I took a ride on Japan's legendary bullet train and there's one thing I would change for my next trip
Before my trip, I bought a one-week Japan Rail Pass online for $263. I was sent a voucher that I traded in upon landing at Tokyo's Narita International Airport. For an extra $100, you can upgrade to first class, but I stuck with the ordinary pass.
The JR Pass would give me access to a number of train systems across the country. I could use it for some, but not all of the trains around Tokyo, and other major cities like Kyoto and Osaka. The map below shows JR train lines in Tokyo (thick lines) that I could use the pass on and the metro train lines (thin lines) that I couldn't use the pass on.
I could also use the pass to travel between cities on traditional trains.
However, the real benefit of the JR Pass is for use on most, but not all of the Shinkansen bullet trains. My trip was from Tokyo to Kyoto, on the Tokaido Shinkansen route. Unfortunately, the JR Pass can't be used for the Nozomi train, the fastest line, which takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Instead, I settled for the Hikari train, which would reach top speeds of 270 kilometers per hour (168 miles per hour). The 364 km trip (226 m) would take 2 hours and 40 minutes. I booked my trip the night before so I would have a reserved seat.
After finding my way through the station, I walked up the steps to the platform and saw the Shinkansen in all of its glory.
Today's trains have benefited from decades worth of upgrades. Here's a look at the original 0 Series bullet train.
Amazingly, there has never been a fatal bullet train accident during its more than five decades of service.
I still had about 10 minutes before my departure, so I decided to get some lunch.
Conveniently, there was a Delica Station on the platform.
I walked in and immediately saw snacks like Pringles and Haribo gummy bears.
Along the back wall was a refrigerator with drinks ranging from beer to juice to soda.
When I looked to my right i saw a wall full of bento boxes. Options included sushi, roast beef, rice balls, and more. Typically the bento boxes cost between $7 to $14, depending on the contents.
I opted for sushi and a Coke. The total came to 1231 Japanese yen, or about $11.24.
I boarded just as the train was getting ready to depart.
I walked onto the train an immediately noticed how spacious and clean it was. I also saw a knob on the top of every seat, which I presumed was used for balance when walking through the aisle while the train was moving.
I settled into my reserved seat, and found it rather comfortable. I have been on many commuter trains in my life, but never one with this much leg room. I'm short, but I had plenty of room even with my legs stretched all the way out.
There was a plug where I could charge my phone.
And two coat hooks on each side, which looks like they would be convenient for businesspeople wearing a suit. Hanging a winter coat there looked a bit bulky.
The seats also had serious reclining capability. They went back several inches past where a typical airplane seat would, which was especially impressive considering every other train I've been on hasn't had a reclining option.
One of the nice things about taking the train is the chance to see different parts of the country. Here's a shot of Nishioi, Shingawa, on the outskirts of Tokyo.
After sitting back and enjoying the smooth ride for a bit, I decided to dig into my bento box. The tray table had plenty of room, and seemed to be almost double the size of one you would find on an airplane.
I opened my bento box and to my delight the sushi looked pretty good for being in a box (There was another row that didn't make it into the picture). I took my first bite and was surprised by how fresh it tasted. The Coca-Cola tasted similar to what we have in the US.
Unfortunately it was a cloudy day, so I wasn't able to see Mt. Fuji. However, I was still able to enjoy the scenery.
If I had been able to see it, here's what it would have looked like.
A lady with a cart passed by several times. She sold beverages, snacks, and cups of noodles.
While I didn't get to see Mt. Fuji, I still got to see some snowcapped mountains. I think that's Nagano, where the 1998 Winter Olympics were held, but I'm not positive.
One of the things I noticed as I looked out the window were the rows and rows of solar panels...
...and the vast amounts of farmland as we got closer to Kyoto.
After arriving in Kyoto, I walked past rows of lockers that would be useful for ditching your stuff for the day, making it easier to enjoy the sites if you're just stopping by. It only costs a few dollars to put your bags in there.
Now it was time to enjoy the sites.
Overall, I thought the Shinkansen experience was an enjoyable one.
I was impressed with how smooth and quiet the ride was. The cabin was also very clean and had lots of space. It was nice to be able to charge my device to ensure I had enough battery for when I explored the sites after exiting the train.
I also thought the food options on the platform were a nice touch. The sushi I bought was better than something I could get for a comparable price in the US.
While I enjoyed the experience, next time I would spend the extra $100 and splurge for a first-class ticket.
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