Taken A Ride On A Bullet Train
10th - 27th April 2023 - New Experience Number 10.
They always looked so futuristic on TV!
On our visit to the country of high-tech gadgetry, gizmos and inventions, I was very excited to experience Japan’s super speedy and ultra slick Shinkansen in person.
During our three week visit I had plenty of opportunities to take a ride on a bullet train. Unfortunately I didn’t get many pictures, but there are a few here that will hopefully give you an idea of what it was like.
On Track For Over Fifty Years
Think of transport in Japan, and you’ll most likely think of the bullet train which has a reputation for being one of the fastest and most efficient train services in the world.
Japan was the first country to have high speed trains, providing efficient links between different cities. These electric trains had specially made tracks which only the new fast trains could run on.
The first bullet train consisted of twelve carriages, and passengers were whisked between Tokyo and Osaka at swift speeds of up to 210km per hour (that’s 131mph in non-metric). This first line opened in 1964, just before the Olympics were held in the capital.
They are known as ‘bullet’ trains after the name given to them in initial planning way back in 1939, dangan ressha. The design of the front of the first trains also looked a bit like a bullet shape, so it’s easy to see how the name stuck.
Faster Than A Speeding Bullet?
Well, I’m no expert on how fast bullets travel, but I can tell you that bullet trains have got faster over time and are currently capable of traveling 320km per hour!
Japan is also developing a magnetic railway line which could go much faster!
An Efficient Country And An Efficient Railway
Japan as a country is incredibly efficient. Things work there, and they work really well. With so many inhabitants and tourists it’s an incredible feat to keep everyone and everything moving, but they do!
Their trains are famously reliable. As a UK resident, I have had my fair share of overcrowded, delayed or cancelled trains. How nice to not have the stress of missing connections or being late for anything!
Smooth Ride On A Bullet Train
Relaxing back into my comfortable seat I couldn’t believe how much space there was. I could easily stretch out my legs in-front of me, and walking down the aisle with my backpack on was a breeze. There were no accidental knocks or nudges of any seated passengers.
It was so clean too, there wasn’t a speck of dirt, a fleck of rubbish, or a mark of graffiti.
Looking out of the window I could see how quickly we picked up speed as we left the station. Yet it barely felt as though we were moving. It was such a smooth journey. Hardly a rock or a sway as we hurtled across the country.
The buildings became spaced apart and fields speckled the view the further out of the city we headed. Whilst it was hard to make out the nearby details which went by in a blur, the landscapes on all of our train journeys were pretty spectacular. We passed close to the sea, through hills and forests. It really was an amazing way to see a lot of the diverse terrain in the country.
A tannoy announcement indicated arrivals at stations. The train gently braked and we almost floated to a stop. As always, it was effortlessly on time.
No Waiting For The Train
It wasn’t just the bullet trains that we took which were on time.
All of our railway journeys ran like clockwork. I can’t deny that there was a little bit of train geekery, and it was an absolute joy to go for a train and for it to be there within seconds of it’s scheduled arrival time. The platforms all had clear indications of where to wait for each carriage; it was a streamlined journey before we even boarded the train.
On Track For A Great Experience
After years of hearing about them, it was a fantastic experience to ride on a bullet train myself.
Everything I had ever read about them was true; how they look, how they move, and the beautiful bento boxes you can take on board.
If you get the chance to visit Japan, it’s definitely worth experiencing this first-class, world-renowned service, and you won’t have to worry about it being late!
Bullet Points About Bullet Trains
- The seats always face in the direction of travel! They have a nifty way to rotate them so they always face forwards. Clever!
- The staff are always immaculate in their very smart uniforms.
- It is very quiet on board; no tinny noises escaping from headphones; no loud phone conversations, and minimal sound as the train sped along.
- Some trains are themed with things such as Hello Kitty.
- Bento boxes are amazing!
- There is free wi-fi on board.
- The bathrooms have Japanese style toilets – heated seats and all of the different functions.
- Staff bow as they enter and exit a carriage.
- Shinkansen generally means the rails that the bullet trains run on, but is often used to describe the trains too.
- The film Bullet Train does seem to have exaggerated the experience somewhat! It’s still entertaining viewing though!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- Many countries in the world now operate high speed train services, connecting people and places quickly. Why not see if there are any on your next trip, and perhaps you can include one as part of your journey?
- Any visit to Japan often involves some travel around the country. It is definitely worth taking a ride on a bullet train if it fits in with your plans. With nine Shinkansen lines across the country you’ll be where you need to be in no time.
- The National Railway Museum in York in the UK is the only place in the world outside of Japan to have a bullet train. Whilst you can’t experience the thrill of the high speed motion there, you can still appreciate the sleek exterior and the attention to detail in the interior design.
Cost Of Experience
We bought the 7 day JR pass which cost 29.650 yen each in April 2023, working out at around £150. It did feel like a big initial outlay, but we made good use of ours, using it on the bus and ferry in some places too! It undoubtedly saved us money on our trip.
If you are planning a visit, no doubt you’ll see lots of information about the JR pass and whether it is worth buying. The price is due to increase in October 2023 so it is definitely worth doing your research.
Recommendations
- Take a look into whether a JR Pass will be worth your while. There is a lot of information on-line offering different thoughts and recommendations. Take a look at the Japan Rail Pass site for the most up to date and official details.
- Whether you get the JR Pass or not, consider whether you want to reserve seats on the train for your journey. It’s no extra cost and can give you the peace of mind that you’ve got somewhere to sit.
- Japan Guide has a really useful section about the Shinkansen and getting about.
- Central Japan Railway website is very helpful, clearly explaining how to buy and use tickets.
- Get a bento box for the journey! The stations have shops selling them and there is so much choice! Full of delicious, fresh and beautifully presented delicacies.
- Sit back, relax and enjoy the views!