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Title: Japan‘s Bullet Train) | Transportation | Plan | Travel …”>Shinkansen: 60 Years of Revolutionizing Travel and Connectivity

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In the bustling heart of Tokyo, at Platform 19 of the city’s grand transportation hub, I stood amidst the familiar chaos that defines Japan’s capital. It was here, precisely 60 years ago, that the world’s first bullet train, the Shinkansen, began its maiden journey to Osaka, forever transforming Japan’s landscape and travel industry.

The Shinkansen, with its iconic beak-like nose and aerodynamic sleekness, quickly gained fame and earned the nickname ‘bullet train’ around the globe. Today, it’s a symbol of Japanese innovation and efficiency, connecting cities, and inspiring wanderlust in millions of passengers annually.

Naoyuki Ueno, a senior executive at the Central Japan Railway Company, and formerly a Shinkansen train driver, recalled the immense pride he felt when he first saw the Shinkansen. "I still remember the first time I saw it," he reminisced. "It was a moment of pure national pride. It was fast, sleek, and truly Japanese."

The first Shinkansen route, the ‘Golden Route’ or Tokaido Shinkansen, connected Tokyo and Osaka, allowing travelers to experience the majesty of Mount Fuji and Kyoto‘s historic charms in under three hours. Since its inception, the Shinkansen network has expanded to encompass nine routes, reaching from Hokkaido to Kyushu, including the ‘New Golden Route,’ the Hokuriku Shinkansen, set to open fully in March 2024.

For my journey as part of BBC’s ‘The World’s Greatest Train Journeys’ series, I relied heavily on the Shinkansen, traversing from Tokyo to Osaka, but also exploring smaller towns and rural landscapes. The Shinkansen’s greatest strength lies in its ability to whisk you from the heart of a city to the tranquil embrace of nature in record time, opening up Japan’s otherwise inaccessible corners.

Toyama, a mere two-hour ride from Tokyo, became my first port of call. This city, gateway to the breathtaking Kurobe Gorge, enchanted me with its rich onsen culture and picturesque surroundings. The Toyama Chiho Railway’s single-track line took me deeper into the region, to the idyllic Unazuki Onsen, famed for its traditional ryokans and panoramic views of the Kurobe Gorge.

Bathing in the mineral-rich waters of the Tenshinzan Onsen, I understood the unique Japanese reverence for nature, a balance of respect and fear nurtured by the country’s many active volcanoes and natural disasters. As Yukinori Hashimoto, my local guide, put it, "We fear nature because we know its power, but we also respect and love it because it’s a part of our culture and history."

My journey continued to Kanazawa, the city of samurai and gold, where I sampled the city’s famous 24-karat gold-leaf ice cream, a testament to the region’s rich gold-mining history. Yet, what struck me most was Kanazawa’s harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, a testament to Japan’s ability to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing innovation.

Wajima, nestled on the Noto Peninsula, was my final stop before reaching Osaka. Recently ravaged by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, the town’s rebuilding efforts were symbolized by the Pokémon-themed train that brought me there. The sight of the devastation was stark, but so was the resilience and determination of its people.

From the traditional Wajima-nuri lacquerware industry to the bullet trains that connect Japan’s remote corners, Wajima is a microcosm of Japan’s commitment to tradition and innovation. This sentiment was echoed by Takahiro Taya, a 10th-generation Wajima-nuri artisan. "If our industry suffers, many people will lose their jobs," he explained. "So, it’s crucial for us to rebuild, not just the industry, but our entire way of life."

Finally, I boarded my last Shinkansen ride to Osaka, reflecting on Japan’s transformation over the past six decades. From its humble beginnings as a sleepy island nation, Japan has evolved into a technological powerhouse, yet its people remain deeply rooted in tradition. The Shinkansen, with its seamless integration of speed and comfort, is a testament to Japan’s unique blend of ancient culture and futuristic aspirations.

As the Shinkansen celebrated its 60th anniversary, I couldn’t help but wish for many more years of connecting people, cultures, and landscapes. Here’s to the next 60 years, Shinkansen. May your future be as bright and unstoppable as your iconic bullet nose.