Kyoto Blooms with Cardcaptor Sakura: JR Tokai Unveils Exciting Spring Travel Campaign

In the spring of 2026, the ancient capital of Kyoto is set to experience a new wave of excitement. JR Tokai and the popular anime 'Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc' have announced a collaboration for the 'Sakura and Kyoto Spring Trip' campaign, scheduled to run from Wednesday, March 18, to Sunday, May 17, 2026. This big news has generated a huge buzz on social media, raising the expectations of many fans and travel enthusiasts for a trip to Kyoto.

This collaboration will feature an original voice drama and daily wallpapers available on the Tokaido Shinkansen, as well as 'ticket-style cards' as a boarding benefit. Furthermore, fans will be delighted with a full lineup of special events, including a hologram sticker reward for completing a stamp rally set up at four locations within Kyoto City. With prize exchanges also available at Animate Avanti Kyoto, the city is expected to be bustling with people enjoying a pilgrimage to sacred sites (seichi junrei) alongside the campaign. Social media has been flooded with enthusiastic comments such as 'It's amazing to be able to travel to Kyoto with Sakura-chan and her friends!' and 'I want to go, I want to go so much!'

Meanwhile, many people are also planning spring trips to Kyoto independently of the collaboration. Coinciding with graduation season, there's a noticeable surge in interest in Kyoto among young people, even after articles about 'leaving Kyoto' (Kyoto-banare) have circulated. Comments like 'I'm planning a 3-day, 2-night trip to Kyoto, but there are too many places I want to visit' and 'I'm planning a trip to Kyoto during next month's long weekend, but all the accommodations are so expensive' highlight Kyoto's enduring popularity and the difficulty of finding places to stay. Even those planning year-end trips express similar concerns about 'not being able to secure accommodation at all,' indicating that the charm of the ancient capital remains strong.

Travel purposes vary widely. Some visitors come to enjoy historical buildings and culture, while others, like sword enthusiasts, exclaim, 'I saw Honebami Toushirou at the Kyoto National Museum!' Some even enjoy unique souvenirs, with one person remarking, 'I bought matcha beer as a souvenir for home during my Kyoto trip, and it wasn't just a gimmick; the bitterness of matcha and the taste of beer blended really well, it was delicious.' There are also those who express a desire to 'just stop by on a trip to Kyoto, lol' hoping for guerrilla live performances, or enjoy a free-spirited style of travel focused on visiting shopping malls or watching movies. On the other hand, some regret the short duration of their stay, saying, 'There are nutrients of Kyoto that can only be gained at night.'

Triggered by the collaboration between JR Tokai and a popular character, Kyoto from spring to early summer is sure to be vibrant with diverse travelers, from anime fans to those who love traditional culture. From Shinkansen travel to city strolls, these exciting 'Oshi-tabi' (fan pilgrimage trips) are expected to bring unforgettable memories to many people.

The context

JR Tokai (Central Japan Railway Company) is one of the major railway companies in Japan, operating the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto, serving as a vital transportation artery. Collaborations with popular culture phenomena like anime are a common strategy for Japanese railway companies to attract tourists and boost ridership, especially among younger demographics and 'otaku' (enthusiast) communities.

Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc is the latest installment in the globally beloved 'Cardcaptor Sakura' manga and anime series, created by the artist group CLAMP. It follows the magical adventures of Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who becomes a Cardcaptor. The series is celebrated for its charming characters, beautiful artwork, and heartwarming themes, enjoying a massive international fanbase. For fans, visiting locations that resemble scenes from their favorite anime is known as 'seichi junrei' (sacred site pilgrimage), and these collaborations often create special merchandise or experiences related to such pilgrimages.

The mention of 'Kyoto-banare' (leaving Kyoto) refers to a recent discussion or trend where some Japanese people, particularly younger generations, are perceived to be losing interest in Kyoto as a travel destination, possibly due to overtourism, high prices, or a perception that it's 'too traditional.' This collaboration, however, clearly demonstrates a strong renewed interest in the ancient capital, particularly when combined with a popular cultural event.

An 'Oshi-tabi' (often translated as 'fan pilgrimage trip' or 'trip for your favorite character/idol') is a travel experience centered around one's 'oshi' – a term for a beloved character, idol, or creator. It typically involves visiting places associated with the 'oshi' (e.g., real-life locations that inspired anime settings), participating in themed events, and collecting merchandise, making the trip a dedicated expression of fandom.