The
Shinkansen
bullet trains are an icon of modern Japan. Although now such trains can
be seen in many parts of the world, few rival Japan for their
efficiency and promptness. The Shinkansen trains have been running in
Japan for over 35 years and, as can be seen from the route map above,
cover the majority of the islands. (the current exception is the
Hokkaido region, Japan's northernmost island) While the first trains
ran at 200 km/h (125 mph), the new models (along with improved tracks)
have increased this to 320 km/h (200 mph). Shinkansen run primarily on
standard
railway tracks, but benefit from mounting the rails on concrete
sleepers: to avoid conflicts with conventional trains, many of the main
lines use dedicated tracks. On board the trains are a study in comfort.
The seats are stuffed, resembling airline seats. The seats swivel to
face the proper direction when the train begins its journey in the
opposite direction. Box lunches (usually rice and fish or sushi) are
available, as well as snacks and beverages. And the trains run
precisely on time, usually literally to the second. Passengers have
exactly five minutes to
clear their
luggage and themselves; the Shinkansen, like time, waits for no man.
Three types of trains operate on the Shinkansen routes. The Nozomi are
the
fastest and most modern trains. They are distinguished by the 15
meter-long power car nose, lending an aerodynamic profile. The photo at
the bottom left shows an Nozomi pulling into the terminal. Extensive
soundproofing ensures that there is little noise or sensation of
movement inside the train. The Shinkansen is an expensive proposition,
as fully one-third of the revenue goes back into maintenance and
railway expansion. Major experiments are also currently being conducted
using magnetic levitation technology (the sort used on monorails);
propelled by linear motors, this technology offers the hope of even
greater speeds and less vibration. The video below shows the Shinkansen
express rolling through the station.
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