Shinkansen is the super-express train known as the “bullet train.”It is now regarded as a symbol of Japanese technology.It was launched in 1964,the year of the Tokyo Olympics,as the world’s first high-speed train.
As of 2014,the Shinkansen network connects all major cities across Japan except those in Shikoku.
The Shinkansen provides first-class carriage,or”Green Car,”as well as reserved and unreserved ordinary-car service.Shinkansen is very popoular among foreign visitors.
The Shinkansen is one of the world’s fastest trains,which travels at 250 kilometers per hour or faster.But it is difficult for the shinkansen to compete with rival trains(mentioned below) because its routes have a lot of curves and tunnels.Its top speed remains 300 kilometers per hour,but the Shinkansen takes prides in its frequency and punctuality.At most times,there are more than ten trains running every hour between Tokyo and Osaka.And the average delay per day is only six seconds.
Many rival trains have been introduced,including the French TGV,which is said to be the fastest in the world now,the Iatlian Direttissima,the English HST,the German InterCity and the Chinese HSR(technically assisted by Germany and Japan).
Currently,a project is underway to build the Chuo Shinkansen line in 2045.It will connect Tokyo and Osaka in just over 60 minutes at 500 kilometers per hour.
