of the 150th year of railway operations in Sri Lanka.  The first train of the Ceylon Railway ran from Colombo Terminus station to Ambepussa. The Duke of Brabant of Belgium was a passenger on this train.  On the occasion of the museum inauguration, a Memorial Stamp was also released. Furthermore, as souvenirs, there were a memorial DVD and a coffee table book.  Moreover, a Replica Steam Train ran from Colombo Fort to Kadugannawa, and it had special invitees as passengers.  It was a thoughtful move to commemorate the first train operation 150 years ago.  How To Reach The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa? You can reach the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, with a short train ride from Kandy.  However, if you miss the train, you can also take a bus. However, I don’t recommend a bus ride from Kandy to Kadugannawa because the bus ride through the Royal Botanic Gardens takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Also, the bus is very crowded, and you will find every type of food vendor there.  Nevertheless, if you still want a bus ride, the ticket price will be 120 LKR (Around 36 Rs.) for a person.  Kandy To Kadugannawa Train Ride  I love train rides, and even if the queue for the third-class ticket was long, I enjoyed the entire experience.  Nevertheless, I took the Kandy to Polgahawela train that departed from the Kandy Station at 2:15 PM and reached the Kadugannawa Station at 2:55 PM.  The train halts at the Kadugannawa station for 1 minute. So, stand near the gate and be a little fast when alighting from the train.  I got a 3rd class ticket, and the ticket price was Rs. 40. What Are The Things To See At The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa?  The Kadugannawa Railway Museum is very close to the Kadugannawa Railway Station. It is a small space, and it includes a platform and 2 outside areas.  Furthermore, it is spread over a train shed.  I sat in a vintage train carriage at the museum, and it cost me around Rs. 296. The carriage also had an attendant who showed me the museum. The Exhibits And Demonstrations I Loved  I especially loved the demonstration of the efficient token system that ensures that trains do not run into each other on the single-track mountain railway lines of Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, I found a massive model railway inside the museum. It shows the entire Sri Lankan railway network.  It was fascinating, and it highlighted the Nine Arch Bridge and how the train covers the spiral Demodara loop.  I also had a lot of fun getting in and out of the steam locomotives, carriages, and old engines at the museum.  Moreover, I saw a 10-minute-long video describing the railway network of Sri Lanka.  Overall, I spent around an hour at the museum and ended my time there with a cup of coffee at the in-house coffee shop. The coffee shop itself is inside a carriage.  The best things about the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, were that very few visitors were there.  So, as a curious soul and someone very fascinated by trains (my home is very close to a railway track), I had a gala time.  What Are The Other Places To Visit In Kadugannawa?  Kadugannawa, a short distance away from Kandy, is a serene place with many historical and cultural attractions.  So, once you have completed exploring the top attractions in Kandy and the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, you can visit these places.  1. Balana Fort  Balana Fort is located between Kadugannawa and Kandy.  Also, close to the Alagalla Mountain Range, its strategic position helped to protect the kingdom of Kandy from external attacks.  2. Captain Dawson Tower  The Captain Dawson Tower is at Kadugannawa Pass, and it is very close to the first modern expressway of Sri Lanka, the Colombo Kandy Road.  The construction of this expressway began under the supervision of Captain William Francis Dawson in 1820. So, this tower remembers and respects the contribution of Captain William Francis Dawson. Moreover, it was built in 1832.  3. Lion’s Mouth Rock, Kadugannawa It is an overhanging rock that you can find between the Balana and Kadugannawa railway stations.  The natural formation of the rock resembles a lion’s mouth.  Furthermore, when the train passes through the bend, there is a steep descent. So, the feeling of a drop makes the experience all the more thrilling.  4. Kadugannawa Rock View  If you are traveling from Colombo to Kandy or exploring the best attractions in Kadugannawa, the Kadugannawa Rock View is a place to relax.  The place is serene, and it offers amazing views of the lush surroundings. Furthermore, there are a few small shops on the way.  You can buy some souvenirs from these shops, and you will spot a lot of monkeys here.  Moreover, it was sunset time when I reached this viewpoint, and the experience was surreal.

BY  Sibashree Sep 29, 2026

I got a glimpse of the Kiri Vehera through a gap in the trees.  It was milky white, and even early in the morning, it looked the brightest among the surrounding ruins.  Also, it is fascinating that the stupa is one of the few in Sri Lanka to have its original structure even after around 900 years.  Locals say that when the stupa was discovered amidst the jungle, its chunam, or lime coating,g was still intact.  Thus, it got its name as Kiri Vehera, or Milk White Stupa.  Furthermore, along with being the best-preserved stupa, it is also a classic example of Bubulakara, or the bubble-shaped form of stupa.  Kiri Vehera At A Glance DetailFactMeaning“Milk Stupa”It was originally called Rupavati Chetiya.BuilderQueen Subhadda, consort of Parakramabahu I (1153–1186)She was also known as Bhaddavati.TypeBubbulakara (bubble-shaped) stupa on three receding terracesHeightAround 24 meters for the damaged stupa. Base diameterAbout 26.8 metersTerraceAbout 57.6 metersRankSecond-largest stupa at PolonnaruwaStatusStill an active place of worshipEntry FeeIncluded in the $25 Polonnaruwa ticket. Hours7 AM to 5:30 PM My Walk Around The Milk Stupa Kiri Vehera is just north of Lankathilaka. I just took a short walk over after the image house to reach this stupa.  First Impressions Of The White Dome As I have mentioned, the white plaster of the dome glowed against the blue sky.  It has the simplest design with very little ornamentation.  Polonnaruwa’s builders kept this design deliberately simple. Small subsidiary stupas dot the platform, and the scale felt human rather than overwhelming. The Devatā Carvings Most People Miss Don’t miss a close look at devatā-koṭuva.  It has the most unusual carvings of deities, and these are uncommon for a stupa.  This drum-like structure has carvings of eight divine figures in a folded-hand posture. It looks like they are worshipping Lord Buddha.  Circling The Stupa With Respect I saw devotees visiting the stupa and offering flowers. They lit oil lamps and walked around the stupa as part of their prayer rituals. Also, you have to keep your shoes outside the brick fence.  History And Architecture The stupa dates to the reign of Parakramabahu I. Furthermore, it is part of the king’s vision to build a large monastic university, Alahana Pirivena.  Also, the building programme of the king helped reshape Polonnaruwa. Queen Bhaddavati And The Rupavati Chetiya The Mahavamsa credits the building of this stupa to Queen Bhaddavati.  As a woman, I appreciated the fact that the best-preserved monument in the ancient city is a queen’s commission, not a king’s. The Terraces And Dimensions  The architectural design of the monument features a stupa positioned directly in the center of an expansive square terrace, with each side stretching roughly 57.6 meters (189 feet).  The main dome spans a diameter of 26.8 meters (88 feet) at its base.  From the ground up to its fractured spire, the entire monument reaches an approximate height of 24 meters (80 feet). Supporting the core structure are three stepped basal terraces, traditionally called pesavas.  Standing between 0.9 and 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) high, these tiers likely functioned as pathways for devotional walking rituals (circumambulation) or as ledges for leaving flowers.  This design element directly mirrors ancient Indian architecture seen at historic sites like Sanchi. Sitting atop the dome is the hatareskotuva (a square tee) built from solid brick, measuring about 7.4 meters (24 feet 4 inches) wide and 3.7 meters (12 feet) tall.  Resting directly above this square section is the devata-kotuva (the enclosure of the deities), a rounded drum that is 2.9 meters (9 feet 6 inches) wide and 2.3 meters (7 feet 8 inches) high.  This circular tier is decorated with carvings of eight gods shown praying with their hands joined in deep respect.  The final crowning element is the kota (spire), which extends upward for another 7 meters (23 feet), though fragments of the spire have eroded away over the centuries. The Relic Chambers And The Interior Of The Stupa In the early 1900s, British archaeologist H. C. P. Bell conducted systematic excavations that offered a rare glimpse into the inner architecture of the stupa.  During his investigation, Bell uncovered a winding, 25-foot (7.6-meter) tunnel carved out centuries earlier by grave robbers targeting the structure's sacred treasures.  After clearing out this passageway, his team discovered two upper relic chambers that had unfortunately already been broken into and stripped of their valuables. The first looted chamber spanned roughly 11 feet 2 inches (3.4 meters) wide. It originally housed structural foundations meant to secure a yantragala (a traditional stone reliquary). It also had a sacred Mahameru stone, which serves as a symbolic representation of the cosmic mountain. Crucially, a third, lower chamber escaped destruction.  Because the historical looters had not dug deep enough, this final vault remained perfectly sealed and intact.  Out of preservation and respect, Bell’s archaeological team made the deliberate decision to leave this third chamber unopened. Why The Plaster Survived When the jungle was cleared after roughly 700 years of neglect, the lime plaster was in near-perfect condition.  Engineers describe these plasters as closer to lime-concrete than ordinary stucco.  That waterproof skin explains why brick has not crumbled here as it has elsewhere. Kiri Vehera Vs Rankot Vehera: Two Ways To Read A Stupa I compared Polonnaruwa’s two great stupas on the same day. Each of them has a different mood. Rankot is impressive because of its size, while Kiri Vehera impresses by its survival. FeatureKiri VeheraRankot VeheraBuilderQueen Bhaddavati (12th century)King Nissanka Malla (1187–1196)HeightAbout 24 Meters54 MetersSurfaceOriginal lime plaster largely intactExposed brick, like most stupas of its era.Best forPreservation and quiet worshipSheer scale How I Would Fit It Into A Day I spent about 45 minutes here, then moved on to Gal Vihara before the midday heat.  Also, it is a short walk from Lankathilaka and offers the strongest contrast in appearance. The image house is a ruin, and the Buddha statue there is headless. However, this stupa has had the same structure since the time of its foundation.  Photography Tips With its human scale, Kiri Vehera is a favorite of photo enthusiasts.  However, if you are visiting the stupa mid-day, the mid-day glare will bounce off the white plaster.  On the other hand, morning and late afternoon, with softer light, are better times of the day for photography.  Also, never take selfies posing back to the stupa, as it is disrespectful, and the guides will stop you if you even try to do that.  Why Kiri Vehera Matters Today The ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City and other remains of Polonnaruwa raise a question. What did these monuments look like when they were finished?  Kiri Vehera is the only monument to offer an answer to this.  Also, as a living worship shrine, it is a site that allows you to slow down.  So, if you are rushing past it on the way to Gal Vihara, you will miss the quiet centre of the northern complex.