NIPPONIA No. 43 December 15, 2007
Special Feature
Travel Japan by Train
Tohoku Shinkansen:
Series E2 Hayate rolling stock
The suspension for the two end cars and the superior-class Green cars ensures a smoother ride by reducing vibrations. Maximum speed: 275 km/h.
Tokaido/San’yo Shinkansen:
Series 500 Nozomi rolling stock
Designed for speed: The end cars have sharp, extended “noses” like a jet fighter. When the train debuted in 1997 it broke the world record for rail travel at that time with a maximum speed of 300 km/h.
Kyushu Shinkansen:
Series 800 Tsubame rolling stock
Flowing lines, a body painted mainly pure white, black roofs on the end cars, and finished with a cute “face.” When the train speeds down the track, its design brings to mind a swallow (tsubame) in flight. Maximum speed: 260 km/h.
San’yo Shinkansen Series 700 Hikari Rail Star rolling stock (left)
Above: The compartment for four passengers can become a small conference room for businesspeople on the go. Maximum speed: 285 km/h.
Joetsu Shinkansen Series E4 Max rolling stock
This bullet train features all double-decker cars. The 16-car train is designed for 1,634 passengers, the most in the world for high-speed rail travel. Maximum speed: 240 km/h.
