A Journey into the Undead: Halloween Takes the Bullet Train in Japan

‘Zombie Shinkansen’ delivers high-speed thrills and chills

Halloween Takes the Bullet Train in Japan

A Spine-Chilling Adventure on Japan’s Bullet Train: Halloween Takes a Thrilling Turn

As October draws to a close, Halloween’s spirit awakens globally. Japan is no exception. This year, though, thrill-seekers got a uniquely terrifying taste of the holiday aboard a moving bullet train. The serene commute turned into an adrenaline-pumping zombie apocalypse.

A Train Like No Other

Imagine a typical two-and-a-half-hour journey on Japan’s famous shinkansen, known for its punctuality and comfort. Now, add in a horror twist. Passengers are not just traveling from Tokyo to Osaka. They are part of the world’s first haunted house experience on a bullet train. Organizers called it a “haunted house on wheels.” They drew inspiration from the 2016 South Korean hit film Train to Busan. In the film, passengers fight for survival against a horde of zombies.

As the train pulled away from the platform, the atmosphere was calm and normal. But soon, the first bloody scene unfolded. Actors, hidden among the passengers, began to writhe and scream. They transformed into menacing zombies. The illusion was so convincing that even foreign tourists couldn’t help but feel transported into a movie scene. “I felt like I was part of a film.” Joshua Payne, an American traveler, said this to encapsulate the thrill of the moment.

A Creative Collaboration

This event was not just a spontaneous idea. It was the creation of Kowagarasetai, a group dedicated to crafting immersive scare experiences. Organizer Kenta Iwana shared their vision. They aimed to disrupt the “normally safe, peaceful shinkansen” and turn it into a space of chaos and fear. “We wanted to depict how quickly things can change,” he explained, emphasizing the juxtaposition of comfort and horror.

The event was part of a broader strategy by Central Japan Railway Company. After the pandemic’s impact on travel, they began renting out train compartments for unique events. The shinkansen has become a venue for creative expressions, hosting activities from sushi restaurants to wrestling matches. This trend expands the concept of rail travel in Japan.

Balancing Horror with Fun

Zombies hijack Halloween bullet train ride in Japan

But, it wasn’t all terror and screams. To keep the experience enjoyable, the journey included interludes of levity. Performances by zombie cheerleaders, magicians, and comedians added lightness. Highlights included a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” providing moments of laughter amid the chilling ambiance. “Sitting tight for such a long time isn’t desirable,” said Ayaka Imaide, one of the organizers. She recognized the need for balance.

The immersive nature of the event drew enthusiastic responses. Many passengers agreed that the price of up to 50,000 yen (approximately $335) was well worth it. They felt it was a unique experience. “It was very immersive,” said Naohiko Nozawa, another participant, who was captivated by the variety of zombie characters.

New Horizons for Japanese Rail Travel

The success of the zombie train ride signifies a new chapter for Japan’s railways. Marie Izumi of JR Central’s tourism subsidiary was initially skeptical about the concept. Yet, she was thrilled by the outcome. She recognized the potential for similar events in the future. “This has opened my eyes to new possibilities,” she noted, hinting at concerts or comedy shows aboard the shinkansen.

As Halloween approaches, Japan continues to embrace its quirky and inventive spirit. Whether it’s haunted trains or elaborate theme parks, the country demonstrates that there’s no limit to creativity. For those aboard the zombie train, this Halloween was more than a celebration of fright. It was an unforgettable journey. The experience blurred the lines between reality and fantasy, comfort and chaos. As they sped towards Osaka, they realized something. The scariest part wasn’t the zombies. It was the thought of returning to everyday life after such an exhilarating ride.

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