Trains in Japan & Shinkansen Facts

Every year, the Japanese travel more than 260 billion kilometers using trains. Meanwhile, Americans travel only 10 billion kilometers per year, despite having a larger population and country. In this article, we will see some curiosities about trains in Japan.

Japan has more than 20,000 km of railway lines; the train is the easiest way to get around Japan. Trains have transformed Japanese culture in many ways and have also dramatically improved the quality of life in Japan.

Did you know? At train stations in Japan, there are stamps to collect. Click to learn more…

Table of Contents

Benefits of using trains in Japan

Trains in Japan are used more than cars, as they are much more practical and bring numerous benefits such as:

Helps with health – The person must walk to the train station;
No costs – Many companies usually cover all expenses with a pass;
Safety – There is no danger of a car hitting yours;
Punctuality – Trains in Japan are super punctual; delays are measured in seconds, and they still apologize;
No traffic jams – You won’t have any traffic problems;
Professionalism – Customer service is a priority; all stations are organized, and staff are uniformed;
Nightlife – Thanks to trains, having a fun night becomes easier;
Read and study – On trains, you have the freedom to read, study, and even sleep;
Urban landscapes – You will have a much more pleasant ride;
Environment – Trains pollute less and use less energy than cars;
Transportation – Thanks to trains, it is possible to travel across the country in just a few hours;

Shinkansen – Bullet Train in Japan

The famous bullet train called shinkansen [新幹線] in Japanese is the fastest and safest transportation in the world. They usually operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h.

Since its inauguration in 1964, there has never been a serious accident involving derailment or anything of the sort. Some of these bullet trains have traveled enough to circle the earth 30,000 times.

Currently, the shinkansen system covers more than 2,397 kilometers, connecting all of Japan. Japanese bullet trains are comfortable and quiet, almost like an airplane on tracks.

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Oshiya – Pushing people on trains

In some places during peak hours, trains in Japan become crowded, making it necessary to push people so they can fit on the train. There are employees who do exactly that, and they are called Oshiya [押し屋].

You can also push people when entering or even inside the train, but it should be done gently, using your body and not your hands, and only when necessary, as depending on the situation it may be considered harassment.

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Decoration of Japanese trains

Some trains in Japan are decorated with characters from anime and manga; sometimes even the stations are themed accordingly. There are indeed countless trains and photos spread across the internet that could fill an article solely with these images.

Trains are also full of advertisements; depending on the location, they may have different colors and designs. Some are colorful and eye-catching, while others feature diverse local advertisements.

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