Bullet train
Temperature – 20c
Food eaten – Real cheddar from the import store Jupiter, potato salad
In Japan, tradition meets the future, known for its iconic Mount Fuji, beautiful shrines, and serene bamboo groves. Another well-known feature of Japan is its Shinkansen, or bullet train. These trains are designed for speed, allowing travelers to reach Tokyo from distant corners of the country in just a few hours, provided they are near a Shinkansen line.
My prefecture does not have a Shinkansen line directly. Instead, the nearest access points are at Shin Tosu or Takeo Onsen, where you can pick up the Shinkansen. However, if you're traveling from Saga to Nagasaki, you'll need to change trains. I strongly wish for a Shinkansen line to be built through my prefecture, but I don’t see any changes happening anytime soon.
If you prefer speed, faster train options are available, but they come at a higher price. I want to highlight that these trains can be quite expensive. For instance, I had the opportunity to ride the Shinkansen for half an hour, covering essentially just one stop, and the fare was 6,000 yen, which is about 30 British pounds. If you travel further, the costs can increase quickly. I've also heard from locals that flying can sometimes be more economical. The same route I took could have been completed for just 2,000 yen, and local trains often provide a better view.
The Shinkansen is an experience that everyone should try at least once. I thoroughly enjoyed my thirty minutes on the line, even though the train traveled at a speed similar to the Eurostar. The experience was enjoyable, and the train itself is modern and worth checking out. A popular tradition while riding the Shinkansen is to bring along a bento box for the journey. Although it was small, I made an effort to embrace this tradition.
The Shinkansen can often be accessed from a station near the main train line running through a city or town. The prefix "Shin" indicates the Shinkansen station. For example, in Saga, there is a Tosu station for the main lines, but a short walk across the platform will take you to Shin-Tosu station. If you are changing trains during your journey, be sure to check the connection and its proximity. In some cases, the connecting train may be located directly across the platform from your arrival train. These smooth transitions remind me why I love Japan and its commitment to convenience in travel.
