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    The Shinkansen bullet train

    Travelling in comfort at speeds of up to 320 km/h; train travel doesn't get better than this!

    Since it first opened in 1964, the Shinkansen has become just as synonymous with Japan as Mount Fuji, sumo and sushi. With currently 2,400 kilometres of track, the bullet train line acts as the back bone of the country linking the northern tip of the main island, Honshu, to the southern reaches of Kyushu Island.    
     
    On the platform you will join an orderly queue at marker points and wait for the sleek nose of the train to glide into the station, stopping within centimetres of the markers. Even standard class seats are spacious, comfortable and have plenty of room. Before you know it, you will be shooting across the country at speeds between 240 and 320 km/h but the ride is so smooth and noise levels are so low that the only clue to how fast you are travelling is the scenery darting past the windows. 
     
    The Shinkansen is a great place to people watch: smartly dressed business men; ladies going for a shopping trip to the big cities; pensioners enjoying retirement and travelling the country; school sports teams on their way to tournaments and families with excited kids travelling on the bullet train for the first time. The conductors politely bow as they enter and exit each carriage and a refreshment trolley passes through with beautifully presented bento lunch boxes as well as chilled cans of Japanese beer.

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    For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

    A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
     

    The Shinkansen bullet train

    Available throughout Japan

    Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:

    • The constant bad economic news has been getting everyone a bit down, so we've created this bargain seven-night Japanese getaway to beat the blues!

      7 Night Price Cruncher

      Japan has long had a reputation for being one of the world's most expensive countries. Yet a trip to Japan needn't break the bank; superb value budget hotels & Japanese inns, cheap & efficient local transport and great food at fantastic prices mean a week in Japan is accessible to nearly everyone!

      Read more >

      The constant bad economic news has been getting everyone a bit down, so we've created this bargain seven-night Japanese getaway to beat the blues!

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    Other Transport experiences

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    • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

      Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

      Enjoy stunning vistas while traversing the Japanese Alps via a series of trains, cable cars, trolley buses, ropeways, tunnels and hiking routes.

      Read more >

    • Kyushu Seven Stars

      Kyushu Seven Stars

      Move over Orient Express - this luxury sleepr train combines beautiful, wood-clad carriages, luxurious cabins and French-Japanese fusion cuisine.

      Read more >

    • Arashiyama rickshaw

      Arashiyama rickshaw

      There is no better way to see Kyoto's Arashiyama district than from the seat of a jinrikusha rickshaw.

      Read more >

  • Hozugawa boat ride

    Hozugawa boat ride

    Take a trip down the Hozu River in Kyoto's stunning Arashiyama district.

    Read more >

  • Taxis

    Taxis

    Like hailing a yellow cab in NYC or hanging on for dear life in the back of a Thai tuk tuk, taking a taxi in Japan is a memorable travel experience.

    Read more >

  • Contact us

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      + 81 52 253 6068

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    Download a brochure or enquire today

    If you'd like any help or want to know more about Japan, feel free to either enquire today, give our Japan travel experts a call, or why not download our beautiful Japan brochure.

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