Why Japan’s Bullet Train Is Simply the Best On the Planet

Above, a Tokaido Shinkansen train arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anyone visiting Japan has to put one item on their "bucket list" of things to do.

That is taking a ride on Japan's Shinkansen, or Bullet Train.

I have ridden aboard several bullet trains over the years and found them to be comfortable and relaxing. If one is lucky, views of Mount Fuji can be seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Above, Mount Fuji from the Tokaido Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Los Angeles Times has posted a guide to riding the speedy Shinkansen.

They begin it with:

It begins as a gentle rumble as you see motion out of the window: that slight lurching forward. With a steady gait, the train leaves the station, passing a crisscross melange of different city and regional rail lines also staking out on their journeys. Through the maze of tunnels, trestles, flyovers and what feels like one million buildings, the sleek N700 hums evermore to life, as speed limits start to ease and the endlessness of Tokyo … well, ends.

And then, without exactly knowing how it happened or even feeling it, you realize you are traveling at around 175 miles per hour and the world is flying by.

To read more, go here. 

Japan’s Summer Holiday Travel Rush Is Here

Above, the famous Miyajima Island torii gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The summer travel rush in Japan has just started. 

Tourists, foreign and locals, are flocking to places around the country and filling up bullet trains and other public transportation.

According to Travel and Tour World:

Japan’s summer travel surge is here, and it’s feeling hot literally and figuratively. Trains and planes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka are sold out. Families are reuniting, tourists are sightseeing, and everybody is moving, moving, moving. Long check-in lines, crammed concourses, and sold-out flights tell you this season is all systems go.

Last Saturday, JR Tokyo Station buzzed loud. Every Nozomi shinkansen seat zooming to Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka disappeared. Travelers formed long queues for unreserved seats on other lines, turning platforms into crowded waiting zones. Doesn’t stop there: expressway bumper-to-bumper jams sent drivers cursing. Many ducked into waiting rooms and concourses, seeking A/C relief from the summer furnace.

I have been to Japan during the summer once (that was the first G-TOUR in 2004) and it was very hot, especially in Kyoto. My preferred seasons for Japan travel are spring and autumn.

To read more, go here. 

Shinkansen At 60

Above, a bullet train pulls into Atami Station in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that last year the famous Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, in Japan turned 60?

Incredible as it may seem, the Shinkansen began Service in October 1964. 

I have taken rail trips on the Shinkansen from Sendai to Kyushu and points in-between. They have always been enjoyable and comfortable.

According to Travel and Tour World:

On October 1, 1964, just days before Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics, Japan unveiled the world’s first high-speed rail service — the Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train. This sleek white marvel did more than cut travel times; it became a powerful symbol of Japan’s rapid post-war recovery and technological prowess, setting a global benchmark for rail innovation.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's "Golden Route" For First-Timers

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Japan, there are several websites that will greatly aid in one's vacation planning. 

One such site has posted an article on "The Golden" route that is aimed to first-time visitors. It was posted by Japan Today.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The Golden Route is the quintessential travel itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan. It traditionally includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and (sometimes) Hiroshima, offering a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s modern and historical sites. This route is ideal for first-time visitors as it provides a mix of modern cityscapes, historical sites, natural beauty and cultural experiences. The entire journey typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on how long you stay in each location.

The Golden Route is well-connected by the Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, making travel between major stops fast and convenient. Local train lines, buses and subway networks will also make accessibility a breeze in each city. Many travelers opt for the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen services, making it a cost-effective option.

This guide provides a summary of each destination in the order you would travel, including practical travel information.

To read more, go here. 

New Mt. Fuji Eruption Safety Recommendations

Above, a bullet train (Shinkansen) view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time Japan's Mount Fuji erupted was in the early 1700s.

It is still considered an active volcano, just dormant. But that's not stopping Japanese authorities from providing recommendations for public safety in case the mountain decides to erupt.

According to Travel and Tour World:

The Japanese authorities have released new recommendations urging residents to remain indoors in the event of a possible eruption from Mount Fuji. An expert panel has classified ashfall into four distinct levels of severity, advising evacuations for wooden structures experiencing more than 30 cm of ash. The guidelines stress the importance of having emergency provisions for at least seven days, avoiding the use of cars, and effectively managing ash accumulation. Public readiness and awareness are key components of the recommendations.

In light of potential volcanic threats, the Japanese government has issued updated guidelines advising residents to stay indoors if Mount Fuji erupts, causing significant ashfall across the Tokyo metropolitan area. This comes after thorough evaluations by an expert panel assembled by the government. While Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, last erupted over 300 years ago and the likelihood of another eruption is low, these new regulations aim to prepare the public for any unforeseen events.

To read more, go here.

Japan: 10 Annoying Foreign Tourist Behaviors On Trains

Above, inside a Shinkansen (bullet train) car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan seems to have many etiquette rules. Anyone who has been there at least several times gets acclimated with them with no real problem (more or less).

Unbeknownst to some (especially newbies), there are even rules on trains. 

Sora News has posted an article with a list of the top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains.

They begin it with:

Japan is seeing more inbound foreign tourists than ever these days, which also means more inbound foreign tourists than ever on public transportation. But as locals and Japanese residents increasingly rub elbows on trains, that also means more chances for tourist behavior to rub locals the wrong way.

As part of its annual study on train/station etiquette, the Japan Private Railway Association collected responses from 5,314 participants via an online survey. 62.9 percent of the respondents said they’d been bothered by impolite behavior by foreign tourists, and the survey then asked them to designate up to two specific complaints, resulting in the following top 10 list (technically top 11, if you count the entry of “other”).

To see what they are, go here. 

Mt. Fuji Light Rail Line To Transport 3 Million Hikers Annually

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The big symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji, may be getting a new rail line to the Fifth Station on the mountain.

Yamanashi Prefecture is proposing a double-track rail system to bring hikers to the mountain.

Kyodo News reported:

A proposed light rail transit service connecting the foot of Mt. Fuji to its 5th station would be capable of transporting 3.36 million passengers annually, a recent report by a local government showed.

Yamanashi Prefecture is proposing a double-track line operating two-car trains every six minutes for 10 hours per day to disperse the summer influx of tourists while reducing vehicle emissions, according to its interim report.

The line would run along the Fuji Subaru Line, the toll road to the 5th station that serves as the starting point to one of the mountain's most popular hiking trails.

The prefecture projects capital investment would total 148.6 billion yen ($970 million), deeming it optimal for the prefectural government to construct the tracks while a private company operates the trains.

Assuming 3 million passengers per year at 10,000 yen per person, the transit system is expected to yield a profit of 184.8 billion yen for the prefecture and 420.7 billion yen for the operator over a 40-year period, according to the report.

To read more, go here. 

60th Anniversary of Japan's Bullet Train

Above, the first Shinkansen train I rode in 2001. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Introduced just a few days before the 1964 Tokyo Olympic games, Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) was introduced into service with the Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Osaka.

This year marks 60 years since that event and bullet trains serve passengers with more lines around the country. The country will celebrate this milestone this coming Tuesday.

Above, a Shinkansen's car interior. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

I have been on several bullet trains over the years including the aforementioned Tokaido Line and routes to Sendai, Fukuoka and Sendai. The ride is so smooth that its speed is not noticeable until the train passes one going the opposite direction and the air cushion between them hits.

Above, a Shinkansen arrives at Atami Station in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

.Here's a video from British Pathé:

 

Here's a video from the Film Archive of Japan:

 

Japan's Golden Week's Travel Bug

Above, yours truly at Godaido Temple in Matsushima in 2006.

Millions of Japanese are hitting the airports, train and bus stations to celebrate Golden Week.

I was in Japan during Golden Week back in 2006 and I remember how crowded the train stations got. I took a bullet train (Shinkansen) trip up to Sendai and Matsushima. 

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

Millions of Japanese started their Golden Week holidays by crowding train stations and airports as they headed to their holiday destinations and hometowns.

Overseas travel was out of the question for many people due to the weak yen.

Predictably, JR Tokyo Station was packed to the rafters as people started fleeing the capital April 27 to spend the holiday period with family members and friends.

Travel departures are expected to reach their peak on May 3, with return trips hitting their busiest on May 5 and 6, according to Japan Railway group companies. The Nozomi trains on Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines will operate with all seats reserved until May 6.

To read more, go here.

Fees and Cap On Mt. Fuji Climbers

Above, a Shinkansen (bullet train) view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Yamanashi prefectural government, in an effort to curb over tourism on Mount Fuji, has voted to implement fees and a cap on the number of people climbing the mountain per day.

USA Today reported:

Tourists looking to climb Mount Fuji will now have to pay a 2,000 yen ($13) fee per climber for entry. There will also be a cap of 4,000 visitors allowed to scale the mountain per day.

Likewise, stricter guidelines will be put in place to control the people who do hit the trails, including official guides who will supervise the trails and advise people who are engaging in dangerous or inappropriate behaviors such as sleeping beside the trails or wearing sandals for the hike (a more common problem than you'd think.)

To read more, go here. 

Train Routes Showing Off The Scenic American Backcountry

Above, the Southwest Chief arrives at Gallup Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One mode of travel that I've always found enjoyable and that is train travel.

Whether it is a steam locomotive in San Juan Mountains of Colorado or a cross-country ride aboard the Southwest Chief or a high speed Shinkansen in Japan, they all have been enjoyable.

TheTravel has an article on ten train routes showing off the scenic American backcountry.

They begin with:

Is there anything not to love about train travel? Think about it. The whistles from the steam engines, clickety-clack sounds, and beautiful scenery all make for a fun ride, and someone else is doing the driving.

The world is full of things that instantly gratify people, and certainly, enjoying leisurely travel along one of the scenic sleeper train routes in the US is one of them. So, enjoying a slow ride can be an incredible experience. Whether doing a day trip or a long-distance journey, train rides are the best way to explore an area without rushing.

But which routes should one explore in the Backcountry? Here are the ten train journeys to take in this part of America.

To read more, go here. 

Navigating Japan's Shinkansen Network

Above, inside a bullet train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My first trip to Japan was in November 2001. During that trip I took a bullet train (Shinkansen) trip to the Atami area of Japan.

Since then, I have taken several other Shinkansen trains to other areas of Japan including Sendai, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kyushu and Niigata. 

Travel + Leisure has posted a complete guide on Japan's bullet trains with information on the different types of them.

They begin with:

The notion of wasting time on commutes is foreign in Japan, thanks to its high-speed bullet trains, or Shinkansen, which zoom along at a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). Operating on a well-organised high-speed railway network, these trains adhere to a punctual schedule throughout the week. With travellers’ convenience at the fore, Japan’s bullet trains delight with amenities like vending machines, food carts serving meals, drinks, and snacks, as well as informative announcements delivered in multiple languages.

To read more, go here. 

Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Above, a shinkansen train arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On October 1, Japan Rail raised the prices on its Rail Passes, by around 70%,

I traveled around Japan during my eight visits there over the years and found it to be economical. Now that the prices have been raised, the question now is, "Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?"

An article in Japan Today discusses this.

They begin with:

TOKYO - There are many things to love about Japan, from the food to the living tradition to the ultra-modern streets of fast-paced Tokyo. Of course, there are also the trains. Sleek and punctual, they whisk passengers from one corner of the country to the other in comfort and style.

Regular visitors will know about the Japan Rail Pass, an affordable, all-you-can-ride ticket that grants access to the many Japan Rail-associated trains, including the famous bullet train, the shinkansen. However, prices have recently increased—and by quite a lot.

Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it? 

To read the full article, go here. 

Be sure to read readers' comments.

Japan's Popular Rail Pass Is About to Get More Expensive

Above, inside a Shinkansen (bullet train) car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have posted about this before, but those planning to travel to Japan can still purchase the JR Rail Pass at the current price until October 1.

That's when the price is hiked about 70%.

According to Travel + Leisure:

The Japan Rail Pass, one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to travel around the country, is going up in price this fall. 

The cost of a 7-day rail pass, known as the JR Pass, will increase from as low as 29,650 yen ($201.19) when purchased from an authorized retailer to 50,000 yen ($339.28), a nearly 70 percent increase, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. The price increase will go into effect on Oct. 1 and become the first increase in several years.

A spokesman for the JR Group told The New York Times the increase follows improvements to its service, including extending lines and updating reservation systems.

“As a result, the actual benefits greatly exceed the product price,” the spokesman said, adding, “we have decided to revise the price to an appropriate level.”

When the price increase goes into effect, a 14-day JR Pass will rise from as low as 47,250 yen ($320.62) to 80,000 yen ($542.85) and a 21-day pass will rise from as low as 60,450 yen ($410.19) to 100,000 yen ($678.56). Passes for children 6 to 11 years old will cost 50 percent of the adult price. 

 To read more, go here.

Japan’s JR Rail Pass Prices Are About to Increase

Above, the first Shinkansen I rode using the JR Rail Pass. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're a little over a month away from when the cost of the JR Rail Pass is hiked around 70%.

I have used the JR Rail Pass several times to travel around Japan. With them, I have been to Sendai, Niigata, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Kumamoto, Atami and other places. 

AFAR has posted an article on what to expect when the prices go up on October 1. They also state that there's plenty of time to buy before they do.

They begin with:

Travelers planning on visiting Japan may want to re-evaluate their travel budget—the price for a Japan Rail Pass is set to rise by roughly 70 percent on October 1, 2023.

The passes, which offer a flat rate for an unlimited number of rides on most trains during a set timeframe (including the famous high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains) have long been a popular way for travelers keen to visit multiple destinations (and have traditionally been more cost-effective than buying tickets à la carte).

Here’s what you need to know about the new pricing for the Japan Rail Pass.

To read more, go here. 

What It's Like To Ride Japan's Bullet Trains

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Hikari Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most enjoyable things to experience in Japan is taking a ride on one of their famous bullet trains, or Shinkansens.

I have ridden several of them. including the Hikari Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto over the years. It is on this route that Mount Fuji can be seen on clear days.

Monica Humpries took the Hikari to Kyoto and was thrilled with the experience and she writes about it (with plenty of photos) for Insider.

She begins with:

I've had the luxury of sitting underneath glass-dome windows as my Rocky Mountaineer train barreled between Colorado's mountains.

I've peered into a rainforest as a commuter train headed out of Sydney, Australia, and into the bush. 

But nothing could have prepared me for the excitement of riding my first bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto.

If one wants to ride a bullet train with a Japan Rail Pass, they better do it before October 1. The price of rail passes go up that day.

To read more, go here. 

Opposition To Mt. Fuji Railway Plan

Above, a view of Mt. Fuji from a passing Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, our G-TOUR tour group took a bus ride to one of the fifth Stations on the slopes of Mount Fuji in Japan. 

Now, one of the governing prefectures of the mountain is considering building a rail line to a fifth station. This plan is facing stiff opposition as Mount Fuji is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is seen as a "sacred mountain" by the Japanese. 

Above, the summit of Mt. Fuji during a stop while en route to a fifth station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reported: 

With Thursday marking the 10th anniversary of Mt. Fuji’s designation as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, authorities are debating how to curb the number of tourists on Japan’s highest mountain and ease the environmental burden tourists create.

The government of Yamanashi Prefecture, which is located on the northern side of the 3,776-meter peak, is considering building a railway from Mt. Fuji’s foot to the fifth station on the existing Fuji Subaru Line toll road.

Although the prefecture plans to start technical surveys soon, some parties have expressed opposition, arguing that the mountain’s designation as a World Heritage site emphasizes its significance as a “sacred mountain.”

Yamanashi Prefecture is considering running a light rail transit (LRT) system on tracks to be laid on a 28-kilometer section of the Fuji Subaru Line toll road. An LRT is a low trolley with limited noise and shaking.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Rail Pass Price Hike Very Unpopular

Above, inside a Shinkansen train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the dumbest moves in the annals of Japan travel was the announcement by the Japan Railways Group that they will be hiking Japan Rail Pass prices nearly 70%.

During seven of my eight trips to Japan, I have obtained a JR Rail Pass and found it very convenient and a bargain. If I go back to Japan, I will likely not buy one.

Other travelers agree with me as surveys have been taken and a big majority of people are also saying "no thanks" to buying a JR Rail Pass, according to an article by SoraNews24.

They begin with:

In April, Japan Railways Group shocked international travelers thinking about taking a trip to Japan by announcing a gigantic price increase for the Japan Rail Pass. Long considered one of the best deals available for inbound tourists looking to see a large swath of the country, the “JR Pass,” as it’s also known among travelers, gives you an unlimited rides on the Shinkansen bullet train, as well as local JR-managed lines nationwide, over a period of one, two, or three weeks.

Currently, a one-week pass costs 29,640 yen (US$220), but that will be jumping to 50,000 yen. The two-week pass will be rising from 47,250 to 80,000 yen, and the three-week pass from 60,450 yen to 100,000. That works out to price increases of between 65 and 69 percent, and depending on where you’re staying and whether you’re splitting hotel costs with a travelling companion, the difference is enough to potentially equal multiple nights’ worth of hotel costs.

Needless to say, the change hasn’t been met with cheers from overseas travelers anxious to visit Japan now that the country has finally reopened from being effectively closed to tourism for almost the entirety of the pandemic. Illustrating just how unpopular is this move by JR is, Export Japan, management company for inbound-to-Japan travel portal Japan Guide, has released the results of an online poll carried out through the site in May, shortly after the Japan Rail Pass price hike was announced. When posed with the question “Will you be buying the Japan Rail Pass after the price increase?”, the responses from 1,098 participants were:

● Probably not: 36.5 percent of respondents

● Absolutely not: 36.1 percent

● I can’t say for sure: 15.5 percent

● I’ll probably buy it: 6 percent

● I’ll definitely buy it: 5.9 percent

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo's Shinkansen Guide Video

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mt. Fuji while en route to Osaka from Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that foreigners can travel again to Japan, here's something that will be helpful if one is planning to travel outside of Tokyo to other cities.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted a video guide for using the famous bullet trains, or Shinkansens, while in Japan. 

According to the video posting:

Wondering whether the Shinkansen (that’s the bullet train) might be the best way to get from one part of Japan to another? This a comprehensive guide to taking some of the fastest trains in the world, from speeds to seat reservations, luggage and the Japan rail passes.

Here's the video:

JR Rail Passes For Foreign Tourists Visiting Japan

Above, two JR Rail Passes that I used during past trips. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Japan has reopened to foreign tourists again, it is time to do some planning for a future trip and how to get around the country after you've arrived.

The most economical way to get around Japan, saving a lot of money in the process, is with the many JR Rail Passes that are available to foreign tourists. 

According to Time Out, there are 13 different Rail Passes available. All one has to do is select one that best suits one's itinerary.

Time Out reported:

Travelling via train and shinkansen is a quintessential Japanese experience. However, train rides, especially on the shinkansen, can add up to be a costly expense. Lucikly for tourists, Japan Railways has created a host of discount rail passes exclusively for foreign passport holders with short-term visit visas, all of which offer unlimited rides on trains and shinkansen across multiple days. (Psst... some of these JR passes are also available to foreign residents in Japan – more info here.) 

Aside from the popular Japan Rail Pass, which gives you access to most JR trains and shinkansen across the breadth of Japan, there are a number of other discount passes that could also save you a lot of money. To help you organise your travels, here's a list of all the current JR rail passes you can enjoy with your foreign passport as a temporary visitor in Japan. Just don't forget to bring your passport along with you when you go to purchase or collect your pass.

To read more, go here.