Discover Japan's Fastest Bullet Trains and Their Unmatched Speeds

Got navigational jitters for your first Japan trip? Hey, no sweat! Japan's got your back with its world-famous mode of transport — its high-speed railway system.

Picture this: a legendary rail network that's a well-oiled machine stretching far and wide, held together by the incredible Shinkansen or bullet trains. 

If you want a more detailed guide about the rail networks in Japan, check out our guide!

In wonderful Japan, where trains of all kinds abound, the famous high-speed trains or Shinkansen steal the show! These sleek trains connect distant Japanese regions, becoming the must-have experience for both tourists and business travelers alike.

They're no ordinary trains — they cruise on their own super tracks, using futuristic tech to dodge tunnels and bridges so nothing slows them down. Plus, the stations they zip through are like mini wonderlands, brimming with entertainment during your journey!

Discover unique and fun things you can do at Shinkansen station by reading through our article.

Now, let's talk speed and the variety the Shinkansen have to offer: from super fast to mega-speedy and the awesome tech they're packing. It's like a speed buffet, and you're in for a treat!

Curious about the Shinkansen? Get the lowdown on these incredible bullet trains by checking out this article.

Are you enticed yet? Now, buckle up because we're counting down the absolute coolest: the top 10 fastest Shinkansen trains of Japan's railways! Get ready to be wowed by these turbo-charged passenger trains. 

Speeding between Tokyo and Aomori at a shockingly fast top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph), the Hayabusa is the swiftest train on the tracks. This train connects Tokyo and northern Honshu, with branches to Akita and Yamagata.

And it doesn’t stop there! This high-speed train races beyond Aomori, all the way to the enchanting Hakodate. Plus, if Hokkaido's calling your name, the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure.

To make things easier for you, here’s a quick tip: Grab a seat reservation for a smooth ride, or if they're all snagged, standing is still a blast. And for all the lucky holders of a JR Pass, guess what? You're in for an incredible Hayabusa ride!

The Japan Rail Pass is your all-access pass to Japan's extensive rail network, including iconic Shinkansen and local JR services. It's your key to seamless travel, whether you're exploring cities or countryside, offering unlimited adventures across the country.

If you’re thinking whether to still get the Whole Japan Rail Pass, you can consider getting Shinkansen bullet train tickets instead! These are single journey tickets to get you where you want to go from point A to B.

Ready to rev up your adventure? Meet the Komachi, the high-speed rail operated by JR East. The trains team up with Hayabusa for Tokyo to Morioka trips or go solo from Morioka to Akita. Hold onto your seats because these guys zoom at a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) — right up there with Japan's fastest!

Since '97, Akita Shinkansen Komachi's been the ticket for the ride of a lifetime, dashing between Tokyo station and Akita. And the pit stops? Oh, they're epic — from Sendai to Morioka, it's like a whirlwind tour!

If you're interested in diving into the Tohoku's history and beauty, Komachi's the top choice. Get ready for a high-speed, turbo-charged adventure through this stunning region on this Shinkansen!

Meet another speedster: the high-speed Nozomi train by JR Central, operating since '92. Zipping at a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), it's the fastest on the Tokaido-Sanyo lines. Think Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka — all in just 2.5 hours one-way!

If you’re ready for action, the Nozomi N700 series is your best bet. With major stops plus excitement from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo and beyond, you’ll surely have an unforgettable journey!

Nozomi has four hourly departures and more during peak times. Just remember, the Japan Rail Pass won't cut it here. And for the seating arrangements, whether you reserve or not, it's all about the excitement on board!

If you want to ride the Nozomi, but you only have a JR pass, don't worry! You can easily book Shinkansen tickets for this speedster or other Shinkansen trains to get to your chosen regions through Klook!

Meet the lively Hikari, a star of connections! Hitting a maximum operating speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), it races between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, linking Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Hold on; there's more: Hikari, born in '64, might be slower than Kodama, but it stops at more stations. It's the link between numerous bustling cities!

Ready for the ride? With two hourly departures each way, the adventure begins. The Japan Rail Pass is your golden ticket here. Whether you reserve or not, it's your call.

Introducing the Mizuho star! Since 2011, it's been whisking travelers away on a thrilling journey, courtesy of JR West and JR Kyushu. Racing at a high speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), it's the speed king on both Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. 

The Mizuho’s train services start in Shin-Osaka and offer a limited-stop ride to Kagoshima-Chuo, hitting hotspots like Hiroshima, Hakata, and more. Three hours and 45 minutes of pure joy — that's the journey. Pick your seat — reserved or not, it's up to you.

Oh, just a heads up: Mizuho isn't part of the Japan Rail Pass party. But guess what? You can hop on with other passes like the JR Sanyo Sanin Area Pass and JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and still ride any of these fastest trains.

Hop on the Sakura speedsters! Since 2011, JR Kyushu has been whisking travelers from lively Shin-Osaka to vibrant Kagoshima-Chuo Shinkansen lines.

Zooming at an average speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), Sakura treats you to a smooth ride across these enchanting spots. Speeding as the second fastest train on Kyushu Shinkansen, this train makes multiple stops, adding more possible destinations to your itinerary.

Every hour, a Sakura Shinkansen departs, and there are cool extras if you have a Japan Rail Pass, like free reservations! Hooray for saving! 

Meet Kodama, the veteran! Since 1964, it's been the friend of JR West and JR Central, shuttling happily between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. Though not the fastest, at 285 km/h (177 mph), Kodama's the go-to for all stops, making the trip around four hours — perfect for enjoying the view!

Oh, and are you heading to charming Atami from Tokyo? Hop on Kodama or Hikari for an amazing journey! With two hourly departures, it's your call: reserved or not. Keep an eye out for fully non-reserved trains during busy hours!

Oh, and say hi to its Hello Kitty Shinkansen, launched by JR West in June 2018 as part of the Sanyo Shinkansen line. Look out for Kodama 840 and 851 — they're purrfectly fun!

Introducing the lively Yamabiko! Since 1982, it's been your JR East travel buddy, whizzing between Tokyo and Morioka branch lines (some even stop at Sendai).

Zooming at 275 km/hr (170 mph), Yamabiko's the cool third wheel on the Tohoku Shinkansen route, following Hayabusa and Komachi. Plus, it often teams up with Tsubasa for exciting Tokyo to Fukushima adventures.

Get ready to ride with Tsubasa, the stunning trains operated by East Japan Railway Company! These buddies often join forces with Yamabiko for exciting trips between Tokyo and Fukushima.

Since 1992, Tsubasa trains have been zipping between Fukushima and Shinjo (with some making a stop at Yamagata). At 275 km/h (170 mph), it's not the speediest, but it proudly claims the fastest spot on the Yamagata Shinkansen route. Efficiency and simplicity are Tsubasa's game!

Get ready for a dazzling journey with the Kagayaki trains, the dynamic duo operated by JR East and JR West! Running at a high speed of 260 km/h (161 mph), this train is a fan favorite of those going to and from major cities like Kanazawa and Tokyo! And, because of its speed, it is hailed as the fastest Shinkansen train on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line.

When you hop on this Shinkansen, take in an incredibly smooth journey and enjoy the sights along its two-hour and twenty-eight-minute route, with just a sprinkle of stops along the way. With departures happening about every hour, the Kagayaki dance is always in motion, whisking you away in both directions. 

Remember, the schedules might shimmy a bit with the seasons and days, so keep an eye out for surprises! But here’s some good news — all seats are reserved, and you can snag a spot with your Japan Rail Pass.

You definitely shouldn't miss the amazing experience of riding these speedy trains! Believe me, it's an exciting adventure that you'll remember forever. Plus, you don’t need to worry since booking a Shinkansen ride is now easier than ever with Klook! 

Hop on board and create unforgettable memories as you ride the thrilling bullet trains in Japan!