The Shinkansen, famously known as the "Bullet Train," is located exclusively in Japan. It is a network of high-speed railway lines that connect the major islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. The network is anchored at Tokyo Station, which serves as the primary hub for lines reaching in all directions. Major routes include the Tokaido Shinkansen (connecting Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka), the Sanyo Shinkansen (extending from Osaka to Fukuoka), and the Tohoku Shinkansen (running north from Tokyo to Aomori). In 2026, the network has continued to expand, with newer branches like the Hokuriku Shinkansen providing fast access to the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan coast. You can find Shinkansen platforms at major urban stations throughout the country, recognizable by their distinct tracks and dedicated gates. While other countries like China and France have their own high-speed rail systems (like the TGV or CRH), the "Shinkansen" brand and technology remain a unique and iconic feature of the Japanese transport landscape, renowned for its incredible punctuality and safety record.