Often referred to as the "bullet train", is Japan's high-speed rail system. It is known for its exceptional speed, punctuality, safety, and comfort. Here are some key points:
Overview
Launched: 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics.
First Line: Tökaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Osaka).
Operated by: Japan Railways Group (JR Group), with regional companies like JR East, JR Central, etc.
Speed
Top Operational Speed: ~320 km/h (200 mph).
Test Speeds: Some experimental models like the Maglev (LO Series) have exceeded 600 km/h.
Major Lines
Tökaido Shinkansen: Tokyo <--> Osaka (busiest and most iconic).
Sanyo Shinkansen: Osaka <--> Fukuoka.
Töhoku Shinkansen: Tokyo <--> Aomori (northeast Japan).
Kyushu Shinkansen: Fukuoka <--> Kagoshima.
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Tokyo <--> Kanazawa (with future expansion plans)