The bullet train takes 13 minutes to travel from Kyoto to Osaka. On the return the “Hello Kitty” liveried train took us back in about twice that time. Today was my train day. The Shinkansen, or bullet train, links most Japanese cities quickly and efficiently. The train we were on is the Tokaido Shinkansen that goes from Osaka to Tokyo. The line runs 320 miles at speeds of up to 177 miles per hour. It opened October 1, 1964. It will be 60 years old in one week. It was the world’s first high speed rail, and still the one most traveled. We got to spend 13 minutes on her.
We rode back to Osaka on a standard express train that runs from Kyoto to the airport with two stops. The train was perfectly adequate. The ticket lady asked us why we wanted to spend more on the Shinkansen to gain about 15 minutes. Then she answered it herself, “For the experience.”
Comparing the two, the Shinkansen is quiet and smooth. “Hello Kitty” felt more like a train, more rocking and more of the noises you expect from a train. I thought Hello Kitty’s seat more comfortable. The bullet has a 3/2 configuration while “Hello Kitty” was 2/2.
We didn’t have a chance to try the other amenities of the bullet train, like the food, or even the toilets. But I was charmed that the conductor turned and bowed to the coach before he went on to the next car.
Lonely Planet cites the Kyoto train station as one of the city’s major tourist attractions, which is saying something with all the historic, religious and artistic sites in Kyoto, but being a fan of railway station architecture, I agree. Lonely Planet suggests going to the 11th floor, climbing the last flight to the rooftop garden and after walking back down to 11 riding down the escalators (or, in this case, I suppose de-escalators.) The views of the steel and glass arches are stunning. The Kyoto station is more than just a place to catch a train. I loved the angles and shadows it cast. A throwback to the age of iron train sheds but very much today.
And one final picture, because I liked it, from the Osaka station, a dragon schedule.
Rich
Thank you for your posts. I’m assuming you did the train trip on your own. If you would, could you explain the process of getting to the train stations and buying the tickets. Was it easy to do.?
It was very easy go to the train station, but we took a cab, but you could go by transit. There are machines to buy tickets. It is also an office that sells tickets and people speak English.