Ticket to Ride Expands to Japan with Bullet Trains (Official Announcement – 2024) Ravensburger and Days of Wonder are thrilled to announce the expansion of the globally beloved board game Ticket to Ride with a brand-new, Japan-themed edition: Ticket to Ride: Japan – Bullet Trains. Set to launch in fall 2024, this expansion brings the iconic train-themed strategy game to the lush landscapes, bustling cities, and world-famous bullet trains of Japan. Featuring a beautifully redesigned game board inspired by Japan’s famed rail network, Japan – Bullet Trains offers players an immersive journey from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. The game includes: New 1970s-inspired Japanese Train Map: A detailed, stylized representation of Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train) lines and regional rail routes, complete with mountain passes, coastal routes, and iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka. 120 New Train Cards: Featuring classic Japanese locomotives, including the legendary 0 Series Shinkansen and the sleek E5 Series. 16 Unique Destination Tickets: Challenging players to connect distant cities across Japan, with tickets ranging from "Tokyo to Sapporo" to "Nagoya to Kumamoto." New Features: Bullet Train Special Action Cards: Allow players to move faster across the map, skip certain terrain, or claim high-value routes instantly. “Shinkansen Express” Mechanic: Players can lay one additional track tile per turn if they use a bullet train route—perfect for maximizing speed and efficiency. Regional Challenges: Unique bonus objectives tied to Japanese culture, such as connecting famous landmarks (Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari Shrine) or completing routes through scenic mountain passes. Ticket to Ride: Japan – Bullet Trains is designed for 2–5 players, ages 8 and up, and plays in about 30–60 minutes. It’s compatible with all existing Ticket to Ride base games, making it a seamless addition to any collection. “Japan has long been a dream destination for Ticket to Ride fans,” said Andrew Lo, Executive Producer at Days of Wonder. “With bullet trains as both a cultural icon and a game mechanic, this expansion celebrates Japan’s innovation, beauty, and precision—all while keeping the classic fun of laying tracks and claiming routes.” The new edition will be available in English, Japanese, and multiple European languages, with a premium collector’s edition featuring a wooden train engine, a fold-out map, and exclusive artwork by renowned Japanese illustrator Rei Kurosawa. Get ready to ride the rails across the Land of the Rising Sun—Ticket to Ride: Japan – Bullet Trains arrives this fall, offering a thrilling journey for new and seasoned players alike. Available Q4 2024 | For more info, visit www.tickettoride.com

Absolutely—Ticket to Ride: Japan Expansion is a vibrant and refreshing evolution of the beloved board game, now bringing Japan’s scenic beauty, cultural flair, and innovative gameplay to digital platforms. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes this expansion a standout:

🌸 A Journey Through Japan’s Heart and Soul

The Japan map isn't just a backdrop—it's a living, breathing landscape. From the cherry blossoms of Kyoto to the snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido and the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka, the expansion captures the seasonal rhythm of the country. The springtime aesthetic adds a layer of charm that elevates every session.

🚄 Cooperative Bullet Train Network – A New Dynamic

For the first time in the digital Ticket to Ride experience, players don’t just build private routes. Instead, you all contribute to a shared national Bullet Train network, where progress is collective but competition remains fierce.

• The Karma System: This is the game-changer. If you skip your turn to lay tracks, you’re not just losing out—you’re punished. Skimp on your responsibilities, and you’ll lose 20 points at game end. It adds a delicious tension: you can try to freeload, but the game (and your opponents) will hold you accountable.

• Shared Progress, Individual Goals: You’re all helping expand the same high-speed rail system, but your personal route tickets still matter. It’s a brilliant mix of cooperation and rivalry—like a real-life train journey with a side of betrayal.

🎭 New Characters with Personality

The Japan Expansion introduces two unique traveler avatars that go beyond simple icons:

• Nakanishi Kimiko, the travel blogger, shares her adventures through festivals, local cuisine, and her loyal dog. Her presence brings a playful, immersive touch to the game.

• Moriyama Isamu, the gyōji (sumo referee), adds a deep cultural layer. His inclusion isn’t just cosmetic—he embodies the traditions, discipline, and gravitas of Japanese heritage, making the game feel more authentic.

🚂 Upgraded Trains & New Rolling Stock

The locomotive refresh gives players new ways to express their strategy:

• Ichi Eki Saki + Tsuki Sleeper Carriage – For the relaxed traveler who values comfort and scenic views.
• Isogaba Maware + Hayai Carriage – Built for speed, precision, and efficiency. Perfect for players racing to close routes first.

These aren’t just cosmetic changes—they reflect different playstyles and can subtly influence how you approach the board.

✅ Why You Should Play It

• Fresh gameplay twist with the cooperative karma system.
• Rich cultural storytelling through characters and setting.
• Stunning visuals that capture Japan’s seasonal beauty.
• Perfect for fans of the original looking for a new challenge—or newcomers wanting an immersive experience.

📲 Get It Now:
Available on Google Play Store for Android users. (iOS and other platforms may follow—check your app store.)

And while you're exploring new journeys, don’t miss Follow the Meaning, the surreal point-and-click adventure inspired by Samorost—a dreamlike escape that’s just as poetic as Japan’s springtime.

🚄 So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your tickets, board the Bullet Train, and let the journey across Japan begin—where every route tells a story, and every choice carries a little karma.

Enjoy the ride. 🌸🚆