Japan has so much to teach the rest of the world. I am totally impressed with anything in everything that is Japanese. Their kindness is unparallel, Their efficiency knows no bounds. I am totally impressed with that country.
What's amazing is that with some 10 billion people carried there has not been a single fatality on this mode of transportation. No other mode of transit in the world comes anywhere near that. 😊 great vlog, Alex.
It would be SO expensive to build. They would have to tunnel below the mountains, and if built on the surface it would be as slow as any other train because of the steep terrain
The many Shinkansen experiences I have had always brings a warm satified feeling to me. Its a complete experience from entering the station to exiting your destination station. Railways in Japan are how rail is ment to be and only because of how their population is distributed does it work.
Hey Alex! The 'Green Car' is the Business Class equivalent on Shinkansen Trains! There is also a 'Gran Class' which is the First Class equivalent on select shinkansen services. Awesome Video!
Thanks for the awesome video Alex! As someone who grew up in Japan, these videos always make my day since I'm always homesick as I'm in the States for college now and your video especially was awesome to watch. Hope you get to visit Japan again and explore even more stuff!
Thank you so much for sharing the step by step process - it’s super useful to see when you’re planning a trip and aren’t entirely sure about details that reviews/blogs don’t always talk about! 👑
I rode the bullet train many years ago from Tokyo to Akita (northwest Honshu). It was an amazing experience. Thanks for the nostalgia trip Alex, hope you enjoyed your time in Japan!
I've been to Japan several times and travelled on several Shinkansen lines, I've travelled between Shin Osaka and Hiroshima several times so this is the part of the Shinkansen network I'm most familiar with. I have stopped at the intermediate stations on this route such as Shin Kobe, Himeji, Okayama and Mihara. I really want to try out the newest Shinkansen line between Nagasaki and Takeo Onsen some time. Unfortunately they are hiking the prices of the JR rail passes for foreigners by 60%. I am definitely going to Japan again next year to go to Nagoya l. I will probably fly into Tokyo and get the Shinkansen from Shin Yokohama to Nagoya.
Thank you for this video. I also liked the moment of "giddiness" when you started going and realised how fast you were travelling. I really enjoy your take on aviation and it translated to this "train, travelling at the speed of a plane" video.
Enjoyable video. It was a perspective I've never seen about the train before. Deviate all you want to. The theme is still transportation. I'll wager most of us have no problem with that.
Well, Alex, although I appreciate your "plane" videos, do not hesitate to make "train" videos like this one if you have a chance. I think not only me will enjoy them :-). Thank you :-).
I loved the Shinkansen so much when we were there literally a week or so before you! We were staying in Osaka on our last few days and since the trains are so good we got to book our flight out from Tokyo without panicking about getting back on time it was so amazing. I love the walkability of Japan in general compared to Canada as well just the whole infrastructure is awesome
I definitely think you should be doing more train reviews Alex I remember when you did that review video of via rail and I’m happy that you’re doing the video on the Shinkansen train definitely wanna see more train videos
I have an unusual observation...at 6:14 you show a wet towelette the letters/numbers "e5489." That happens to be my employee number from the company I have worked at for over 40 years. I always kinda freak out when I see those numbers in that sequence and to have the "e" in front, man, it really made my day. Arigato!
5489 is based on the Japanese pronunciation of the word "reservation" and "489", which have the same pronunciation. Also, 5 is pronounced the same as the prefix for polite speech. The "e" stands for electronic transactions, which also has the same pronunciation as the Japanese word "good," so it has that meaning as well. In other words, it means "good electronic reservation," which is the name of JR West's (JR WEST) ticket reservation service. So the advertisement was written on the hand towel distributed free of charge on the Green Car. Although e5489 supports reservations in English, it does not support the Japan Rail Pass, and ticket pickup locations are not nationwide, so it is not recommended for reservations by people coming from abroad. It is better to make reservations through other systems such as JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation. (Machine translation)
Wish they were in Canada, it would make connecting across this huge country much easier, especially because ticket prices for domestic flights are always crazy. Great review as always!
Yep, if the political will was there the Canadian government could easily get high-speed rail in place across Canada. And it will become inevitable given the climate crisis and the need to ban domestic flights outside the Canadian Arctic.
But you guys don’t seem to have the population density to support that kind of service, unlike Japan. What’s more, Canadian that have that kind of population, are concentrated on either side of the country. Japan has medium to large towns dotted everywhere, making high-speed trains viable. I think best to perfect the existing rail to get more Canadians to use them instead of driving or flying.
@@magnustan841 I’m not talking about like a “cross-Canada” sort of thing. There are travellers routinely across some of the major points of the country, ex. Calgary to Vancouver or Toronto continuing along Lake Ontario to Montreal and onwards to Quebec City. These are business and tourist heavy routes, considering most would consider the drive between these places too long and the plane tickets too pricey.
@@magnustan841 And about the suggestion for the perfection of our existing railway network, it is the same situation as you in the US (or that I’m assuming that’s where you’re from because you referred to us Canadians as “you guys”.) Our existing rail network is mainly if not only used by cargo and freight networks, and the small percentage that is used for passenger service is few and far between, very costly and slow. Mostly used for train enthusiasts who want to experience Canadian rail. It would cost hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars to get it to at least a point where people would consider taking rail, which at that point is just completely not viable.
I’m going to Japan next month and am very much looking forward to travelling on the Shinkansen. I’ve been on the Frecciarossa in Italy, but the Shinkansen is the granddaddy of high speed trains and the gold standard for efficiency. It’s incredible to think the Japanese built the first Shinkansen line between 1958 and 1964. They didn’t invent new technology. They just used maximized the possibilities of what was already discovered.
This was so cool! I wish trains were more of an approachable thing in Canada. Where I live (BC) there is a Skytrain that has service among the bigger cities but I've never lived in a city that is serviced by them - I've always had to drive about 20-30 minutes to get to the nearest station. I do like them, though depending on the time of day and route they can be sketchy. Besides that, we have a commuter train that goes along one side of the river and covers a much farther distance. However it only goes west (towards Vancouver) on weekday mornings and east on weekday evenings, so it really is just for people commuting to and from work. I want to take it some day anyway though.
Do you honestly think we'll see high speed train service between Calgary and Edmonton in our lifetime? I seriously doubt it. But WOW! That looked awesome!
Some Shinkansen trains are downright luxurious. The JR East E5, JR Hokkaido H5 and JR East/JR West E7/W7 series have the _Gran Class_ seating in some cars, with seats more akin to Business class on a high-end airline.
Hi Alex! Awesome video. Next time you're in Japan, you should try out their sleeper trains, called Sunrise Seto/Izumo. It is quite an experience. In addition, if you do want to take up train spotting in Japan, you should try to get a glimpse of "Doctor Yellow". This is a specially made train to make sure the high speed tracks are faultless. They say seeing Doctor Yellow brings you good luck because it's quite rare to see and they do not publish their schedules.
My girlfriend and I have been on the Shinkansen so many times. Every trip we take it somewhere across country because it’s so easy and convenient. We have been from Kumamoto in Kyushu to the end in Hakodate, Hokkaido. We never get tired of taking them and they are so comfortable. It is sad that the JR pass price jumped so dramatically in October. The regional passes are still good deals but who knows how long that will last.
I rode that route in June 2023 in the reverse direction. When we were not in one of the numerous tunnels, looking out of the window was amazing. Couple comments, the Shinkansen is standard gauge, (same as Canada), most other trains in Japan have a smaller gauge. Big suitcases you must pay to store behind the last row of seats. There are also baggage shipping services at major hotels to cities along the route of the Shinkansen.
Minor correction. As you wrote, large suitcases above 160 cm (LxWxH) must be placed in the space in the last row of seats for each carriage. But there is no charge for that space - the seat adjacent to that space only needs to be purchased/reserved ahead of time (the space is included in the normal seat fee). Some of the carriages have a small luggage storage area close to the bathrooms (with a locking arrangement for security), but these will require a small fee. Should you board the train with a suitcase above the 160 cm dimension, there will be a small penalty which you pay the conductor. Sorry, I don't know what that fee/penalty happens to be. I took the Tokaido shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo in green class this past Saturday, but sent my luggage ahead to my Tokyo accommodation via Yamato Transport two days before so I didn't have to deal with luggage on the train. However, I did take my small dog on board in a pet carrier and paid the 290 yen fee (about $2) to the conductor.
Alex, just curious if you have a secret passion for trains? I love all the information you presented, right down to the train model and number! As I said in that Japan Airlines video, please keep the Japan content coming, it’s such a refreshing change from the usual content. Also, just a note. That buy-on-board service will stop for good on Oct 31st.
Thank you for the Video. Very much enjoyed it. I would take a bullet train between Edmonton and Calgary but I worry about the number of people who would not want to abandon their cars and take the train. Highway 2 used to be a very pleasant car ride between our 2 cities but no more. A couple of groups kicking tires on starting a bullet train here but money talks and then walks when there is no govt support.
In Japan there doesn't seem to be any difference between a railway terminal and an airport terminal. That is the most beautiful railway terminal i have ever seen. By the way, 10:25, that is the smallest bottle of coke i have ever seen..❤ 😊
Well Alex, Thanks to you, I decided to visit Japan (with my family) and we took the Shinkansen AND Flew a 767 (ANA). So, you're an influencer for sure. ;) You influenced me to go there, not that I didn't wish for it before seeing your videos.
I mean to me this feels weird because i live in Italy and i’m very much used to high speed trains, so seeing someone be that surprised makes me realise how good HSR is and how bad North America needs it.
Try Brussels - Paris with the TGV.The current world speed record for a commercial train on steel wheels is held by the French TGV at 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph), achieved on 3 April 2007...but there's a catch : In densely populated areas it may not exceed 300 km/h.
My impression of an avgeek who is confused by the concept of a train: "...And here's our departure off of runway... I mean the rails!" "YOU STUPID TRAIN PILOT ROTATE ALREADY!" "Why do you only have a throttle?" "What a low cruising altitude." *goes through tunnel* "IS THIS REDBULL!?" "we're stopped. huh. that's weird. i don't remember landing."
I'm a Japanese person from Japan. Shinkansen is good, but I would also like you to try Shindai Express, which is a limited express train that runs at night. Shindai means a bed. You are required to bring your own food and drinks, but there are private rooms for up to two people, and even if you are alone, you can choose a private room for one person, and there is also a shower. The view from the train window at night is also magical, and I think it will make your trip to Japan even more enjoyable. Currently, limited express trains SunriseIZUMO and SunriseSETO are in operation. Please enjoy your trip to Japan even more while traveling. Reference materials Sunrise Express sleeper train ruclips.net/video/dl8sQniFqp4/видео.html price ruclips.net/video/O77tifjXths/видео.html
3:02 except in your case you selected a ride on a NOZOMI service. Before the Fall 2023 price adjustment these NOZOMI and MIZUHO (through to the Kyushu Shinkansen) would not be covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Thanks for setting the bar really high for Japanese train reviews though. Very crisp Japanese pronounciation too.
Very interesting and informative video! I’m from Ont but have family in Alberta so understand about no bullet trains here in our Country. We have the slower older intercity ones as well as the cross country CP and CN ones. These speedy trains look enticing. I don’t know how the speed would affect persons with heart disease issues as changes in air pressure in planes can be a problem. Glad you enjoyed the experience as Japan is a fascinating locale to visit! Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Adam I was in Japan in the early 90s. And I had a JR Green Car pass.I Had a blast ripping through the countryside. If you are ever in France . I suggest take a ride on the TGV. Or in Sweden the X2000. You will love it
0:55 looks like this was also filmed some time after Golden Week, a week of national holidays which sees the highest ridership on the Shinkansen network, and in particular the Tokaido/San’yo Shinkansen. In a recent announcement by JR Central and JR West, the companies plan to make all NOZOMI services reserved seating during select national holidays in order to better guarantee seat patronage.
This amusement NEVER ends. Agree with you Alex. I had the same unreal feeling when I tried MAGLEV train from Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong Airport. I was lucky to film that fully because, it was not long because of speed .... 431 km/h (OH MY GOD IT WAS SO FAST!). Outside it was like a cartoon filming. So I made video for my channel and released as one of my first youtube channel videos.
Between Europe and Japan... I've only ridden on Italian HSR and 10min of ICE... I lean Shinkansen. The air conditioning, the rotating seats, the layout in general... and i don't understand the rubbish bins.
@@komedaisuki3640 No,they are not copy cat,china paid money to learn from other countries and developed the fastest train in the world just like you pay money to go to school and make things by yourself
@@komedaisuki3640 Yes,you can think that the newest high speed trains are China star combined with foreign technologies,if China don't learn from other countries,it may take 20-30 years more to develop the the fastest train in the world
6:26 YOU MUDT TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF. There are two sides to the foot rest. One side has the same fabric as the carpet. You can put your foot on with your shoes. The other side has the same fabric as the seat. YOU MUST TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF.
I too wish there were high speed rail systems in Canada, but the tickets would be so overpriced. And the distance between cities would make it even harder. The only places I think could work would be Windsor - Quebec City, and Edmonton - Calgary. I Love your content!
That was an amazing ride Alex! I hope Alberta one day will get its highly talked about speed train. My guess is it is too expensive & not enough ridership! I would like to ride on it if it does come!
Yup! we've both grown up on the QE2 being the best mode of transportation. I would love to have the option to hop on a train and take a day trip to Calgary for the zoo, or watch the oilers spank the flames or any 1 of a thousand other things.
Canada was basically founded as a federal state to facilitate the construction of the railroad. The fact that passenger rail here is in the state that its in is deeply disappointing and I don’t see it changing any time soon.
Japanese compare JR Greencar fare to other express trains. I compare it to airlines tickets, so when Green Car First class Shinkansen ticket is same price to airline ticket? I buy it YOLO
If you want to go faster your only option is the Shanghai Maglev. When we visited we were lucky on our arrival trip into the city we were on one of their max speed runs and achieved 430KPH (268MPH) that was an even more crazy experience, especially when both trains passed each other at that speed the explosion sound from the shockwave created made quite a few people jump on the train.
Trains are the best form of transport. The flying experience was ruined by the extensive and intrusive security measures, as well as the seating arrangements killing off any enjoyment flying may once have have had.
This vid is a perfect example of how clueless Canadians are.. and how far behind Canada is... To quote a Canadian moving back to CAN .."was it always this bad"...
Japan has so much to teach the rest of the world. I am totally impressed with anything in everything that is Japanese. Their kindness is unparallel, Their efficiency knows no bounds. I am totally impressed with that country.
Are you impressed with the fact that they refuse to apologise for the war crimes committed during ww2
@@mattroyal363cope
@@mattroyal363日本は何度も何度も謝罪してますよ、貴方の国のメディアが意図的に触れないだけです。当時の欧米諸国は植民地支配したアフリカ、アジアに謝罪しましたか?原爆や都市への無差別爆撃で非戦闘員を大量虐殺は戦争犯罪では無い?当時、日本が負けると解って戦争をしなければならなかったやむを得ない事情を客観的に調べて貰いたいです。
@@mattroyal363
日本は正式に謝罪を行っていますよ。しかし、一部の国からは何度も謝罪を要求されています。
長いですが第二次世界大戦(←戦勝国のプロパガンダです。欧米列強の植民地奴隷化の恐怖から、日本、台湾、パナマなどでは大東亜戦争と言います。)の真実。
⥥
日中戦争WW2の発端は、1937年7月7日に日本の軍事キャンプに向けて、一発の銃弾が撃ち込まれた事件が発端であった。中国は、🇺🇸に武器を供与されていて、日本を潰し植民地化計画に加担していた。
(日本軍は一般人を避難させた。)
1937年7月29日通州事件
中国の通州において、本来は日本の傀儡政権である冀東防共自治政府麾下の保安隊らが(親日と信じこまれていた冀東の保安隊が)「寝返り」を打ったのである。反乱を起こし、日本軍の通州守備隊・通州特務機関及び日本人居留民を襲撃・殺害した事件。
攻撃側人数: 3000人 - 4000人(🇺🇸➕🇨🇳6000人)
(Wikipedia)
既にWW2は始まっていた。
(これは、今年の11月15日頃のニュースを探したら、その時に参戦した🇺🇸人2人の老人ニュースが出てきます。)
それは迫り来る欧米列強の脅威。そして、周りの国々を見渡せば、植民地奴隷化、戦争、搾取、荒廃...。そして西洋諸国によって植民地にされた国の人々の寿命25歳前後で凄まじい人口減を目にしていたからだ。
かって日本は1587年に宣教師に騙され5万人もの日本人が東南アジアや北欧に運ばれ奴隷として売られ、日本国内は神社や寺が破壊され植民地化されそうになり宣教師達を追放した。(バテレン追放令)
その後にも日本は薩英戦争が起こり🇬🇧の植民地化に晒されていた。
日本が戦争にむかわなければならなかった理由は、
日本は、1587年に奴隷として東南アジアに売られた人達も居たが、それ以降、東南アジアとは貿易をしていて、移民し工場を建設した。
その理由は、日本は原料を持っていなかった。綿がない、羊毛がない、石油の産出がない、スズがない、ゴムがない、他にもないものばかりだった。その全てが東南アジアの海域に存在していたからだ。
もし原料供給を断ち切られたら1000万~1200万人の失業者が日本で発生し餓死する。
つまり、日本を戦争に駆り立てた動機は、上記の説明の通り、そういった植民地奴隷化の窮地に追いやられ🇺🇸に挑発を受けていた事による国の安全保障上の必要に迫られてのことだった。
(これは、ダグラス・マッカーサーも発言しています。Wikipediaで調べて下さい。)
残念ながら、🇺🇸の教科書を始め戦勝国の教科書の8割以上が🇺🇸公文書やアジア歴史資料センター公文書の資料とは殆ど違い虚偽捏造です。
日本もGHQによって現在まで、政治、メディア、皇室典範、教育制度、憲法の押しつけで影響を受け、戦勝国の虚偽の洗脳から目覚めていない人達が多数居ますが、
日本は朝鮮韓国の借金を肩代わりしたが、借金踏み倒しの為にロシアを始め🇨🇳や西洋諸国を招き入れ日清、日露戦争となった事や、経済破綻し国として自立出来ない朝鮮や台湾を日本人の血税で国際法的に併合統治した事を植民地と歪曲されている事。
戦時中に🇺🇸がユダヤ人達をドイツから助けたと言う事になっていることにも大変驚いています。
🇺🇸は、戦前からOSS(CIA)を日本に送り日本列島への空襲や原爆投下は決めていた。それは人種差別からくるものであったが、東京大空襲の頃には女性、子供、老人しか残されていない事も承知の上だった。
ダグラス・マッカーサーは、長崎の原爆被害を問われたが「熟知している。数は両地域で異なるが、虐殺はどちらの地域でも残酷極まるものだった」と答えた。
原爆投下を指示したトルーマンを批判した。その残虐さを薄めるために中国と共同して南京大虐殺という架空の事件を捏造した。
理由は日本を倫理的に人道的に批難するには原因が見当たらず説得力が無いからだった。
やがて、次第に、朝鮮人を奴隷扱いしたという事実無根の捏造が幅を利かせ始め、さも強制連行や従軍慰安婦が事実であったかように歪曲され、様々な虚偽捏造で日本は誹謗中傷されて汚名をきせられていった。
私はそれらの事を、🇺🇸公文書、🇺🇸スタンフォード大学のフーヴァー研究所の教授の公演や複数人の🇺🇸人によって知りました。
私の祖父の兄弟2人は独身のままに戦死しています。
どうか、これ以上日本国に虚偽捏造による誹謗中傷で汚名を着せる行為を止めて頂きたいです😢
長文失礼致します。🙏💭💗
What's amazing is that with some 10 billion people carried there has not been a single fatality on this mode of transportation. No other mode of transit in the world comes anywhere near that. 😊 great vlog, Alex.
Which is why it's absolutely frustrating that high speed rails are not utilized more, especially in the west
Canadian man discovers high speed trains exist
*Canadian man discovers that high speed trains exist
@@l4zr_boy *Canadian legend spotted in Japan reviewing high speed trains
😂… do I get a gold star for taking the Shinkansen as well? 😉 ps: Hiroshima is not a nice city.
Canadian man proves how clueless Canadian men are...
Canadian is American fucked up brother..so they can't have train.
The Shinkansen is so convenient in Japan and the ontimeliness is amazing. Imagine this on a route like Calgary to Vancouver, would be amazing.
One from Calgary to Edmonton, one going through the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor, heck why not one going all across Canada? WANT!!!
I'm happy to hear that!
I'm a Japanese high school student and I feel proud of Shinkansen!
It would be SO expensive to build. They would have to tunnel below the mountains, and if built on the surface it would be as slow as any other train because of the steep terrain
The many Shinkansen experiences I have had always brings a warm satified feeling to me. Its a complete experience from entering the station to exiting your destination station. Railways in Japan are how rail is ment to be and only because of how their population is distributed does it work.
Hey Alex! The 'Green Car' is the Business Class equivalent on Shinkansen Trains! There is also a 'Gran Class' which is the First Class equivalent on select shinkansen services.
Awesome Video!
Thanks for the awesome video Alex! As someone who grew up in Japan, these videos always make my day since I'm always homesick as I'm in the States for college now and your video especially was awesome to watch. Hope you get to visit Japan again and explore even more stuff!
Thank you so much for sharing the step by step process - it’s super useful to see when you’re planning a trip and aren’t entirely sure about details that reviews/blogs don’t always talk about! 👑
What a fun experience. I enjoyed you're perspective on the Shinkansen. It's always fun to see it through the eyes of a newbie.
I rode the bullet train many years ago from Tokyo to Akita (northwest Honshu). It was an amazing experience. Thanks for the nostalgia trip Alex, hope you enjoyed your time in Japan!
I love riding on the Nozomi Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Shin Osaka every time I'm in Japan.
When your riding one you barely notice how fast your going unless you pass another shinkansen
Dude, going full speed over those shinkansen bridges with trusses will always be a trippy experience.
I've been to Japan several times and travelled on several Shinkansen lines, I've travelled between Shin Osaka and Hiroshima several times so this is the part of the Shinkansen network I'm most familiar with. I have stopped at the intermediate stations on this route such as Shin Kobe, Himeji, Okayama and Mihara. I really want to try out the newest Shinkansen line between Nagasaki and Takeo Onsen some time. Unfortunately they are hiking the prices of the JR rail passes for foreigners by 60%. I am definitely going to Japan again next year to go to Nagoya l. I will probably fly into Tokyo and get the Shinkansen from Shin Yokohama to Nagoya.
That' was and excellent video Alex...Thank you for sharing it with us...:):):)
was in japan from sept 19-Oct 2 Loved the Shinkansen
Thank you for this video. I also liked the moment of "giddiness" when you started going and realised how fast you were travelling. I really enjoy your take on aviation and it translated to this "train, travelling at the speed of a plane" video.
Enjoyable video. It was a perspective I've never seen about the train before.
Deviate all you want to. The theme is still transportation.
I'll wager most of us have no problem with that.
Well, Alex, although I appreciate your "plane" videos, do not hesitate to make "train" videos like this one if you have a chance. I think not only me will enjoy them :-). Thank you :-).
this brings me back to May of this year when i rode the N700A from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo Station
I loved the Shinkansen so much when we were there literally a week or so before you! We were staying in Osaka on our last few days and since the trains are so good we got to book our flight out from Tokyo without panicking about getting back on time it was so amazing. I love the walkability of Japan in general compared to Canada as well just the whole infrastructure is awesome
I definitely think you should be doing more train reviews Alex I remember when you did that review video of via rail and I’m happy that you’re doing the video on the Shinkansen train definitely wanna see more train videos
the footrest & communal sink is so very useful
Remember Alex, high-speed trains are great for high density communities but not so for low density areas that are found in Canada.
Interurbans would be ideal for Canada, then.
Typical North American excuse
Will be taking this exact route next month! Great video!
I have an unusual observation...at 6:14 you show a wet towelette the letters/numbers "e5489." That happens to be my employee number from the company I have worked at for over 40 years. I always kinda freak out when I see those numbers in that sequence and to have the "e" in front, man, it really made my day. Arigato!
5489 is based on the Japanese pronunciation of the word "reservation" and "489", which have the same pronunciation. Also, 5 is pronounced the same as the prefix for polite speech.
The "e" stands for electronic transactions, which also has the same pronunciation as the Japanese word "good," so it has that meaning as well.
In other words, it means "good electronic reservation," which is the name of JR West's (JR WEST) ticket reservation service. So the advertisement was written on the hand towel distributed free of charge on the Green Car.
Although e5489 supports reservations in English, it does not support the Japan Rail Pass, and ticket pickup locations are not nationwide, so it is not recommended for reservations by people coming from abroad. It is better to make reservations through other systems such as JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation.
(Machine translation)
Wish they were in Canada, it would make connecting across this huge country much easier, especially because ticket prices for domestic flights are always crazy. Great review as always!
Yep, if the political will was there the Canadian government could easily get high-speed rail in place across Canada. And it will become inevitable given the climate crisis and the need to ban domestic flights outside the Canadian Arctic.
But you guys don’t seem to have the population density to support that kind of service, unlike Japan. What’s more, Canadian that have that kind of population, are concentrated on either side of the country. Japan has medium to large towns dotted everywhere, making high-speed trains viable. I think best to perfect the existing rail to get more Canadians to use them instead of driving or flying.
@@magnustan841 just get high speed trains from toronto to quebec city. You got a nice stretch of dense cities along the st. lawrence
@@magnustan841 I’m not talking about like a “cross-Canada” sort of thing. There are travellers routinely across some of the major points of the country, ex. Calgary to Vancouver or Toronto continuing along Lake Ontario to Montreal and onwards to Quebec City. These are business and tourist heavy routes, considering most would consider the drive between these places too long and the plane tickets too pricey.
@@magnustan841 And about the suggestion for the perfection of our existing railway network, it is the same situation as you in the US (or that I’m assuming that’s where you’re from because you referred to us Canadians as “you guys”.) Our existing rail network is mainly if not only used by cargo and freight networks, and the small percentage that is used for passenger service is few and far between, very costly and slow. Mostly used for train enthusiasts who want to experience Canadian rail. It would cost hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars to get it to at least a point where people would consider taking rail, which at that point is just completely not viable.
I’m going to Japan next month and am very much looking forward to travelling on the Shinkansen. I’ve been on the Frecciarossa in Italy, but the Shinkansen is the granddaddy of high speed trains and the gold standard for efficiency. It’s incredible to think the Japanese built the first Shinkansen line between 1958 and 1964. They didn’t invent new technology. They just used maximized the possibilities of what was already discovered.
This was so cool! I wish trains were more of an approachable thing in Canada. Where I live (BC) there is a Skytrain that has service among the bigger cities but I've never lived in a city that is serviced by them - I've always had to drive about 20-30 minutes to get to the nearest station. I do like them, though depending on the time of day and route they can be sketchy. Besides that, we have a commuter train that goes along one side of the river and covers a much farther distance. However it only goes west (towards Vancouver) on weekday mornings and east on weekday evenings, so it really is just for people commuting to and from work. I want to take it some day anyway though.
Do you honestly think we'll see high speed train service between Calgary and Edmonton in our lifetime? I seriously doubt it. But WOW! That looked awesome!
Some Shinkansen trains are downright luxurious. The JR East E5, JR Hokkaido H5 and JR East/JR West E7/W7 series have the _Gran Class_ seating in some cars, with seats more akin to Business class on a high-end airline.
Hi Alex! Awesome video. Next time you're in Japan, you should try out their sleeper trains, called Sunrise Seto/Izumo. It is quite an experience.
In addition, if you do want to take up train spotting in Japan, you should try to get a glimpse of "Doctor Yellow". This is a specially made train to make sure the high speed tracks are faultless. They say seeing Doctor Yellow brings you good luck because it's quite rare to see and they do not publish their schedules.
Great video and totally different. I found it very interesting👍👍👍
My girlfriend and I have been on the Shinkansen so many times. Every trip we take it somewhere across country because it’s so easy and convenient. We have been from Kumamoto in Kyushu to the end in Hakodate, Hokkaido. We never get tired of taking them and they are so comfortable. It is sad that the JR pass price jumped so dramatically in October. The regional passes are still good deals but who knows how long that will last.
I rode that route in June 2023 in the reverse direction. When we were not in one of the numerous tunnels, looking out of the window was amazing. Couple comments, the Shinkansen is standard gauge, (same as Canada), most other trains in Japan have a smaller gauge. Big suitcases you must pay to store behind the last row of seats. There are also baggage shipping services at major hotels to cities along the route of the Shinkansen.
Minor correction. As you wrote, large suitcases above 160 cm (LxWxH) must be placed in the space in the last row of seats for each carriage. But there is no charge for that space - the seat adjacent to that space only needs to be purchased/reserved ahead of time (the space is included in the normal seat fee). Some of the carriages have a small luggage storage area close to the bathrooms (with a locking arrangement for security), but these will require a small fee. Should you board the train with a suitcase above the 160 cm dimension, there will be a small penalty which you pay the conductor. Sorry, I don't know what that fee/penalty happens to be.
I took the Tokaido shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo in green class this past Saturday, but sent my luggage ahead to my Tokyo accommodation via Yamato Transport two days before so I didn't have to deal with luggage on the train. However, I did take my small dog on board in a pet carrier and paid the 290 yen fee (about $2) to the conductor.
I am kinda used to those speeds from German ICE trains. However, I am impressed by the organization and comfort in those trains.
It's definitely more fun taking the Shinkansen through the Seikan tunnel or out to some of the more extreme points of Japan.
2:40 nice controller! 😄
Alex, just curious if you have a secret passion for trains? I love all the information you presented, right down to the train model and number! As I said in that Japan Airlines video, please keep the Japan content coming, it’s such a refreshing change from the usual content. Also, just a note. That buy-on-board service will stop for good on Oct 31st.
He did have a previous video taking via rail, though he sure is more aviation would be interesting he did do a variety of other travel mode blogs
Thank you for the Video. Very much enjoyed it. I would take a bullet train between Edmonton and Calgary but I worry about the number of people who would not want to abandon their cars and take the train. Highway 2 used to be a very pleasant car ride between our 2 cities but no more. A couple of groups kicking tires on starting a bullet train here but money talks and then walks when there is no govt support.
In Japan there doesn't seem to be any difference between a railway terminal and an airport terminal. That is the most beautiful railway terminal i have ever seen. By the way, 10:25, that is the smallest bottle of coke i have ever seen..❤ 😊
Well Alex,
Thanks to you, I decided to visit Japan (with my family) and we took the Shinkansen AND Flew a 767 (ANA). So, you're an influencer for sure. ;) You influenced me to go there, not that I didn't wish for it before seeing your videos.
I mean to me this feels weird because i live in Italy and i’m very much used to high speed trains, so seeing someone be that surprised makes me realise how good HSR is and how bad North America needs it.
Very cool video, Alex.
The Shinkansen operates 320 kilometers per hour only in some sections of the Tohoku Shinkansen.
Very interesting video and have wondered. What the inside of bullet trains in Japan would look like.
ちゃんと山形新幹線と秋田新幹線が除外されていて笑う
Alex, although I'm very jealous of you and Will for this trip, I'm still very happy for you guys...it looks like a very unforgettable trip you had!!
新幹線は車内に段差が無いので大きい荷物てせもあまり苦にならない。もちろんホームと車両の入り口の高さも同じで乗り降りが容易である✨
Try Brussels - Paris with the TGV.The current world speed record for a commercial train on steel wheels is held by the French TGV at 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph), achieved on 3 April 2007...but there's a catch : In densely populated areas it may not exceed 300 km/h.
It never runs above 320 kph. All these record runs are one-off attempts and in no way reflect regular service performance
@@bahnspotterEU that's what I explained. What's your problem ?
フットレストの裏側はシューズを脱いで使うもの。知らなかったなら覚えておくように。日本のrule
Wow, my dad is going over to Japan soon, will definitely try to convince him to experience this!
Bullet trains are cool in Japan
My impression of an avgeek who is confused by the concept of a train:
"...And here's our departure off of runway... I mean the rails!"
"YOU STUPID TRAIN PILOT ROTATE ALREADY!"
"Why do you only have a throttle?"
"What a low cruising altitude." *goes through tunnel* "IS THIS REDBULL!?"
"we're stopped. huh. that's weird. i don't remember landing."
Breaking news! Canadian man discovers that high-speed trains exist!
Yoooo 🔥🔥🔥 Love to see it man! Wonderful trains.
I'm a Japanese person from Japan. Shinkansen is good, but I would also like you to try Shindai Express, which is a limited express train that runs at night.
Shindai means a bed. You are required to bring your own food and drinks, but there are private rooms for up to two people, and even if you are alone, you can choose a private room for one person, and there is also a shower. The view from the train window at night is also magical, and I think it will make your trip to Japan even more enjoyable. Currently, limited express trains SunriseIZUMO and SunriseSETO are in operation. Please enjoy your trip to Japan even more while traveling.
Reference materials Sunrise Express sleeper train
ruclips.net/video/dl8sQniFqp4/видео.html
price ruclips.net/video/O77tifjXths/видео.html
3:02 except in your case you selected a ride on a NOZOMI service. Before the Fall 2023 price adjustment these NOZOMI and MIZUHO (through to the Kyushu Shinkansen) would not be covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Thanks for setting the bar really high for Japanese train reviews though. Very crisp Japanese pronounciation too.
Would love to see you on German ICE 1.Class.
They still use those? I though mr those were rare and usually people take the ICE 2, 3 or the other newer derivatives
@@TheRandCrews No, they don't drive anymore. I meant he should drive on a new ICE in the 1. Class.
@@TomZeugeYes they do. In fact, the ICE 1s will outlast the ICE 2s in service thanks to the most recent refurbishments
Quick question: When the longueuil airport opens up, can you make a video on how it is?
Canada needs JR HSR. Winter doesn't effect lines in Japan much.
Very interesting and informative video! I’m from Ont but have family in Alberta so understand about no bullet trains here in our Country. We have the slower older intercity ones as well as the cross country CP and CN ones.
These speedy trains look enticing. I don’t know how the speed would affect persons with heart disease issues as changes in air pressure in planes can be a problem. Glad you enjoyed the experience as Japan is a fascinating locale to visit! Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
I’ve been told the Shinkansen trains are slightly pressurized so the tunnels don’t cause problems with passengers ears.
Adam I was in Japan in the early 90s. And I had a JR Green Car pass.I Had a blast ripping through the countryside. If you are ever in France . I suggest take a ride on the TGV. Or in Sweden the X2000. You will love it
0:55 looks like this was also filmed some time after Golden Week, a week of national holidays which sees the highest ridership on the Shinkansen network, and in particular the Tokaido/San’yo Shinkansen.
In a recent announcement by JR Central and JR West, the companies plan to make all NOZOMI services reserved seating during select national holidays in order to better guarantee seat patronage.
Well, in switzerland trains are nothing ordinary too.
As flat as Canada is (for the most part), it too could have a Shinkansen system, no? 🤔
This amusement NEVER ends. Agree with you Alex.
I had the same unreal feeling when I tried MAGLEV train from Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong Airport. I was lucky to film that fully because, it was not long because of speed .... 431 km/h (OH MY GOD IT WAS SO FAST!). Outside it was like a cartoon filming.
So I made video for my channel and released as one of my first youtube channel videos.
American man discovers high speed trains exist! 😂
I’ll definitely be riding one of these when I’m in Japan (hopefully sooner rather than later).
North American (Canadian) man.
Between Europe and Japan... I've only ridden on Italian HSR and 10min of ICE... I lean Shinkansen. The air conditioning, the rotating seats, the layout in general... and i don't understand the rubbish bins.
Did you go to the Mazda museum while there?
What app do you use to track your speed?
High speed trains in China and Indonesia goes 350km/h,it is the fastest speed of bullet trains now
@@komedaisuki3640 No,they are not copy cat,china paid money to learn from other countries and developed the fastest train in the world just like you pay money to go to school and make things by yourself
@@komedaisuki3640 Yes,you can think that the newest high speed trains are China star combined with foreign technologies,if China don't learn from other countries,it may take 20-30 years more to develop the the fastest train in the world
They should dim the lighting at night.
lol mentioning our very bad train system in Calgary
6:26 YOU MUDT TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF. There are two sides to the foot rest. One side has the same fabric as the carpet. You can put your foot on with your shoes. The other side has the same fabric as the seat. YOU MUST TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF.
Trains and planes channel?
LOL WILL.....
Great video Alex! What app do you use to get the speed on your phone? TIA 🙏
Once the footrest opens, you have to take off your shoes and raise your feet.
They kind of look like planes
I too wish there were high speed rail systems in Canada, but the tickets would be so overpriced. And the distance between cities would make it even harder. The only places I think could work would be Windsor - Quebec City, and Edmonton - Calgary. I Love your content!
That was an amazing ride Alex! I hope Alberta one day will get its highly talked about speed train. My guess is it is too expensive & not enough ridership! I would like to ride on it if it does come!
تحيا اليابان 🚆🌹
I rode on one for 10 hours
Yup! we've both grown up on the QE2 being the best mode of transportation. I would love to have the option to hop on a train and take a day trip to Calgary for the zoo, or watch the oilers spank the flames or any 1 of a thousand other things.
Anyone seen the movie "Bullet train" 😆
Cost?
9:08
Canada was basically founded as a federal state to facilitate the construction of the railroad. The fact that passenger rail here is in the state that its in is deeply disappointing and I don’t see it changing any time soon.
Japanese compare JR Greencar fare to other express trains. I compare it to airlines tickets, so when Green Car First class Shinkansen ticket is same price to airline ticket? I buy it YOLO
we need these at home
we may actually get them at (somewhere close to) home if Texas Central/Amtrak gets the green light to build a Shinkansen from Houston to Dallas.
If you want to go faster your only option is the Shanghai Maglev. When we visited we were lucky on our arrival trip into the city we were on one of their max speed runs and achieved 430KPH (268MPH) that was an even more crazy experience, especially when both trains passed each other at that speed the explosion sound from the shockwave created made quite a few people jump on the train.
I’m used to via rail but after seeing this train going approximately twice the speed is crazy
Not crazy, via is slow. Yes not all their fault but still 🤦♂️
Trains are the best form of transport. The flying experience was ruined by the extensive and intrusive security measures, as well as the seating arrangements killing off any enjoyment flying may once have have had.
座席のフットプレーとは靴を脱いでくださいね
Do not wear shoes when using a cloth footrest
Take note VIA, you don't have to weigh bags on trains!!!
This vid is a perfect example of how clueless Canadians are.. and how far behind Canada is... To quote a Canadian moving back to CAN .."was it always this bad"...
It’s a Toyota-train.
Get the 7 days pass on JR rail..
Now that you finished the Japanese train station try a Modern Chinese train and station. Japan is old news