Shinkansen
Japan boasts a whole fleet of bullet trains operating on several high-speed railway lines (built specially for them) in two of the country's main islands: Honshu and Kyushu. There are a few types of bullet train services categorised according to speed and number of stops enroute: Nozomi (fastest with least stops), Mizuho, Hikari, Sakura, Kodama, and Tsubame (slowest and stops at all stations) - it is humourously noted that only in Japan, hope ("Nozomi") travels faster than light ("Hikari"). Long distance train travels in Japan has been made very cost effective for foreign visitors with the Japan Rail Pass (or commonly, "JR pass") though it is not valid for travel of Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
Various shots of the 700 series shinkansen. It can reach a top speed of 285km/h.
The newest shinkansen, N700 series, with a top speed of 320km/h. Both the 700 and N700 series serve the highly popular Tokyo-Osaka route (or "Golden Route #1").
At the shinkansen platform, waiting to board.
Large displays showing the destinations of the trains.
Same display in English.
The railings along the length of the platform - it's always amazing to see how well the driver is able to match up the carriage doors to the gaps in the railings.
Inside the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.
A picture (or 'diagram' in this case) certainly speaks a thousand words.
Narita Express
The Narita Express is a special limited express train operated by the JR East company that links Narita Airport with several stations in the Greater Tokyo Area (including Tokyo and Yokohama). It is fully covered by the JR Pass.
At one of the waiting lounges in Narita Airport.
Display showing, "Narita Express, 9.15am, Reserved seating, 8th carriage".
Inside the Narita Express - very clean, modern, and comfortable. There's also plenty of luggage storage space.
Overhead displays - not sure how my camera captured those colours cos the background was white.
Women-Only Carriages
One of the more interesting things I've encountered in Japan is the women-only carriages. Introduced as early as 1912, they represent a collective measure to combat inappropriate behaviours aboard trains such as groping.
The said carriages - I always find it fascinating to see a carriage full of women only; one can only imagine just how strong the perfumes must smell within the carriage.
Clearly marked on the platform so there's not confusion - I try to avoid them whenever I can.
I blame my friend for this one time when I unwittingly entered the women-only carriage as we were so engrossed in conversation. I was beside myself and only reassured when he said it's only in operation at specific times during the day.
Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail is Haneda Airport's equivalent to the Narita Express - it connects the airport to Hamamatsucho Station in Tokyo. *Update* It is compatible with both Suica and Passmo, and is also fully covered by the JR Pass.
Various interior shots of the Tokyo Monorail.
Airport/Highway/Local Buses
Whilst Japan's railway system certainly lives up to its reputation of critical punctuality, the same cannot be said of the country's extensive network of buses. The reason for that being the trains do not have to deal with other traffic. And yet travelling by bus offers a certain advantage over trains, namely its reach, both within and between cities. The JR Pass cannot be used on buses.
Inside an airport bus.
Another shot of the inside of an airport bus. Highway buses are similar in set up though overnight buses can boast even more comfortable seating.
Inside a local bus, and I encountered one of the local mysteries of Japan - why do school children wear sweaters in summer?!
The buzzer to signal that I wished to alight at the next stop.
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