During our trip last June, I wanted to buy a cheap Shinkansen ticket: the Kodama train. However, I was unsuccessful.
The Tokaido Shinkansen line, running from Tokyo through Kyoto and beyond, includes three types of "bullet trains," among which is the Kodama. Although the slowest due to numerous stops along the way, it still reaches Kyoto in under 3 hours and 30 minutes at a top speed of 285 km/h. While it takes longer than other Shinkansen trains—approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes—it's still a good option, especially for tourists who enjoy sightseeing and prioritize affordability over speed.
However, despite being helped by a young Japanese man I met at Tokyo Station, I couldn't buy a cheap Kodama train ticket to Kyoto. The cheap ones were hard to find! In the end, I had to buy a regular Shinkansen ticket to Kyoto; two tickets cost $284 USD (paid with credit card) for a distance of 475 km. Not cheap at all.
Foreign tourists often choose the Shinkansen train to travel throughout Japan.
The transportation revolution
The Shinkansen experience is always enjoyable thanks to the trains' elegance, cleanliness, and efficiency. However, this isn't limited to Shinkansen trains; regular trains also possess these qualities.
After Kyoto, our next destination was Osaka, about 50 km from Japan's former capital. We took a regular train, costing around 6 US dollars and taking 40 minutes from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station. The Shinkansen is famous for its incredible speed – except for the Kodama train. Shinkansen trains often run at a maximum speed of up to 320 km/h! For those with limited time, the faster journey makes traveling or sightseeing much more enjoyable.
Fast, but safe. Because safety is a top priority in Japan. The Shinkansen system has an impressive safety record. Research attributes this to advanced technology, meticulous planning, and rigorous maintenance.
A Shinkansen train is waiting for passengers to leave the station.
The Shinkansen is also renowned for its efficiency, thanks to its punctuality and reliability. This allowed us to plan our trip between Tokyo and Kyoto without much difficulty, without any worries or concerns about the schedule.
The Shinkansen Tōkaidō is a testament to Japan's impressive transportation network. This system connects Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka, playing a crucial role in both economic development and cultural exchange between these cities.
Extensive network
The Shinkansen network has expanded significantly since its inception. Now, according to Japanese railway records, new lines such as the Yamagata and Akita Shinkansen have brought high-speed travel to areas previously unserved by this type of train. This has boosted economic development and tourism opportunities across Japan. The Shinkansen can be seen as a system that will continue to play a crucial role in Japan's future success story.
We also thoroughly enjoyed a luxurious train called the Kuro Matsu, from Kyoto to the Tango region. Its speed was under 100 km/h, giving us the feeling of stepping back in time to a slower pace of life. Another unforgettable experience.
After World War II, Japan faced significant challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure. Skilled engineers and government officials devised an innovative solution: high-speed trains connecting major cities. This idea and vision laid the foundation for the Shinkansen – one of Japan's most iconic and advanced transportation systems.
The old-world charm of Tokyo Station
On October 1, 1964, Japan wrote a new chapter in its history with the Tōkaidō Shinkansen – the world's first high-speed rail line, connecting Tokyo first with Osaka.
This achievement demonstrates Japan's pioneering role in technology, thereby shaping travel and tourism worldwide.
The exceptionally slim design of the Shinkansen trains immediately earned them the nickname "bullet trains"!
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