Have You Tried Japanese Bullet Train 'Shinkansen'?

In the connection I wrote about Japanese Railroad Day and train lovers in the previous post on my another blog on the October 14th, I'd like to introduce Japanese bullet trains "Shinkansen" today. It is one of the most popular trains in Japan.

The first Shinkansen started the services in 1964 between Tokyo and Osaka. Since then it increased the routes, and now there are apparently 7 lines plus 2 short lines for Shinkansen. To be approved as Shinkansen, trains need to be faster than 124MPH(200km/h), and the maximum speed of the newest Shinkansens are 199MPH(320km/h). Usually they are called with the names of the route or the nicknames. They are actually classified by each destination and the characteristic how many stations it will stop, and depend on it the trains are called by different nicknames, which are decided by the train companies, such as “Nozomi”, “Hayabusa”, “Tanigawa” and etc.  Moreover, even the designs of those are mostly different each other as shown in the photos.

The biggest reason why Shinkansen has been so popular among people would be the fact it is convenient, comfortable and easier for long-distance travel. In addition, people also enjoy the various designs and perhaps find a friendly feeling with the nicknames. In Japan illustrated guide book of trains are in fact very popular among boys same as illustrated guide book of animals or dinosaurs. Then most boys memorize many of the nicknames.

Let's take a look at them in detail. the green one in the photos is “Hayabusa” of Tohoku-Shinkansen which goes to the northeast area, and the one with blue and yellow lines is “Tanigawa” of Jouetsu-Shinkansen which goes across the center area of the Japanese main island. On the other hand, the white one with blue lines is Nozomi of Tokaido-Shinkansen which goes to Osaka and Kyoto area.

 "Tanigawa" (with blue and yellow lines on the design) is known as a double-decker Shinkansen.  People can enjoy the different views on the first floor and the second floor, but of course the second floor is more popular. For most Shinkansen, The seats have more space than that of airplane. So people can travel more comfortably.

What's more, with many Shinkansen the seats can turn the direction and it is convenient if people get on it with a big group. So, families and friends can eat and drink together in facing comfortable seats with scenery of Japan on their travel. When you have a chance to travel a long distance in Japan, please try Shinkansen!