SHINKANSEN
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The Shinkansen are the Japanese high speed trains (bullet trains). They are operated by the JR.
The city of Tokyo has a very central position in the shinkansen network. From Tokyo all the lines leave to the West and North.
From Tokyo to Osaka (Tokaido Shinkansen), and farther to Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu (San-yo Shinkansen).
The Tokaido line, inaugurated in the year 1964, was the first shinkansen line. The trains then already run with speeds of about 200 km/h.
The trains that operate on the West bound today are of the following categories:
NORTH BOUND: In 1982 the first North bound lines, the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Morioka and the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata, were completed.
Every train has some wagons with non-reserved seats, most often at the beginning or the end of the train. If you line up early enough or maybe skip one train, you should be able to find a seat there (in Tokyo station). But it is more comfortable to reserve one. Reservations can be made for free when you own the Japan Rail Pass. |
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SHINKANSEN
MAGLEV PROJECT: LINEAR CHUO SHINKANSEN
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