Japan's Super Luxury BULLET TRAIN 🇯🇵 Shinkansen Gran Class
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- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
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Wow! I took Japan's fastest and most luxury bullet train! This exquisite H5 Shinkansen set took me from Tokyo, north and under the Tsugaru Strait via the Seikan Tunnel to Hokkaido Island. This 4 hour, super luxury trip was in Gran Class and BOY was it worth the expense! I love Japan!
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0:00 Intro
0:37 Tokyo Station
2:01 How to buy shinkansen tickets
3:32 Sponsored segment from @Surfshark
4:52 Arrival of Hayabusa and boarding Gran Class car
8:10 Departure at 0820
9:15 Amenities and seat review
10:05 Gran Class breakfast food menu
11:29 Speeding north
12:33 Shinkansen toilet review
14:14 Seikan Tunnel to Hokkaido
16:04 Arrival into Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, thanks and goodbye!
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Wow! I took Japan's fastest and most luxury bullet train! This exquisite H5 Shinkansen set took me from Tokyo, north and under the Tsugaru Strait via the Seikan Tunnel to Hokkaido Island. This 4 hour, super luxury trip was in Gran Class and BOY was it worth the expense! I love Japan!
Follow me on Twitter: @paul_winginit ¦ twitter.com/paul_winginit
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Well-let’s be honest, possibly the best public transportation system anywhere in the world?? Little glimpses of the fabulous looking Japanese countryside, looks absolutely stunning
China has amazing bullet trains that can rival Japan. If China built this train across the Himalayan mountain into Nepal, I think we need to give China props on that.
What's amazing is that currently it takes about 8 hours from Tokyo-Sapporo by train, 4 hours to Hakodate, and then another 4 hours on a regular train to Sapporo. But in 2031 it will take just 4 hours to get from Tokyo-Sapporo, how? Well the Shinkansen extension between Hakodate and Sapporo will take about 30 mins (saving 3.5 hours!!), but they're also upgrading the track on the like between Tokyo and Aomori, to achieve speeds of 360 km/h, which will shave 30 mins off the Tokyo-Aomori time, for a 4 hour total journey.
This is a huge deal, currently the fastest way to travel this route is by plane, but when the Hokkaido shinkansen is complete, the train will be similar to if not faster that flying, it's a 2 hour flight, but add in the faffing in departures and arrivals, and the train will take a huge portion of the demand for this route.
“there’s even a call bell for service, just like you’d find on the airlines.” The difference is that on the Hayabusa Shinkansen in GranClass the attendant will actually respond when you call.
We visited Japan in 1989. Flew Japan Airlines first class (on a bunch of TWA points) and rode Shinkansen trains a lot although not in Grand Class. I ate and loved Japanese food on everything that moved (including ferry boats) and lots of places that didn't move. Stations sold the best bento box lunches. Thanks for showing the current trains. Great video! Would love to go back some day.
Paul Lucas + Shinkansen = Heaven
Thanks, Jeb, for referring me to this video.
Japanese trains are the best in the world. It’s just amazing how you can plan a journey with some tight connections and it all just works.
I lived in Hakodate back in 2004 to 2005. I remember all the adverts and campaigns to get the shinkansen to Hakodate.
A little correction: the reason why the tracks through the Seikan Tunnel between Honshu and Hokkaido is the fact that JR Freight trains also use the tunnel, and the gauge of the JR Freight trains is only 1,067 mm, not the 1,435 mm used by Shinkansen trains. Yes, you do see the very occasional passenger train, the luxury cruise train _Train Suite Shiki-shima_ , use the 1,067 gauge line. Because of the speed limitations of the JR Freight trains, Shinkansen trains from just north of Aomori all the way to the town of Kikonai on the Hokkaido side are limited to a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) to avoid interfering with the JR Freight trains.
I could quite easily shift a dozen of those breakfast bento boxes 😋😋
I follow Solo Travel Japan, and he takes you on a variety of trains through Japan, also ferry rides as well.
Really nice to see you in Japan! I’ve been waiting YEARS to see you here. Just want to say keep up the good videos, really enjoy your stuff. 😊😊 leaped out my seat when i saw my notif
This is a E5 Series Shinkansen not a H5,the H5 can be identified by the Purple stripe while the E5 has a pink Stripe,This unit "U24" was built by Hitachi
ほとんどの外国人観光客は、新幹線＝京都や大阪を通る「東海道新幹線」のイメージがあり、
日本で一番速い新幹線「東海道新幹線」、グリーン車がファーストクラスだと思っている人が多いけど、
実際には、日本一速い新幹線は緑色のE5系（H5系）の東北・北海道新幹線です。
あと、グランクラスが最もサービスの良いファーストクラス（食事＆アルコール・ソフトドリンクが飲み放題、アメニティグッズ付き）で、次にビジネスクラスに相当するグリーン車、そしてエコノミークラスに相当する普通車です。
ですので、グランクラスの無い東海道新幹線はファーストクラスがありません。
Another great and informative video Paul, and yes, I’d eat the Japanese bento box!
Dude is going to Rishiri or Rebun Island this is going to be sick
I can't wait to get back there on Tuesday. I normally use the non-Nozomi trains as part of my Rail Pass.
Great vlog as always! It is on my list. Keep up the good work!
US Navy servicemember stationed in Japan here. I've ridden the Shinkansen quite a few times, including in Gran Class, so keep the following in mind:
1. Booking is actually pretty stress free in person. They've got machines with good english support, and English speaking staff at the desk. It's so painless, my father and I impulse-bought tickets in Tokyo, and spent the night in Osaka/Kyoto, completely unplanned.
2. Only the train going north from Tokyo to Hokkaido features a Gran class. The rest feature a Green Car(comfier seat) service instead.
3. If you're trying to get to Sapporo, I _do not recommend_ the Shinkansen to get there. It's not linked up to Sapporo, so you'll spend the rest of the journey on a really slow ass dingy ass train called the Hokuto for 4 hours. With no power or Wifi.
How would one get to Sapporo, by bus or plane?
@@Neville60001 Plane is the recommended option. If you take the Shinkansen, it takes you to Hakodate, on the same island but far south. To make the rest of the way, you take the Hokuto from Hakodate to Sapporo, a 4 hour journey on a slow, outdated train.
Those are the type of seats the Caledonian Sleeper should have. Those who can't afford a cabin should at least have a seat which is comfortable for hours on end and can be slept in.
Agreed. However the only reason the seats really exist on that train is so that no one would ever go for them if they could even remotely afford the sleeper cabins.
This is an outstanding video 👍🏻👍🏻. Extremely informative, thank you
That breakfast bento box looked very tasty ! I think I would enjoy that thoroughly !
That "Japanese style" bento box looks very exciting, and much more interesting than you would probably find on any airplane!
Thanks Paul what a fabulous train trip 👍
+1 on using luggage forwarding service (known locally as takkyubin) to save yourself the hussle of finding a storage space as well as having to haul it in a giant, crowded building such as Tokyo Station
Great video mate!
Loved every minute of it! There’s nothing more iconic in Japanese🇯🇵 transportation history and stoicism then The Shinkansen 🚄
Cheers mate 🥂
What a great video cannot wait to try it and to visit Japan someday! 😊
5:49 A correction. It’s E5 not H5. Although they have the same train name. E5 and H5 can be distinguished by their pink and purple line that you see in the middle of the train. Pink line being E5 and H5 having the Purple line. Hope it helps!
There are only three H5 sets in existence. Four were built but one was wrecked in 2022
As an Australian I feel so embarrassed that we cannot even get a train line built to Melbourne airport
You spoke about how the Japanese train system can be confusing, but having lived here for so long I am used to it. However, when I watch Geoff Marshall's channel I find understanding the UK rail network to be a difficult task, and that is in my native language.
Paul as always a great vlog
Yes I would eat the teriyaki bento! And thanks for the reminder about baggage forwarding services.
I live in Sendai, so this is my regular route to and from Tokyo ( although not in Gran Class!). Best Shinkansen service in Japan: glad you enjoyed it!
No question, I would take the japanese breakfast. I'm surprised you talked on the train... Did you get the look of disapproval from other passengers?
Yes please to the breakfast bento! Looks great, got to love the Japanese bento.
For what its worth, the Tokaido is also the name of an ancient roadway that was expanded during the Edo period. Tokaido means "Eastern Sea Route" and went between Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, and it was one of the Gokaido, or "Five Routes". So thats why the Tokaido goes West, not North.
A note: i highly recommend visiting Aomori-ken as its known for its incredibly fresh seafood and oddly, apples. Its also the snowiest place on earth, with the average snowfall from 1882 to 2020 being 223 inches of snow per year.
Super sleek Nozomi 500 is the best looking high speed train.
food! would I ever!!
I am highly impressed with the Shinkansen trains. What superb engineering and cleanliness. I must say, the thought of eating fish for breakfast doesn't exactly excite my tastebuds. I definitely would have chosen the western style bento box breakfast.
5th busiest with 4000+ departures a day? Wow
Interesting video! Looks like a cool experience.
I would so try that Japanese bento box. Also love how it's exactly as it looks on the picture!
I just loved Japan when I visited there. Such friendly people and I was amazed at the cleanliness of a city the size of Tokyo. I did some train travel there but not on this particular one.
Fantastic trip report as always.
I was a little surprised by how the train slows down from just before the tunnel until the end of the journey. Before slowing down, I almost thought we were going to arrive early, but of course it's Japan and the schedule would never be wrong.
Those connecting to Sapporo -- the scenic diesel train runs along the sea and is worth your time -- should bring snacks from Tokyo, because there's really only one little shop at the small Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station.
素敵な内装の新幹線ですね。日本人ですが、田舎に住んで居る為、何十年も乗っていません。
のぞみしか乗ったことがない。(笑)
wonderful video Paul. love it
I took this one too, especially when I went up to Hakodate in Gran Class. For now, the Shinkansen can only take you as far as Hakodate in about four hours, though it is expected to be extended to Sapporo several years or so from now.
In terms of the bullet train of Japan, Tokaido Shinkansen has luggage space onboard for your large suitcases. You need to book the seats with the spaces either behind you or on the train carriages connection sections 👍.
Seven seconds?!?!?! That is something like 99.95% accuracy. WOW.
most trains run on time, to the second. The reason it's seven seconds late is because there are a few trains per season that arrive a few minutes/hours late due to stuff like typhoons and snow
My goodness this is all kinds of pleasant. What a trip!
7 seconds late? I hope they issued you an apology - that's totally unacceptable 😂
Shinkansen 500 is even better looking!!
Glad to see you try one of Japan's many trains. There are so many different kinds of trains, both super fast and very slow local. I hope you take some of these and make a video of those trips.
Bought the correct tickets and used the ticket barrier correctly - guaranteed this is a great review 👍
8:22 the Seikan Tunnel is at the west side of the Tsugaru Strait.
Unlike a certain other vlogger!
Visited Japan myself back in September for my 30th, travelling in Green Class (rather than Gran class) on various Shinkansen services Tokyo heading south, as well as a few local trains too. It was certainly a great experience and, if money / language / culture, etc. was no issue, Japan would be somewhere I would choose to live
Meanwhile, Brazil is unable to build a railroad between its two main cities. It makes me sad.
Don’t be sad. It is still 1989 on many Amtrak lines in America. It might be 1975. 🥺😔
Laughing as a Californian. Trust me we’re no better than
Same thing here in 🇦🇺. They have been talking about it for over 50 years.
Great review as always; looks like an incredible experience! And thanks for showcasing some of the indoiosycricies of the Japanese rail system.
Deathly allergic to fish, so no local cuisine. Other countries could certainly learn from Japan rail. Clean, fast and comfortable.
That is something truly amazing to behold and you can tell not just by the sights but the awe and amazement in your voice as you narrated this. Looks like a true wonder to behold.
Btw that Japanese toilet looked cool but I swear the set up reminds me of some kind of medical room lol
Visited Japan in January this year and was able to ride the Hayabusa Shinkansen to Hakodate. I really enjoyed the Japanese fare winter menu at the time. I also liked the beef jerky that was available on board as well, whilst not being free I should have bought more of it.
Fantastic video Paul!!!
If I were rich, I would visit Japan once a year and travel from north to south.🇯🇵🚄💨
Beautiful train!
I love Japanese food.
Wow! What a video. What a train. Love the background music. So peaceful. Food looks delicious. Curiously people still wearing face masks
Even before Covid people often wore face masks in public when they where sick, in Japan and some other Asian countries.
It's always been common courtesy to wear a mask if you feel like you might have a cold.
What a beautiful train amazing 😮😊😊Thanks for sharing 👍 😀
Fun fact: Shin Hakodate Hokuto Shinkansen station is farther from the city center than Hakodate Airport.
That looks incredible, Paul - I could tell you absolutely loved that journey! (I checked out the luxury train you showed at the end of- it only has a maximum of 34 passengers!!)
Hmm, octopus for breakfast lol. In a past life i would have tried everything, but octopus isn't kosher lol nor is the prawn. LOL Definately want to visit Japan. Everyone I know that has been or lived there always speak of how wonderful it is.
From Aomori to Tyo, it costs 150 usd to upgrade from F Rail pass.
I worked and lived in Japan and when tourist always used JR Green class 21 days and got good value.
Can use it working when arrive as tourist then change immediately to work visa.
Troublesome but worth it
Unbelieveable system and safety
Also impressed with Chinese high speed when working there and using weekly.
Safe travels and welcome back.
Love all your reviews and always on the look out for your latest offering.
Just wow!
I recently had my first Shinkansen ride (in economy class) and I quite agree: the Shinkansen is magical! It should be on every rail fan’s bucket list.
Great train views.
That's a nice bathroom.
Great trip, finally Japan Trip Report, starting with Hayabusa. I think you got the couple one with Komachi, but still great. Gran Class seating is great but only available in selected route, even Tokkaido Shinkansen didn't have Gran Class. Can't wait for another trip report in Japan, especially trying Sleeper Train in Japan.
Specifically, Gran Class is only available in shinkansen trains owned by JR East
Bucket list for sure!
Firstly, you lucky thing Paul getting to experience Japan and its transport
The JR pass use to be a good option but due to the recent price increase single tickets may be better value depending on how much people wish to travel, so use online tools and videos to help yourself plan
What is the northern end of a train car the one in the front or the one in the back?
Wlcome to Japan😊
8:43 route into Hokkaido is rendered incorrectly, the route goes via Aomori to the Seikan Tunnel, not the Shimokita Peninsula
Nice video
So nice to see a new video on the channel! And that too, Japan? Yes!
Hey Paul! Nice to see you back after 3 weeks. Hope you and your family are doing well. God bless you.
And here In the UK we cnt get HS2 right
hello roughly how much is the shinkansen ticket when you buy it at the station??
Turning japanese. love to try their food.
I did the same trip not two weeks ago. I loved the Gran Class experience, even sat in the same seat 4A. I connected through the limited express from Shin Hakodate to Sapporo then caught Air Do back to Tokyo, definitely don’t recommend that day trip, it was very tiring haha
Interesting point, at around 12:30 you mentioned that Gran Class is the most exclusive train in Japan open to the public, but there are 3 services that take the cake on that front. Train Suite Shiki-Shima also run by JR East, Twilight Express Mizukaze run by West, and 7 Stars Kyushu run by JR Kyushu. All 3 of these are "cruise trains" in which they aren't actually meant to travel from A to B. Instead, they take you on a multi day loop around their respective regions of Japan showcasing local cultures, foods, sights and experiences, then returning to the departure point where you started. I've not experienced any of these myself, but would love to sometime. Maybe you could showcase one of these trains sometime in the future? 😅
Train Suite Shiki-Shima (which I have a model railway version of) cost about $4,000 US, and is only available by lottery.
@@Neville60001 Thats awesome! Also, looks like my wish kind of got granted a while ago, Jeb Brooks released a review of that very train a few months ago!
My American mind cannot comprehend this level of efficiency.
Pocari Sweat is great if you're hungover. Or so I've heard...
Great ride!! I would choose Gran Class myself. Thanks Paul.👌👌💚💚
Nice video Wingin it paul lucas Good 👍 Flying Plane Jet Train Bus Car
I always laugh when people mention internet service in videos like this. In spain and in France it is normal to get excellent internet service anyywhere on a motorway, even in tunnels and on the highest bridges like Millau and it has been like this for over 10 years, I sometimes can't even get phone service in Edinburgh! But on my friends farm 1000 meters up in the mountains in Catalonia, with no mains electricity and a tiny dish, its superfast and half the price of BT lol
Wow, that's quite a train ride! Would love to try it but first I need to fly to Japan LOL! Which I plan on doing sometime next year as part of my upcoming video where I fly on all of the oneworld carriers on an epic Round the World itinerary, experiencing each flight as a oneworld Sapphire elite member. I may include this train when I stop in Tokyo to film the JAL segment.
- Red
Enjoy the trip! I’ve never done a single RTW ticket, maybe one day soon!
Does Paul ever travel down the back ?
Come to indonesia....try our new HSR
Did I miss the price. I’m guessing min £250??
Japan invests in it railways,not like the uk where shareholders come before a decent service.