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"There's no first class on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen" Hello Kitty, the great class equalizer.

My wife has never clicked on one of your videos for me, but you showed her Pikachu train and now we're discussing a Japan vacation.

hearing about shinkansen travelling faster than planes at 6 minute intervals is absolutely bonkers as somebody who has to wait 30 minutes for a train going 50km/h to get to work

NJB just casually went through like 5 videos worth of content for the average travel vlogger, what a chad move

Really need some miffy trains here in the Netherlands

god, the stark contrast in that shot of soul-crushing traffic at the end really did crush my soul after seeing all the creative & innovative trains

Thank you to coming to Japan. I live in Japan and I think that the craziest train is commuter trains in Tokyo morning.

As someone in Ireland, this is making me so jealous. I wish we had focused on trains rather than cars.

FWIW, Japanese salarymen wouldn't get on the Hello Kitty train by accident - because the Kodama service is among the slowest Shinkansen services, stopping at every station. Business travellers prefer the Nozomi and Hikari services, which go directly between the major cities without stopping at the smaller towns, and they have business-class accommodation to suit. If you're on a Kodama, at several of the stations en route you'll be shunted into a platform to the side, while one of the faster services blasts past on the straight track.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="640">10:40</a> fun fact: all hiking trails in Switzerland are planned to have all trail heads located at bus and train stations :)

"Getting off on the wrong station that also happens to be underserviced" is genuinely a recurring (benign) nightmare for me. Now I can have that nightmare with the added terror of not knowing the native language ❤

Avid star fan here! I actually went on the space 1375 train last winter with my family, the person who was talking to us actually spoke some English and gave us key astronomy terms. (Although my family includes a fluent Japanese speaking person and the rest can understand at a high level, so mileage will vary) When we got off the station it was a little cloudy, but the guide took us up into the park on the hill you can see the video, he went off for about 10 minutes to turn off the main lights in the park. It was very dark, the only lights you could see were the ones at the station, but if you turned the opposite direction you couldn't see them. Personally, winter constellations are much more interesting. Even though it was little cloudy we were able to see a little of the Milky Way strip in the sky. Definitely not the darkest place to see stars but definitely a cool experience! I'm not sure why your experience was so different, maybe because it was so cloudy they didn't see the point? My only complaints were how cold it was outside (I was not ready for that and was shivering the whole time) and that on the way back they didn't dim the lights in the train and I was so tired at that point...

I clicked so fast as a Tokyo resident who is always jealous of bicycle lanes in the Netherlands you feature on your videos. I've not heard of most of the trains mentioned here, and now I have a better appreciation for them. Pokémon trains sound perfectly normal in Japan but I really enjoyed seeing it from your pov and finding how ridiculous it actually is. This video also made me realise that being able to travel by train to so many parts of the country is quite impressive too, esp for how prone Japan is to natural disasters and the whole country is mostly covered in mountains. In Europe, a lot of the mountainous or slightly less populated areas are only covered by coaches/buses probably because building roads are easier than building railway tracks. I remembered about the train that was supposed to pass through the mountainous part of Spain (Cantabria) but the project got delayed because they dug the tunnel too narrow so the trains didn't fit 😂

Only _Not Just Bikes_ can make the most educating but very entertaining video with what would normally be a B roll on any travel channel.

I went to Japan but I was very little and my mom told me that I used to always say 電車 instead of train until I turned 5. I had a train obsession as a toddler.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1174">19:34</a> "you really can't ride this train and not be happy" followed by someone screaming LOL

@<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="640">10:40</a> "because fundamentally trains should be available for all kinds of trips, not just commuting" sums up in a way the main gripe I've had about the Dutch rail network, almost all passengers trains are focuses on commuters not on any other reasons you might want to take a train (this is especially noticeable on any train going to Schiphol, not enough storage for all the massive luggage people try to bring)

Cool to see you reference Tom Scott's video. I enjoyed that one, glad to see the maglev trains haven't been completely abandoned.

Wow, clearly I was not adventurous enough in my Japan rail travels! I'd say I stuck to the 'boring' regular (fast, on time, frequent, go everywhere, delight to ride, whydon'twehavethiseverywhere?) trains, but it didn't even occur to me to look for anything out of the ordinary. I guess I was too stuck in my VIA Rail expectations... :P I just love the idea of fun trains! Where the transportation isn't just an empty space while getting to another thing or place, but instead totally IS part of the experience. Going to have to keep these in mind for my next visit. Thanks! :)

If only our countries would love their train as much as Japan. People stuck in traffic, including kids, don't know what they're missing.

I remember the Yamagata Shinkansen having a literal HOT FOOT SPA in one of their trains.

"And even with all those trains running on the network, their average annual delay, including those caused by earthquakes and typhoons, is less than 1 minute." *sad German noises*

The missed opportunity of not calling that train "Pika-choochoo"

The Netherlands definitely needs a Nijntje/Miffy train like the Hello Kitty one 😂

I just adore Japanese trains. My first ever experience was the train from Osaka Airport to Kyoto - when it pulled into the station (which is the terminus), we had to wait a couple of minutes while they cleaned the train cars for the people heading to Kyoto. Then, right before we were all set to board, I watched in awe as all of the train seats reverse directions automatically so that we would all be facing forward as we headed off. Such a cool, thoughtful little touch. But, the best train I've taken so far in Japan was a small little train in Kamakura. There's a famous stop there called Kamakurakoko-Mae that was featured in some famous anime show about basketball or something, but the real pleasure was just taking this cozy little train along the beautiful coast. When it was going through more urban areas it often felt like we were chugging along through people's backyards. I've never felt so much like trains were an integral part of the community than in Japan.

I prefer when NJB talks abt good urbanism over when he talks abt bad urbanism imo. With all the terrible stiff in the world, it's nice seeing something great.

A couple of corrections/tips: * The 幹 in Shinkansen means trunk (like a tree trunk), not main. * Kodama is a level of service, not a line. Kodama Shinkansen stop at every station, where as the higher speed trains like the Nozomi, Mizuho, and Hayabusa only stop at the main ones. * If you get off at the wrong station, you can just wait for the next train and ride it to your destination as long as you ride on an unreserved car. The only thing you lose if you miss your train or get off at the wrong station is your seat reservation (if you had one in the first place). It looks like you got off at Kurikoma Kougen, so you might end up waiting an hour, but even then it probably wouldn't have saved you much time to take a taxi because the taxi is way slower (not to mention more expensive). * There is almost literally no reason anyone should ever take the Shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto. Even with an unreserved seat, it's 3x more expensive than a regular train, and it necessitates going through stations that you normally wouldn't need to go through, which means it could easily take longer than just taking a regular train. In fact, for a lot of trips it's cheaper, quicker, and easier to not use JR at all and to just use private rail companies (Hankyu or Keihan) that go more directly between major destinations.

Other countries: Have statues of historical and sometimes questionable figures. Japan: Behold! The statue of the goodest boi, Hachiko! And over here, the Pirate King! Also, we have a Pikachu-chu!

Japan is the best example of a country that embraces cars yet doesn't require you to own one. The public transport there is world class, yet it has the best car culture in the world (look up Albo and Dustin Williams for content relating to the JDM car scene). Tokyo has insane multi level highways within the city (like the Wangan loop) but at that doesn't stop it from having great public transport. And there are these tiny efficient Kei cars that are so small and they're not sold in other countries, they also used to give you tax benefits if you own one

Given all of the engineering redundancies on the Shinkansen, they'll likely have a perfectly safe operation record forever, with standard proper maintenance.

Japan has a lot of headscratchingly old procedures and technolgy. I've seen somewhere Japan described as "When everybody else was living in the year 1980 Japan was living in the year 2000. Now everybody else is living in the year 2024 and Japan is living in the year 2000"

In Japan, due to its very high population density in many parts of the country, they had to build out their train networks just to get people around. If you look at the Kantō Plain (Tokyo area) or the Keihanshin region (Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe), you really do need a massive train and subway network because of the large numbers of people in the area. A reason why Japan decided to build the Shinkansen was that the conventional train line between Tokyo and Osaka was already running at capacity by the early 1950's. It did help that JNR built the original Tokaidō Shinkansen line using tunnels already built for a planned high speed rail project that was partially constructed during World War II.

Loved this. Early 90s, I lived in Japan for five years when there were no fun trains, just safe, comfortable, on time transportation. One day on the local bus, there was a small accident on the street that took about 15 minutes to clear. The bus driver, who had a headset and microphone, first told us there would be a delay. Next, she contacted our destination point, a local train station, to tell them we would be late. They held the train for us. That driver then made up some of the time on the straight section of track, but also notified the next terminus to hold the trains at the next major junction, trains going in both directions. As I happened, I had to transfer there. On my next train, the same thing: make up some time on the straight section and notify the next transfer point. That was the Shinkansen. They held trains both ways for us--and then made up the time on the straight section. The Shinkansen arrived at its next station on time! The only bad trains were those during rush hour when you're pushed in like sardines in a can. I tried once and got out at the next station and waited an hour on a bench.

"There *was* a Hello Kitty themed smoking room but it was closed in March 2024" I never thought I would hear all those words in that exact order. 😂

I'm amazed you managed to resist calling it the Pika Choo Choo

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="648">10:48</a> missed the opportunity to drop “Not just bikes” casually into the script.😅

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1348">22:28</a> Surprise Pikachu train mentioned 😂

The thing about "crazy" trains in Japan is that they're primarily designed to boost tourism oin their service area. In rural places, private Japanese rail companies have either shut down or cut down the train services due to low demand and shrinking population. Also many common Japanese people cannot afford Shinkansen as the same as air travel due to their surprisingly "high" cost. Sometimes it's cheaper to fly than riding Shinkansen for long distance domestic travel in Japan. Among tight-wad small and mid-size Japanese businesses, they do their domestic business travel with cheap overnight busses rather than Shinkansen as it is hard to write off as business expense.

Also- thank you for riding through Kesenuma on three pikachu train. I covered the inaugural run back in 2012 after the 311 quake. The whole Tohoku area needs for everyone to know it’s still in recovery mode and would appreciate the visits and stays in the region.

Crazy train mentioned

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="300">5:00</a> This was also the case on the now defunct Evangelion Shinkansen (same model of train, but with Eva characters and theming). I believe this was done so that people disinterested in the train's theme wouldn't have to deal with it and could enjoy a muted experience or just a normal car instead. Meanwhile us foreigners actively seek out these trains

I just love the fact that Shinkansen never really got a name, the project designation kind of just stuck.

I'm truly envious of these trains 😭😭 we don't even have a single line here in Colombia. After visiting Italy and being on the high speed trains, normal teains and metro lines, I have not stopped thinking about trains.

oh god. is there some way i can beam this video directly into the heads of the german DB execs...??? its kind of crazy how our national stereotype is still often "punctuality" 😭😭 at this point, we're happy if the train isnt straight up not coming at all...

Japan just being Japan.

In Australia, all these trains would've been vandalised and torn apart by bogans and the worst part is they'd be cheered on by the general public because "ah mate they're just being a bit of a larrikin, no need to get upset". Shitty treatment of public transport is basically a part of Aussie culture and I hate it.

There is a Dutch theme park in Japan called Huis ten Bos. Have you been there?

"They are designed ss self contained pods." Adam something: PODS!!?

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="520">8:40</a> that is pretty convincing, was glad to hear your re-enaction of your reaction lol

"Japan really can be the most backwards futuristic country sometimes." The way I've always heard it is they've been living in the year 2000 since 1980. Holds up pretty well.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="353">5:53</a> that futuristic looking train actually kinda reminds me of the Dutch "Mat 46" trains, which were introduced in 1949. The last of them were retired in 1983, but I remember seeing them occasionally when I was a kid. Everything old is new again!

You're a lucky man, thank you for bringing us along on your trips! All those beautiful trains, especially the bike and stars ones, made me wanna cry!

no more "hello kitty train smoking room" ? XD I laughed so hard

I rode a japanese train where the passengers reverse all the seat's backs because the train reversed direction 😊

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="347">5:47</a> that sway of the train the other sinkansen passes at high speed is awesome. Everyone turns their head immidietly, such great power

Ahhhh you beat me to it! I’m jealous! 👏🏼 Maybe we should ride a train TOGETHER sometime??

I'm surprised you didn't go to Kishi Station and ride the Tama train! I just wish America could get behind high-speed rail, and while I know a few politicians are pushing for it, I'm afraid it'll never happen. Everyone is too car-brained here sadly. Since having my own health issues show up, I've been relying more on public transit and Uber (the actual local taxi service can take hours for pickup, and we only have the one service) and it's bizarre how difficult it is to get around without a car.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="484">8:04</a> Adam nothing when he hears the japanese put self contained LUXURY PODS on a TRAIN:

The state of US railways are incredibly frustrating. Like, in the 19th century, they could see it was the way of the future, they spent the 1860s building the Transcontinental Railway... and then, in the 20th century, they just abandoned it all and started investing in car infrastructure instead. And then they started actively decommissioning railroads, so places aren't even connected by rail any more. A while back, I tried to look up how long it would take to travel from the PNW to Texas by train (specifically, Seattle-Dallas), and the answer was something like "five days, fourteen train changes". Meanwhile, just googling a similar distance in Europe (I picked Barcelona-Berlin) can be done in less than 20 hours with two train changes, and that's crossing multiple international boarders. Looking at the highspeed network in China, I picked Huaihua-Beijing for a similar distance, and it's

It was really nice to see a whole video where you were able to just share your joy and enthusiasm. You delivery and filming were amazing as always.

I think Japan's infrastructure is the best in the world imo. They have so many trains that will literally take you almost everywhere in the country. Also considering that Japan makes a lot of cars, Toyota being the most sold worldwide, especially in the US/Canada that are car centric.

Can't believe you didn't ride the Shonan Monorail. The train hangs UNDER the rail.

I'm very sad we don't have capybaras swimming with lemons in Europe.

Was not expecting to hear "Hello Kitty Theatre" today, much less in a video about trains.

Love being this early to an NJB video. Great video! As always!

This video is one of the bests in its kind... huge congrats!!

When you travel to some of the smaller towns the staff and locals will wave the train off at the station or even just beside the track. It's truly moving and a beautiful reflection of the nature of Japanese. Japan truly has a love affair with trains.

Yay, a new upload from JustTrains!

Welcome to Japan~

Informative and entertaining. Thank you! Brutally honest guidelines too.

This video shows why competition is also important for rail traffic

Thank you for showing us the luxury compartments and premium diamond green cars!

I've never seen someone so excited to see a closed hello kitty smoking room but at the same time I've never seen a hello kitty smoking room before

Bike on train is pretty good idea. You can commute 30-50km on train, and after reaching destination, carry-on on your ebike to your final destination, 4-5kms.

The most fun I had on a train Japan was the Shizutetsu Beer Train. For a flat fee, you'd get a ticket to and from the destination, and it would include table service all-you-can-drink local beer, with a view of Mt Fuji.

JR Central Maglev 300mph line is actually making more progress than US HSR single lane 150mph rail

welcome to japan. Hello Kitty Haruka from Osaka airport to Kyoto is my fav.

Can you imagine riding a Disney or Universal themed bullet train from Minnesota or Maine down to Orlando? The Disney theme one would have different themed per car, classic, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars. What a magical way to start your vacation! With how sports focused the US is, I'm surprised there aren't specially themed trains or metro for cities with major sports team already. Where is the Gritty Train in Philadelphia with that orange creature's face plastered all over!?

It's one of the reasons why I love going to Japan. I've done a few of the special trains already and yes, some are indeed available at no extra cost, just some additional travel time to allow you to see more of the countryside of Japan.

There are many factors on choosing what makes a perfectly designed city but you can mainly divide it in two main factors. One is attractivenes and two is transportation. Cities like Paris and Amsterdam have both these factors and can be considered some of the best designed cities.(The only problem they have is either related to crime or lack of housing). There are also cities like Tokyo or Shanghai which have just boring modernist architecture and lack detailed traditional buildings. But the thing that makes them such great cities is the amazing Transportation infrastructure which balances the city out and makes it quite attractive to tourists. But then there are cities like Dubai or any major city in America which neither have attractive architecture neither have good transportation. (Dubai is only so popular because of the tallest building and because of all the unique structures found nowhere else because otherwise its just massive landmarks connected by huge highways). In an ideal future world we need to design cities in such a way where buildings get at least a little bit of character like in European towns and we need to add as many transportation options as possible like Japan does.

trains + crazy + NJB Instand classic before I even watched!

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1250">20:50</a> i think this really sums up my point perfectly on the argument for better public transport and active travel. Better bus, tram, metro, train and cycling/walking infrastructure doesn't force you out of your car, but it gives you the option to go by whichever way suits your needs. If anything, it gives you more freedom than only having to go by car if you want to go to the local supermarket or into your city.

I love how much dedication has gone into designing the interior of these trains. Japan is on another level, also... you know what we need... Capyabaras swimming in lemons!

What I've learned is that here in Canada our slow single-track train lines just need some pikachus on them

i wish you mentioned the cost of each train you took

This is amazing. Thanks for the great content!

I've been to Japan a couple of times and always loved riding trains there! One time, I took an Anpanman (a very popular character in Japan) themed train by chance from Okayama to Marugame and it was packed with happy kids and their parents or grandparents 😁

I don’t know if my boys would have more fun with the Pikachu train or I would.

Hey Jason, can you remember what route you were on when you shot the footage at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="988">16:28</a>? This looks almost identical to the footage used in the music video by "Porter Robinson - Flicker". I'd love to go on that journey!

I have always been grateful for our railway workers and employees. I think there are not many countries in the world where you can take a day trip during the weekend with friends from my fairly remote prefecture to Tokyo and back with little planning, traffic, or any hassle.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1143">19:03</a> this train is unique and although being commercial it is still amazing

suprise pikachu train got me ngl

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1170">19:30</a> aren’t you usually the goofy guy with a tripod filming trains? 😂

I love this channel so much

This was an awesome video. I like to say Im a big fan of trains but I had no idea that these fun trains where a thing! Thank you so much!

And so many Americans continue to believe that they live in the 'greatest country in the world'.

the shinkansen runs more frequently than the bus i have to take

I think my favourite one that I knew before this video is the Eizen Electric Railway. It runs just north of Kyoto and has a split halfway through the station lines that lead to two different destinations. Not only is the area just covered in seasonal beauties and Japanese culture, but it is also famous for a certain viral video known as the Maple Tunnel, where the train shuts the lights off so people can view the spectacular maple trees. Japan is so weird for being so backwards in some things but so joyful in others. I live in a country with an amazing train system but it's no where near the level of fun and energy of Japanese trains.

"Regarding the end of payphone service: payphone service has ended." Thanks for clearing that up, I guess.