Japan's Bullet Trains

One of the things a tourist to Japan looks forward to is to take a ride on the famous bullet trains (shinkansen). My first bullet train ride was during my first trip to Japan in November 2001 (photo above). I rode the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami (about an hour's ride).

There's a variety of bullet trains. Some are even double-decked!

Above, a bullet train's interior. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Besides monster movie locations and landmarks, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan also contains general information of importance to tourists. Also included, is an article on the history of the shinkansen.

Here is an excerpt from "Shinkansen History":

Japan was the first country to build dedicated railway lines for high speed travel.

Construction of the first segment of the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka started in 1959. The line opened on 1 October 1964, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics. The line was an immediate success, reaching the 100 million passenger mark in less than three years on 13 July 1967 and one billion passengers in 1976.
The first Shinkansen trains ran at speeds of up to 200 km/h (125 mph), later increased to 220 km/h (135 mph). Many further models of train followed the first type, generally each with its own distinctive appearance. Shinkansen trains now run regularly at speeds of up to 300 km/h (185 mph), putting them among the fastest trains running in the world, along with the French TGV, Spanish AVE and German ICE trains.

Originally intended to carry passenger and freight trains by day and night, the Shinkansen lines carry only passenger trains. The system shuts down between midnight and 06:00 every day to allow maintenance to take place.

Trains can be up to sixteen cars long. They currently include smoking cars and non-smoking cars. With each car measuring 25 m (82 ft) in length, the longest trains are 400 m (1/4 mile) from front to back. Stations are similarly long to accommodate these trains.

Passengers are able to purchase food and beverages on the Shinkansens. There is limited space in the cars for luggage. There are overhead racks for small luggage items and a space for larger luggage items behind the last row of seats.

Above, a Tohoku shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with the "Shinkansen History" article, the travel guide also contains information on the various JR Rail Passes, which are valid for most shinkansen trains (with some exceptions and restrictions).

To order The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, go here.