Shinkansen

To say that the Japanese train system is extensive is an understatement. It is a vast network of bullet trains, local trains, trams, monorails, and subways. My favorite is the bullet train or "shinkansen." The efficiency alone of these wonders is incomprehensible. When the train ticket shows a departure of 16:29 (4:29pm), the train leaves the station at the exact stroke of 14:29. Everyone is in line and ready to board with the Conductors assisting people on and off in an orderly fashion. There is a series of chimes and whistles and then the doors shut making an air-tight seal. Only one time has a shinkansen that we were on been late and it was only 2 minutes late at that (it was a relay shinkansen that connects to a major line). Anyway, these trains travel at over 200kmh and the ride is smoother than an airplane. The decor inside is extremely spacious and plush with hostesses selling food and drink. There are smoking cars, western-style toilets, internet connections, play areas for children, etc. We have ridden the shinkansen now about 10 times and will ride it many more times over the next week. So far we have been on the following trains:


Hikari - means "light" - travels at 270kph - 300kph (almost 200 mph)
Kodoma - means "echo" - travels at 285kph (about 175mph)
Tsubame - means "wing" and "swallow" - travels at 240kph (relay train) to 260kph (over 150mph)


The shinkansen is an incredible experience and our JR Rail Pass has been paid for several times over. There is nothing quite like listening to your music, drinking a beer, and eating some Japanese food while sitting in a plush chair made of bamboo wood cruising at almost 200mph as the japanese countryside rushes by. Welcome aboard!