Japan’s typically serene bullet train ride morphed into a zombie apocalypse scene, terrifying passengers. Less than two weeks before Halloween, this event was dubbed the “world’s first haunted house experience on a running shinkansen.”
Around 40 thrill-seekers journeyed from Tokyo to Osaka in a specially chartered Shinkansen car. They braced themselves for a frightful night inspired by the 2016 South Korean movie Train to Busan, in which zombies besiege train passengers.
The trip started calmly on Saturday evening but soon erupted into chaos with the first zombie attack. Hidden actors among the passengers convincingly acted out painful transformations into zombies, beginning their reign of terror in the cabin.
Event organizer Kenta Iwana of Kowagarasetai, or “scare squad,” intended to show how quickly the safe shinkansen could be overturned. American passenger Joshua Payne, 31, felt like he was in a movie, praising the event’s realism and novelty.
This zombie event represents another innovative use of shinkansen compartments by the Central Japan Railway Company. The company has hosted various events on these high-speed trains, from sushi bars to wrestling matches.
Despite initial doubts about the feasibility of such an event on the prestigious bullet train, Marie Izumi of JR Central’s tourism subsidiary recognized its success and the potential for future entertainment-oriented rides, including concerts and comedy shows.
To soften horror, the journey included lighter entertainment, such as zombie cheerleaders, magicians, and a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Ayaka Imaide from Kowagarasetai noted that a mix of fright and fun helped manage the intensity of the horror.
With tickets priced up to 50,000 yen ($335), many passengers felt the unique experience justified the cost.
