Important to know about Bullet train routes in Japan

About Bullet train routes in Japan

Japan is famous for its high-speed bullet trains, known as Shinkansen. Here is an overview of some of the major bullet train routes in Japan:

Tokaido Shinkansen: This is the oldest and most heavily traveled bullet train route in Japan. It runs between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, with stops in major cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kyoto.
Tohoku Shinkansen: This route runs from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in the northern part of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It passes through major cities such as Sendai and Morioka.
Joetsu Shinkansen: This route connects Tokyo with Niigata, a port city on the west coast of Honshu. It passes through the Japanese Alps and offers scenic views of the countryside.
Hokuriku Shinkansen: This route runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa, a historic city on the west coast of Honshu. It passes through the Japanese Alps and offers views of the Sea of Japan.
Kyushu Shinkansen: This route runs from Hakata, a city in southern Japan, to Kagoshima in the south. It passes through major cities such as Kumamoto and offers views of the scenic Kyushu countryside.
Hokkaido Shinkansen: This is the newest bullet train route in Japan, which opened in 2016. It connects Aomori on the northern tip of Honshu with Hakodate on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.

These are just a few of the many bullet train routes in Japan. The Shinkansen is known for its punctuality, speed, and comfort, and is a popular way to travel around the country.

History timeline of Bullet train Japan

Here is a brief history timeline of the Bullet Train, also known as the Shinkansen, in Japan:

1958: The first Shinkansen line, the Tokaido Shinkansen, opened between Tokyo and Osaka for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It was initially called the “New Tokaido Line.”
1964: The Tokaido Shinkansen line officially began service on October 1st, just before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.
1975: The first expansion of the Shinkansen network occurred with the opening of the Sanyo Shinkansen, which connected Osaka with Fukuoka.
1982: The first “mini-Shinkansen” line opened between Yamagata and Fukushima. This line used older, existing tracks and was cheaper to build.
1987: The privatization of Japan National Railways (JNR) took place, resulting in the creation of seven private railway companies.
1997: The Akita Shinkansen line opened, connecting Tokyo to Akita.
2002: The first Shinkansen line to Hokkaido was announced, with construction beginning the following year.
2004: The Kyushu Shinkansen line opened, connecting Fukuoka with Kagoshima.
2011: The Tohoku Shinkansen line was extended to Shin-Aomori, connecting Tokyo to the northern tip of Honshu.
2015: The Hokuriku Shinkansen line opened, connecting Tokyo to Kanazawa.
2016: The Hokkaido Shinkansen line opened, connecting Honshu to Hokkaido through the Seikan Tunnel.

Today, the Shinkansen is one of the most advanced high-speed rail systems in the world, with trains reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). The network spans over 2,700 km (1,680 miles) and connects most major cities in Japan.

Important facts on fare of Bullet train in Japan

The cost of a bullet train, or Shinkansen, ticket in Japan varies depending on several factors, including the distance traveled, the class of service, and whether or not you reserve a seat in advance. Here are some general guidelines:

Base fare: The base fare for a Shinkansen ticket varies depending on the distance traveled. For example, the base fare for a one-way trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto is around 13,080 yen (about $120 USD).
Class of service: There are two classes of service on most Shinkansen trains: ordinary (coach) and green car (first class). The green car is more spacious and comfortable, and usually costs about 50% more than the ordinary car.
Reserved vs. non-reserved seating: It is possible to buy a non-reserved ticket for the Shinkansen, which allows you to board any available seat on the train. However, during peak travel times, seats can fill up quickly. To ensure a seat, it’s recommended to reserve a seat in advance, which usually costs a few hundred yen more than a non-reserved ticket.

To give you a rough idea, a one-way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto in the ordinary car with reserved seating usually costs around 14,000 yen (about $128 USD). However, prices can vary widely depending on the season, time of day, and other factors. It’s a good idea to check the official websites of the railway companies, such as JR East or JR West, for up-to-date fare information and ticket booking.

Statistics of Bullet train in Japan

Here are some statistics on the Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, in Japan:

The first Shinkansen line, the Tokaido Shinkansen, opened in 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, the Shinkansen network has expanded to over 2,700 km (1,680 miles) of track, connecting most major cities in Japan.
Shinkansen trains operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), making them one of the fastest high-speed rail systems in the world.
The maximum operating speed of the Shinkansen has increased over the years. The original Tokaido Shinkansen had a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph), while the latest N700S series Shinkansen can reach speeds of 360 km/h (224 mph).
The Shinkansen is known for its punctuality and reliability. According to the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), the average delay of the Tokaido Shinkansen in fiscal year 2019 was just 0.6 minutes.
The Shinkansen is also known for its safety record. There has never been a fatal passenger accident on a Shinkansen train since the first line opened in 1964.
In fiscal year 2019, over 167 million passengers rode the Shinkansen, according to the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency.
The Shinkansen has had a significant impact on Japan’s economy and society. By connecting major cities and reducing travel times, it has facilitated business and tourism, as well as helped to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

Overall, the Shinkansen is a symbol of Japan’s technological innovation and commitment to transportation excellence.

Bullet train Routes that are not covered in the Japan Rail Pass ?

When traveling on most Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, routes in Japan, purchasing a Japan Rail Pass is the most cost-efficient method to do it. Yet, the usage of the pass is subject to a variety of caveats and limitations, which are dependent on the particular route as well as the type of pass being used.

The following is a list of some of the train routes that the Japan Rail Pass does not cover:

The Tokaido Shinkansen, the Sanyo Shinkansen, and the Kyushu Shinkansen all have trains named Nozomi and Mizuho. However, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover travel on these lines, despite the fact that these trains are the quickest and most direct option. Pass holders are permitted to travel on the Hikari and Sakura trains, which travel at a somewhat slower pace and make more stops along the route.
Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines are serviced by the Hayabusa, Hayate, and Komachi trains, respectively. These trains are not included in the Japan Rail Pass; however, pass holders are still permitted to travel on the Yamabiko and Nasuno trains, which travel at a little slower pace and make more stops along the route.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen between Kanazawa and Toyama. The Japan Rail Pass does not apply to this segment of the line because it is run by a private railway firm and is therefore not covered by the pass. Passholders are permitted to continue using the JR limited express trains that operate on this route.

Bullet train for Tourists in Japan ?

The Shinkansen, sometimes known as the Bullet Train, is one of the most well-liked ways for visitors to get across Japan. Traveling between large cities and popular tourist spots can be accomplished in a snap with this mode of transportation, which also features frequent departures and comfortable seating.

Getting a Japan Rail Pass before coming in Japan is the most convenient way for travellers to use the Bullet Train while they are there. For a specified amount of time, holders of a Japan Rail Pass are entitled to limitless travel on the majority of JR lines throughout the country, including the Shinkansen (usually 7, 14, or 21 days). This pass can only be obtained by travelers from other countries, and it must be purchased outside of Japan.

With a Japan Rail Pass, tourists can ride on any Shinkansen train, including the faster Nozomi and Mizuho trains (with the exception of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which runs between Kanazawa and Toyama), making it a cost-effective way to travel throughout the country. There is one exception to this rule, which is the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which runs between Kanazawa and Toyama. The pass also offers complimentary seat reservations, allowing travellers to book a spot on the train of their choice ahead of time at no additional cost.

Even if a tourist does not wish to acquire a Japan Rail Pass, they are still able to ride the Bullet Train by purchasing standard tickets and paying the corresponding fare. On the other hand, this option frequently results in higher costs than utilizing the pass, particularly for excursions of greater duration. It is also crucial to note that passengers who do not possess a JR Pass are unable to ride some of the trains that are the quickest and most direct, such as the Nozomi and the Mizuho trains. Instead, these passengers may be required to take trains that are slightly slower and make more stops.

Which cities of japan are connected with Bullet trains?

The Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, connects many cities in Japan with fast and efficient train service. The main Shinkansen lines and the cities they connect include:

Tokaido Shinkansen: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka
Tohoku Shinkansen: Tokyo, Sendai, Morioka, Akita, and Aomori
Joetsu Shinkansen: Tokyo, Niigata
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Tokyo, Nagano, Toyama, and Kanazawa
Kyushu Shinkansen: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Nagasaki
Hokkaido Shinkansen: Shin-Aomori, Hakodate, and Sapporo

In addition to these main lines, there are also several other Shinkansen lines that connect other cities and regions throughout Japan, including the Yamagata Shinkansen, the Akita Shinkansen, the Kyushu Shinkansen, and the Hokkaido Shinkansen.

Overall, the Shinkansen network covers much of Japan and is a popular and convenient way to travel between major cities and tourist destinations.

Frequently asked Questions about Bullet train in Japan ?

The Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, is a high-speed railway system in Japan that connects major cities with trains that travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).

The speed of the Bullet Train depends on the specific line and train type, but most Shinkansen trains operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).

You can buy a Shinkansen ticket at a ticket office or ticket vending machine at any major train station in Japan. You can also purchase tickets online in advance.

The price of a ticket for the Shinkansen can change depending on the distance you travel, the level of service you select, and whether or not you make a seat reservation in advance. The price of a one-way ticket on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto in an ordinary car with reserved seating is often close to 14,000 yen, which is equivalent to approximately $128 USD.

You are able to use your Japan Rail Pass on the vast majority of Shinkansen trains, so long as you have the pass. You will, however, be required to make a seat reservation in advance, either in person at a ticket office or online.

You can make a seat reservation at a ticket office or ticket vending machine at any major train station in Japan. You can also make a reservation online in advance.

The Shinkansen is a bullet train that is renowned for its reliability and punctuality. According to information provided by the Central Japan Railway Corporation (JR Central), the Tokaido Shinkansen saw a mere 0.6 minute delay on average throughout the 2019 fiscal year.

On the Shinkansen, bags are permitted, so don't worry about that. There is typically storage space available above each passenger's head as well as capacity for heavier bags at the very end of each car.

The answer is yes; the majority of Shinkansen trains are equipped with a food and drink section that carries a limited range of hot meals in addition to a variety of snacks and drinks. Vending machines can also be seen on some trains.

The E5 and E6 series Shinkansen, which are used on the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines, are the Shinkansen in Japan that are considered to be the country's fastest bullet trains, also known as Shinkansen. These trains have the potential to attain a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour (199 miles per hour), which places them among the top ten fastest trains in the world.Active suspension systems serve to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, even at high speeds, on trains of the E5 and E6 series, which are noted for their streamlined, aerodynamic designs and cutting-edge technology. These trains are part of the E5 and E6 series. These trains also come outfitted with a variety of cutting-edge safety technologies, including automatic train control and collision avoidance systems, amongst others.There are a number of other types of Shinkansen trains that can travel at high speeds across Japan on a variety of lines in addition to the E5 and E6 series of trains. On the other hand, the E5 and E6 series trains are now the ones that can travel at the quickest speeds, and they are widely regarded as being among the most innovative and cutting-edge trains in the entire world.

The Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, connects many cities in Japan with fast and efficient train service. The main Shinkansen lines and the cities they connect include:

Tokaido Shinkansen: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka
Tohoku Shinkansen: Tokyo, Sendai, Morioka, Akita, and Aomori
Joetsu Shinkansen: Tokyo, Niigata
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Tokyo, Nagano, Toyama, and Kanazawa
Kyushu Shinkansen: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Nagasaki
Hokkaido Shinkansen: Shin-Aomori, Hakodate, and Sapporo

Overall, the Shinkansen network covers much of Japan and is a popular and convenient way to travel between major cities and tourist destinations.

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