What is special about the Shinkansen?

Discover more about the high-speed trains and the 9 rail lines they cover. Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive and the trains reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). This allows you to get to wherever you need in little time.



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This made it possible to move more people faster, helping to relieve a transportation bottleneck that had been building on the main industrial transportation route. According to Abel, the bullet train's track is located on the most densely populated and densely industrialized strip of Japan.

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The Shinkansen operates 365 days a year, and 800 kg to 1 ton of garbage are collected every day. At the end of a day, staff will spray 30 fold diluted Activated EM-1 on the floor, belt conveyer and compressed pet bottles and cans. “We have been using EM for many year so we got used to it not being smelly here.

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Signal system The Shinkansen employs an ATC (Automatic Train Control) system, eliminating the need for trackside signals. It uses a comprehensive system of Automatic Train Protection.

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The Shinkansen has succeeded thanks to several kinds of technology: (1) A streamlined body: To achieve speeds of 200 kilometers per hour (130 miles per hour) and more, the trains needed to be as aerodynamic (to cause as little wind resistance) as possible.

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In some Shinkansen lines, trains go directly through conventional railway lines and the Shinkansen is easily influenced by the disruption of those lines. Punctuality of the Shinkansen is supported by hardware, software and humanware.

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In Japan, the high-speed Shinkansen trains spray water onto snowy tracks to prevent the snow from blowing up into the undercarriage and re-freezing. In all areas with extreme winter conditions, de-icing, like in the airline industry, is essential.

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Eating and drinking on Japanese trains You should eat on trains only when taking a long-distance train, such as the Shinkansen. These types of trains have a tray and cup holder at every seat, and snacks are sold from a vendor trolley.

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Kodama (???, Echo) is one of the three train services running on the Tokaido and San'yo Shinkansen lines. Stopping at every station, the Kodama is the slowest Shinkansen service for trips between major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

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WiFi access is now available on most trains on every Shinkansen line. Additionally, all major stations and many smaller stations also have free WiFi available to passengers. All trains on the following lines have free WiFi available: Tokaido shinkansen.

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Talking loudly on trains is considered bad mannered and ranks highly amongst the most annoying behaviors on trains in Japan. Don't talk on the phone. Only on long-distance trains on the decks between cars is talking on the phone acceptable. Set your phone to silent mode.

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When riding the Shinkansen or on a long train ride in a green car (reserved seating) you are allowed to eat and drink. The seats actually have tables and cup holders. There are also food, drinks, and snacks being sold in these train cars. But on commuter trains, avoid eating.

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The train's tilting mechanism to lean into curves at high speed and the high-quality airtight body minimize vibration and provide a smooth, quiet ride.

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Most trains do not operate 24 hours; for example, in Tokyo they do not run in the early morning 01:00-05:00, and the Shinkansen never runs overnight. If you are planning to be out late and are relying on the train to get home, be sure to find out when the last train is leaving.

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