by Beloved magical girl series Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc is teaming up with JR Central’s popular travel campaign “Oshi Tabi” for a limited-time collaboration event titled “A Spring Trip to Kyoto with Sakura.” Running from March 18 to May 17, 2026, the project invites fans to experience Sakura’s world while traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen and exploring Kyoto’s historic sites.
Packed with exclusive voice dramas, digital collectibles, and location-based activities, this event blends anime tourism with real-world travel a trend that continues to grow in Japan.
Sakura and Friends Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen
The collaboration features fan-favorite characters traveling together, including:
- Sakura Kinomoto
- Kero-chan (Cerberus)
- Tomoyo Daidouji
- Syaoran Li
Through exclusive content available only during the campaign, fans can enjoy new interactions among the characters as they embark on a springtime journey.
Exclusive Voice Drama on the Tokaido Shinkansen
The highlight of the event is an original voice drama accessible only while riding the Tokaido Shinkansen. The audio story depicts Sakura and her friends chatting during their train trip to Kyoto, creating the feeling that passengers are traveling alongside them.
Voice Drama Bonuses
By listening during the journey, participants can receive:
- A limited original smartphone wallpaper (4 designs, distributed randomly)
- One wallpaper per day during the campaign
In addition, passengers who access the content can collect a physical souvenir:
- Ticket-style commemorative card and ticket holder
- Available at Animate Avanti Kyoto
- Features exclusive collaboration artwork
A QR code included with the boarding bonus allows fans to replay the entire voice drama anytime during the campaign period.
Explore Kyoto with a Digital Stamp Rally
Beyond the train experience, the event encourages fans to explore Kyoto through a citywide digital stamp rally.
Participants visit four designated locations in Kyoto, where they can:
- Listen to additional character voice clips at each checkpoint
- Collect digital stamps via smartphone
- Discover famous cultural landmarks
Completion Bonus
Fans who collect all stamps receive a special reward:
✨ Hologram Die-Cut Sticker featuring exclusive artwork
This interactive element transforms sightseeing into an immersive anime adventure.
About Cardcaptor Sakura
Created by the renowned manga group CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura remains one of the most iconic magical girl franchises worldwide.
- Original manga serialized: 1996–2000 in Nakayoshi magazine
- 12 tankōbon volumes (plus anniversary editions)
- Anime broadcast: 1998–2000 (NHK)
- Major arcs: Clow Card Arc and Sakura Card Arc
To celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary, the sequel Clear Card Arc began serialization in 2016 and concluded after approximately seven and a half years with 80 chapters across 16 volumes.
A sequel to the Clear Card anime has also been announced, ensuring the franchise’s continued popularity.
Why Anime Travel Collaborations Are So Popular
Japan has seen a surge in “anime pilgrimage” tourism, where fans visit real locations associated with their favorite series. Projects like Oshi Tabi capitalize on this trend by combining transportation, exclusive content, and sightseeing.
Benefits for fans include:
- Unique travel memories
- Limited collectible items
- New character interactions not found in the main story
- Opportunities to explore Japanese culture
Event Details at a Glance
Campaign Title: Sakura’s Spring Kyoto Trip
Duration: March 18 (Wed) – May 17 (Sun), 2026
Organizer: JR Central “Oshi Tabi” Project
Main Activities:
- Shinkansen-exclusive voice drama
- Smartphone wallpaper giveaway
- Boarding souvenirs
- Kyoto digital stamp rally
Note: Bonuses are available while supplies last.
Beginner-Friendly Experience
Even casual viewers or newcomers can enjoy the event. The voice dramas and activities focus on character interactions rather than complex plot details, making them accessible without deep knowledge of the series.
Final Thoughts
The Cardcaptor Sakura × JR Central collaboration offers a magical way to experience Kyoto in spring. By combining beloved characters, exclusive audio content, and real-world exploration, the event transforms a simple trip into an unforgettable anime adventure.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Sakura or simply visiting Japan during cherry blossom season, this limited-time campaign promises charm, nostalgia, and plenty of collectible keepsakes.
