Railroad Island, The Trains of Japan

26,000 daily trains! Speedy Shinkansens, and slow mountain lines. Luxurious overnighters to lowly diesel cars. A helper grade in its final days-the world’s longest rail tunnel-a steam special-150 trains an hour at Kyoto-Tokyo mega stations and monorails-diesel M.U. sleeper and theater-type view ahead designs. Travel to all four main islands exploring the unbelievable variety of passenger-pleasing amenities.

There are several varieties of Shinkansen (“Bullet Train”), including the double deck “Max” (Multi-Amenity Express), E-3 and E-4 coupled services operating over regular (some three-rail) and high speed tracks. Ride the cab!! Sample overnight services including the “Twilight Express” whose end bedroom extends the entire width of the car, and “Yume Kukan” (Dream Space) whose dining room similarly serves as a splendid observation car! The “On Time” precision, rich tapestry of colors, and Japanese attention to service and detail will amaze you again and again as mountains, seascapes, crowded cities roll smoothly by.