Bullet Trains

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Tip - Transport

Japanese bullet trains, known locally as Shinkansen, are among the fastest in the world and routinely reach speeds of close to 200mph (320 km/h), easily linking major cities throughout Japan with one another. Trend-defining safety, pressurized cabin comfort, record-setting punctuality, and fantastic cultural nuances like heated toilet seats, Shinkansen are by far the easiest and most exciting option to see the amazing Japanese countryside.

Touching down in Tokyo, options to reach other Japanese destinations abound. If your time in Japan is limited and you don't want to miss the sights of Kyoto, zoom there and back on a comprehensive one-day rail tour from Tokyo, where you’ll have stunning views of Mt. Fuji before embarking on a guided afternoon tour of old-town Kyoto.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling like escaping the city and would prefer to see the countryside, why not visit Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji in one of Tokyo’s most popular day tours? Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, the icy caps of Mt. Fuji and the crystalline waters of Lake Ashi are sure to be the perfect antidote to the hectic city life.

Want to sojourn out into Japan a little longer? Why not combine the two? Multiple day trips link Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, and Hakone, and any option between the two.

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo

Really Good day. Great tour guide who was very knowledgeable. Unfortunately due to the weather, we only got as high as the fourth station and the view wasn't great. However the tour guide kept was apologetic (although she couldn't do anything) and made alternative plans when we couldn't go on the cable car either. I learnt a lot about Japan, got to see some great scenery and had a quick, but unforgettable trip on the bullet train.

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo

This was a great tour! We were picked up at our hotel, escorted to the bullet train (actually put us in our seats), picked up at the Kyoto station (a host was waiting on the platform) and taken to lunch. After lunch we started our Nara tour with a knowledgeable guide. We were returned to our Kyoto hotel by the tour bus.

The next morning, the bus picked us up at the hotel and we did the morning tour and afternoon tour of Kyoto. The bus took us to the Kyoto station and the host put us on the bullet train back to Tokyo. We arrived in Tokyo and we were met by another host at the platform. He escorted the group to cabs, which returned us to our hotel.

The only recommendation we have is that the lunch breaks should be a little shorter. This would have provided us more time at the Kyoto sights.

Everyone related to the tour company was friendly and extremely competent. We highly recommend this tour to everyone.

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Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo

Excellent, but very long day as we were staying at Haneda Airport hotel. Fortunately the weather broke to give us some views of Mt Fuji. The "Bullet Train" was awsome and it was really a bonus to see the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom. Thank You Viator for a great day.

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