The first and busiest high speed train globally
The “Bullet Train”, or as it is known in Japan the “Shinkansen”, is a proud symbol of Japan, particularly the picture of a Tokaido Shinkansen passing Mount Fuji. The shinkansen was the world’s first purpose built high speed train and the Tokaido Shinkansen operating between Tokyo and Osaka is one of the world’s busiest high speed trains with departures every 5 minutes at busy times.
The shinkansen has also made a big impact on life in Japan, what used to be a 6 or 7 hour journey between Tokyo and Osaka (two major administrative and business centers in Japan) now takes just 2 1/2 hours!
Get all the facts on The Bullet Train on our dedicated shinkansen page Shinkansen
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Speed and variety
Since 1964 when the Tokaido Shinkansen started service, the shinkansen network has expanded across the country. The trains have also got faster 8Tohoku and Sanyo Shinkansen have maximum operating speeds of 320km/h and 300km/h respectively. There also many different types of train in operation as can be seen from the selection of pictures above.
The bottom right picture above is the JR West “Doctor Yellow” inspection train. there are actually two Doctor Yellows, the other one operated by JR Tokai. Seeing these trains is said to bring good luck to rail fans!
New Shinkansen Line
In the Autumn of 2022 the newest shinkansen line will open. Called the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (West Kyushu Shinkansen) it will make the journey from other parts of Kyushu (and Western Japan) to Nagasaki easier (click here for more Information [Japanese])
TS Japan Rail can help you plan your trip to Japan!
Travelling on the shinkansen is a must for Rail Fans visiting Japan as well as being a good way to travel between major cities. TS Japan Rail can help you plan your Rail Fan Trip to Japan including travel on the shinkansen and a lot more! As well as help with planning your travel we have lots of ideas and other information!
Learn more
Go to our Shinkansen page for more on Japan’s Bullet Trains!
