The world-famous Shinkansen (bullet trains) in Japan typically operate at a maximum speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) on the Tohoku Shinkansen line. Most other major lines, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka, run at a top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph). However, Japan is currently pushing the boundaries of rail speed with the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line, which has achieved world-record test speeds of 603 km/h (375 mph). While the maglev is not yet in full commercial service in 2026, it is designed to eventually carry passengers at a cruising speed of 505 km/h (314 mph), effectively halving the travel time between Tokyo and Nagoya. Even at current speeds, the Shinkansen is renowned for its incredible stability and punctuality, often arriving within seconds of its scheduled time despite the massive distances and high frequencies of the network.