1. 50 Years of Japanese Bullet Trains
The Shinkansen
These trains run at over 200 miles per hour, the tracks cover more than 1500 miles in the country
and everyday more than a million Japanese use these trains to travel. The bullet trains, which are
formally known as Shinkansen, got its name from the bullet shaped nose and the extreme speed.
These trains were launched during Tokyo Olympics way back in October 1964. These trains are
turning 50 this year.
The trains, of course, have changed over the last 5 decades. While the first track covered only 320
km from Tokyo to Osaka. Presently the tracks stretch from Honshu to Kyushu. The original train
were 0 series and ran at 200 kph. This is considerably faster than the steam engine which ran during
1964 in the UK. Those trains now run at 200 mph, which is almost 320 kph. There are some
experimental models which run at 500 kph. The appearance has also changed considerably and the
original 0 series trains gave way to many more modern engines.
The 800 series is running from Kagoshima to Kyushu island while the N700 series has replaced the
original 0 series and now run along Kagoshima line. The Joetsu Shinkansen lines have the unique
double decker E2 and E4 series MAX (stands for Multi Amenity Express) trains and Tokuko line
has the green E5 series, known as Hayabusa, up far north. The latest train, the E6, known as
Komachi, also run on the Tokuko line. There is no way you avoid the charm of these trains, once
you are in Japan.
You should know the below points about Shinkansen
• They run on a very punctual schedule. If you are planning to take these trains, never be late
even by a second. They depart and arrive within one minute of scheduled time. Except for
natural calamities, they are never late.
• International language: Everything, including the signs and instructions are written both in
Japanese and English, thus, you are never stuck, which might be the case in Japan.
• Buy Japan Rail Pass: These trains are costly to ride. Gladly, as a foreigner, you can buy the
heavily discounted Japan rail pass to take as many rides as you want.
• Very comfortable, spacious and gives you a deluxe feeling while the journey.
• The standard class on Shinkansen is considerably better than the standard class of US or
UK.
• The green class or the first class has different orientation of seat which means you get much
more leg space, along with free newspaper and blanket.
• Like anything else in Japan, the Shinkansen service is also a first class experience and the
Bento Box meals are served by well dressed staffs, during the journey.
Know More on: www.japan-rail-pass.com