By Dexerto | Created at 2026-08-04 12:24:52 | Updated at 2026-08-04 16:31:25
4 hours ago
Pokemon fans have another reason to visit Japan, as the country has transformed an entire train into a real-life attraction to celebrate the launch of Pokemon Pokopia’s first Expansion Pass DLC, Bubbly Basin.
Pokemon Pokopia has quickly become one of the biggest Pokemon spin-offs in years, letting players build cozy towns for Pokemon as an adorable Ditto.
Well, now the adventure is about to get even bigger with the launch of Part 1 of the Expansion Pass, Bubbly Basin, on August 5, introducing a brand new underwater town, new Pokemon, furniture, outfits, and the Dive ability for exploring beneath the waves. The Expansion Pass will continue with additional features later in 2026 before adding another entirely new town in 2027.
To mark the upcoming DLC, Japan has gone all out by wrapping an entire train in Pokemon Pokopia artwork, turning the daily commute into something that looks straight out of the game.
Japan celebrates Pokemon Pokopia with adorable themed train
The special Pokemon Pokopia train began operating across the Tokyo to Yokohama rail network on August 2 and will remain in service until September 25, 2026, meaning there’s still plenty of time to check it out.
To celebrate the release of Part 1 of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, “Bubbly Basin,” a special Pokémon-themed train has arrived in Japan!
The event will run across the Tokyo–Yokohama rail network from August 2 to September 25, 2026. Minato Mirai Station will also receive a… pic.twitter.com/vC9diusd25
— Meccha Japan (@mecchaJP) August 3, 2026
Inside, the train features plenty of nods to the upcoming expansion. The seats have been transformed with adorable purple Ditto designs, while the walls are covered in artwork featuring Water-type Pokemon and creatures appearing in the expansion, including Starmie.
Posters and decorations promoting Bubbly Basin can also be found throughout the carriages, while the train’s exterior has been wrapped with Pokemon artwork and the Expansion Pass logo.
The makeover doesn’t stop once passengers step off the train either. Minato Mirai Station has received its own Pokemon Pokopia overhaul, with themed decorations throughout the station. Looking up, visitors will even spot Ditto peering down from above, which might be a bit of a jump scare early in the morning.
This isn’t the first time The Pokemon Company has used real-world transport to promote its games. Over the years, we’ve seen Pokemon-themed aircraft take to the skies, including the famous Pikachu Jet collaborations, while Japan has also previously launched a Ditto-themed train to celebrate Pokemon Pokopia’s original release.
