The needle-nose tip of the bullet train at Osaka Station.
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Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train was the first high-speed rail network in the world, debuting in 1964.
Tokaido is the busiest line, running at 186 miles per hour and connecting Tokyo and Osaka in less than three hours.
I rode one of the super-speedy bullet trains on a recent trip to Japan and thought it was an incredible experience.
Japan’s bullet train system — known as Shinkansen — is the fastest in the nation and one of the fastest in the world.
A Shinkansen bullet train.
Getty/Kyodo News / Contributor
The Shinkansen has been in operation since 1964, and has an impeccable safety record with no fatalities due to derailment or collision since its inaugural service.
Japan Shinkansen bullet train.
tackune / Shutterstock.com
Source: BBC, Japan Railways Group
The trains are easy and convenient as they run on dedicated tracks and only stop at major stations.
A Shinkansen bullet train.
AP
Source: Japan Railways Group
The busiest line is Tokaido, a westbound train that connects Japan’s major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
Osaka Castle.
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Source: Japan Railways Group
According to Shinkansen operator Japan Railways Group, the Tokaido line “has literally supported Japan’s economic growth,” saying over 6.4 billion people have used the line since its inaugural service.
People waiting to board the Shinkansen train in Tokyo.
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Source: Japan Railways Group
On a recent trip to Japan, I rode on the famous Tokaido bullet train. Here’s my experience in first class.
A selfie of the author on the Shinkansen bullet train.
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My journey started at Tokyo Station where I boarded an 8:00 a.m. train to Shin-Osaka Station. I paid $200 for my one-way ticket.
Tokyo Station.
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Finding the Shinkansen line was easy thanks to the multitude of signage pointing me in the right direction.
I followed the signs for Shinkansen. Everything was in English and Japanese.
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Although I pre-booked my train online, I had to pick up my tickets at the station. My confirmation email said I could use a kiosk or ticket booth, and I opted for the latter.
The kiosk (pictured) was a little confusing, even in English, so it was easier to just go to an agent.
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The line was long, but luckily I wasn’t pressed for time because I got to Tokyo Station at 6:30 a.m. instead of the suggested 7:30 a.m.
Get to Tokyo Station early in case you get lost or face a long line at the ticket booth.
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After about 20 minutes, I got my ticket and headed to track number 19 for boarding. The track was displayed on screens in both English and Japanese.
I held onto my Suica metro card to use in Osaka.
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Waiting for me was the N700 — a 16-car Nozomi bullet train built for the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. Sanyo takes travelers further west beyond Osaka.
The N700 is also used on the Kyushu line that runs beyond Sanyo.
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The super express train is popular in Japan, running at 186 miles per hour. It is the third-speediest bullet train in Japan but the fastest serving the Tokyo-Osaka route.
The needle-nose tip of the bullet train at Osaka Station.
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Two other bullet trains — Hayabusa and Komachi — bolt at 200 miles per hour, but do not serve Osaka.
Pictured is the Hayabusa bullet train. This and the Komachi trains run north and are attached up until a certain point where they detach and go in separate directions.
REUTERS/Kyodo Kyodo
I boarded “Green Car” number 9 and made my way to seat 4-D — a window seat. I luckily didn’t have anyone in the aisle seat next to me for the whole ride.
Nobody checked my ticket to make sure I was in the right seat.
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Configured in a 2×2 layout, the “Green Car” is for first class and is quieter and more spacious than ordinary cars. Though, it is about $40 more expensive than coach.
The coach seats were also comfortable, but weren’t as big and didn’t come with the side table.
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The car had mostly forward-facing seats, but there was also a quad-seating arrangement in the middle of the car.
The quad-seating in the center of car number nine.
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Settling into my seat, I was impressed with the comfort of the lounger, which was huge and nicely cushioned. It was definitely better than airline domestic business class.
The seats has wings around the headrest.
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The seat came with plenty of amenities, including a footrest…
The adjustable footrest could flip out to create more surface area.
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…a large tray table…
The tray table was big enough to fit my laptop and a drink.
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…a second smaller table that stored in the side armrest…
The side table was small, but perfect for a small cup and snack.
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…deep recline…
The recline didn’t appear to encroach into the person behind’s space.
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…free WiFi, though I’ll it was a little spotty…
There were stretches of time where the WiFi wouldn’t connect.
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…a power outlet for each passenger…
The outlet is the same as used in the US.
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…a good-sized seatback pocket…
The pocket was big enough to fit a book or water bottle.
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…a reading light and an adjustable window shade…
The window shade blocked out a lot of light but it wasn’t fully dark.
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…and more than enough legroom for even the tallest travelers. I’m 5’3″ and could stretch my legs out.
I’m a thicker person, and I also felt I had enough seat width as well.
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There was also plenty of storage space for my carry-on and small duffel bag. I also had a backpack, but no one checked how many pieces I brought onboard.
Everyone had enough space for their luggage.
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However, there are some restrictions for oversized luggage. Select reserved cars have racks near the restrooms for big suitcases…
The luggage racks were between the cars, which could lock luggage into place using a metro card to avoid theft. But, these were out of service during my ride.
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…while other trains require a special seat assignment. So, be sure to check during booking if your ticket comes with oversized bags.
Oversized luggage can be placed behind specific reserved seats.
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Shortly after leaving Tokyo Station, the train started whizzing past the beautiful Japanese countryside — my favorite part of the journey.
Views of the Japanese countryside.
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I loved seeing the small towns and architecture, but the most incredible view was Mt. Fuji, an active volcano and Japan’s tallest mountain.
We could see all of Mt. Fuji from the train.
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Its snow-covered peak was in full view thanks to clear skies. As someone who loves hiking and prefers mountains over beaches, I was thrilled to see it.
Mt. Fuji.
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As Mt. Fuji faded from view, I explored more of the train and was amazed at how clean it was.
Each car had dozens of rows of seats.
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The carpets and seats were well-maintained…
A pair of Green Car seats.
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…and the bathrooms were spotless. They even came with a bidet — something I’ve grown to appreciate during my time in Japan.
The bathrooms were huge.
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After I got back to my seat, I waited for the drink cart to come by. I ordered some coffee for 400 yen (about $3), but there were also soda and snacks available.
It took a while for the drink and snack cart to come by.
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I spent the rest of the time taking in all of the scenic views, but the 2.5-hour ride quickly passed and I was in Osaka at 10:30 a.m. — right on time.
The bullet train’s delay rate is less than one minute, according to JR Railways.
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Source: Japan Railways Group
Overall, I loved the unique bullet train experience and can say I’ve officially ticked it off the bucket list.
The bullet train at Shin-Osaka station.
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It was so much easier than flying from Tokyo to Osaka, and required little to no hassle. I didn’t have to traverse a crowded airport or clear security…
The only thing I had to pass through was this turnstile, which read my ticket. After that, no one checked my bags or if I was even in the correct seat.
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…I could bring both my suitcase and duffle bag onboard, which easily fit in the overhead shelves…
I also had a small backpack I kept by my feet.
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…and I didn’t have to spend time collecting my checked bags after landing. Not to mention, the bullet train spit me out in the city center — further saving time.
The metro line to my hotel was only a few minute walk from the disembarkation platform.
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Granted, it is cheaper to fly, but I’d happily pay for the convenience of train travel.
A Shinkansen bullet train conductor in Japan.
Getty/Buddhika Weerasinghe
And, as it’s unlikely we’ll ever get a robust high-speed train network like the Shinkansen in the US, I’ll enjoy it when I can — especially for the unforgettable views.
Views of the Japanese countryside.
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