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Japan begins testing the world's fastest bullet train
Last week, Japan started testing its latest and fastest bullet train. The Shinkansen ALFA-X is capable of reaching 400 kilometers per hour (249 mph), and it's expected to enter operation around 2030. When it does, the ALFA-X will likely become the world's fastest bullet train, carrying passengers around 360 kph (224 mph).
Japan's next-gen bullet train is sleeker and tech-friendly
Japan is still as fond of bullet trains as it ever was, and that's reflected in its latest and greatest model. Central Japan Railway has unveiled a prototype of the N700S, a 'Supreme' bullet train that's designed to be kinder to both the environment and its passengers. It's 20 percent lighter, consumes 7 percent less energy and has a boxier nose that promises to cut back on the sonic boom-like effect when the train zips through tunnels at up to 186MPH. Travelers, meanwhile, get power outlets at every seat (not just the windows like before), more comfortable seats and overhead racks that light up at each station to remind you to check for luggage.
Japan and trains: The love affair
Snowfall causing train delays is nothing new. In the UK, where I'm from, this happens with hilarious, infuriating regularity. But last week, the first snow of 2016 brought Tokyo's central railway lines and Metro to a halt: hour-long delays between stations normally located minutes apart, packed platforms and a lot of complaints. That's because Japan's railway system typically works flawlessly, from the immaculately clean trains that service the distant southern isles of Japan to the experimental high-speed, floating maglev cars that might hit 372 miles per hour. If you love trains, you'll love Japan. And I just love them.
Japan is building a 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' bullet train
Japan is yet to create any towering bio-machines in the style of Neon Genesis Evangelion, but it's doing the next best thing: decorating a Shinkansen bullet train to look like the iconic purple Unit-01. It's being put together by Japanese train operator JR West to celebrate the the 20th anniversary of the hit mecha anime, as well as the 40 years that have passed since the completion of the Sanyo Shinkansen line. In addition to its striking paint job, the "500 Type Eva" train will have an Evangelion-themed interior and heaps of special memorabilia for fans to buy. JR West says it'll launch this autumn and run until March next year, completing two trips between Hakata and Shin-Osaka each day. We're on board, as long as the train isn't required to fight any formidable Angels along the way.
The Big Picture: Japan's bullet train turns 50
The bullet train is a Japanese trademark. It is, in other words, a landmark in motion. Today, 50 years to the time it made a trip for the first time, between Tokyo and Osaka, Japan is celebrating a major milestone in the history of its beloved bullet-shaped train. The Shinkansen, as it's known in The Land of the Rising Sun, has had a great run throughout its 50-year tale, like being the fastest high-speed train at one point -- China's CRH380A now holds that title. Even so, Shinkansen is still responsible for carrying more than 300 million passengers every year in Japan, making it one of the most important forms of transportation in the world, not only in its home soil. [Image credit: AFP/Getty Images]
Rent a free DS on the bullet train
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/travel_places/Japan_paving_the_way_for_travel_once_again'; Want to make sure you don't look like too much of a tourist in Japan? Make sure you bring a DS on the train! However, if you forget yours or need a DS for a family member, JR East is starting a new program that will serve your needs. From February 14th through March 28th, the company will make 20 systems per day available for free loan to Shinkansen (bullet train) passengers on the Hiroshima/Tokyo route.The lucky passengers will be able to select two games along with the DS, and keep them all for three days. The goal is apparently to regain some marketshare from airlines, who offer faster fares. It sounds perfect to us -- if you've got a DS to play, the extra captive time becomes a positive.
Streetcar GO! controller lets you drive your own Shinkansen
We're not exactly sure how compelling a train-controlling video game would be, particularly one that allows you to control the shinkansen (high-speed train) from Hakata Station to Osaka while rolling down the tracks at (virtual) speeds of up to 300km/h (186mph). But then again, we're not sure that the Japanese could come up with a video game that would surprise us anymore, particularly after "Cooking Mama." From what we can tell, our gaming friends in Japan have just released a special controller for this train simulation game, "Streetcar GO!" for ¥6,090 ($52) -- apparently the Wiimote just didn't cut it as a proxy for a train's gear shift.