Travel shots #3 Japan - Traveling the country on the high speed bullet trains (Shinkansen)

The Japanese bullet trains are without a doubt the easiest, fastest and safest option to travel the country. To me it represents the extremely well organized Japanese infrastructure and it's not without a reason the Shinkansen is so popular in Japan. 

Most stations have guard rails like these to prevent accidents

Before traveling to Japan march this year, I just happened to come across a documentary on the famous Japanese high speed trains. I was amazed by the trainlines operated by Japan Railways (JR), so clean, fast and most of all: reliable. A delayed train is something that so rarely occurs that it makes you wonder how it's even possible not every modern country in the world is capable of running a system like this. Also amazing, every platform on every station is marked exactly where a car number will stop and people will line up in a neat order to embark on the train. No pushing, no shoving, just patiently waiting...wow.

Can you imagine waiting for your train like this in your country? I can't...

Foreign travelers can buy a Japan Rail Pass in advance of their travel (only available for non-Japanese residents) which can be bought for 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. This will roughly cost between $250 for 7 days and $500 for 21. Considering a one way ticket between Tokyo and Kyoto (a 135 minute trip) costs about $120, the Japan Rail Pass is very cheap. I definitely recommend anyone traveling inJapan to get this pass.

They don't just go fast...they look extremely fast

Back to the trains. There are several different types all with slightly different speeds (the fastest goes 200 mph - 320 km/h), interiors and exteriors.  Some are a bit more comfortable than others but I have taken 5 different tpyes and none have been any less than impressive. Some trains are divided between reserved and non-reserved cars, so always make sure to check beforehand if you should reserve a seat. I suggest reserving anyway, it's so easy and gives a certain place on the train. Every station these trains run through have an office where you can reserve a seat just by showing your pass and telling which train you would want. You will then get a ticket with your departure time, car and seat number. It's the most convenient way of traveling ever (unless you own a private helicopter of course).

The comfortable seating makes for a very pleasant journey

One detail I will never forget is the train staff. After entering and before leaving a car they will bow to all the travelers and show their respect. This doesn't happen just once, but every time they walk through which can be 10 times an hour. They do it every single time, amazing. This dedication to their job and respect for the customers is what I deeply admire of the Japanese.

Everything in the train including the announcements are in Japanese and in English so everything is as clear as can be. This also goes for the stations which are absolutely huge, but extremely easy to navigate. Something I didn't expect before traveling to an Asian country. Even though the stations are crowded like I have never seen anywhere else before, it's hard to bump into someone. Literally that is. Because no matter how many people there are, everyone gives each other space to move. 

If you want to know more about these amazing trains, check out a Discovery Channel documentary here.

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