Shinkansen by Chan Ching Wun

Do you know what the Shinkansen is? It is the world's fastest high-speed train system. After the Tokaido Shinkansen began service in 1964, other countries started to develop their own high-speed rail systems, such as those in the UK and France. The Shinkansen revolutionized transportation, making trains a preferred choice over planes for long trips.

Rail Specifications

The biggest difference between Japan's regular trains and the Shinkansen is the rail width. Regular trains use a rail width of 1,067 mm, while the Shinkansen operates on 1,435 mm rails. In addition to the original Shinkansen, there are mini Shinkansen, which also use 1,435 mm rails but have a maximum speed of only 130 km/h. These include the Yamagata and Akita Shinkansen.

Speed Records

The fastest Shinkansen models are the E5 and H5 series. At their maximum speed, traveling between Utsunomiya and Shin-Aomori, they can reach up to 320 km/h. The E5 series entered service in 2011 and is operated by JR East, while the H5 series is managed by JR Hokkaido.

Historical Routes

The oldest Shinkansen route is the Tokaido Shinkansen, which began service on October 1, 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics, connecting Tokyo and Osaka. Subsequent expansions included:

  • 1972: Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Okayama) opened.

  • 1975: Full Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka to Hakata) opened.

  • 1982: Tohoku Shinkansen (Omiya to Morioka) and Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo to Niigata) opened.

  • 1997: Nagano Shinkansen (Tokyo to Nagano) opened.

  • 2022: Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki) opened.

Now, the journey from Tokyo to Hakata takes only 3 hours and 44 minutes!

Newest Models

The newest Shinkansen is the E8 series, which began service in 2024. It is designed for Tsubasa services, operating in Tohoku and Yamagata, and can reach speeds of 275 km/h.

Personal Favorite

My favorite Shinkansen is the Shinkansen Series 800, which operates in the Kyushu Shinkansen. It has a maximum speed of 260 km/h, and its headlights resemble three big eyes. Inside, the seating arrangement is 2+2, providing comfortable travel.

Evolution of Shinkansen Routes

  • 1964: Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) began service.

  • 1972: Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Okayama).

  • 1975: Sanyo full line (Shin-Osaka to Hakata).

  • 1982: Tohoku Shinkansen (Omiya to Morioka) and Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo to Niigata).

  • 1991: Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo to Ueno).

  • 1997: Nagano Shinkansen (Tokyo to Nagano).

  • 2004: Kyushu Shinkansen (Shin-Yatsushiro to Kagoshima).

  • 2011: Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata to Shin-Kagoshima).

  • 2015: Hokuriku Shinkansen (Nagano to Kanazawa).

  • 2016: Hokkaido Shinkansen (Shin-Aomori to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto).

  • 2024: Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa to Tsuruga).

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