One of the Most Exciting Experiences in Japan: Riding the Shinkansen from Kakunodate to Tokyo
One of the most thrilling experiences during my trip to Japan was riding the Shinkansen from Kakunodate to Tokyo. The Shinkansen, also known as the “bullet train,” is Japan’s high-speed rail system famous for its incredible speed. If you’re planning a vacation to Japan and want to experience the Shinkansen, here’s a guide on how to do it.
Shinkansen: Japan’s High-Speed Train
The Shinkansen, or “bullet train,” is an iconic symbol of Japanese transportation. Known for its high speed, comfort, and punctuality, the Shinkansen began operations in 1964 and has since become a major mode of transport in Japan.
Shinkansen Speed
One of the most impressive aspects of the Shinkansen is its speed. The fastest Shinkansen trains can operate at speeds exceeding 350 km/h. For example, the Shinkansen Komachi, which took me from Kakunodate to Tokyo, runs at a maximum speed of around 320 km/h. That’s incredibly fast, isn’t it?
Jakarta-Malang in 3 Hours
Imagine if Indonesia had a high-speed rail system like the Shinkansen! The journey from Jakarta to Malang could be completed in less than 3 hours. Unfortunately, we don’t have Shinkansen in Indonesia yet, so I had to experience it in Japan!
Shinkansen for Tourists
A visit to Japan wouldn’t be complete without riding the Shinkansen. For first-timers, the process might seem confusing, so let’s go through how to ride the Shinkansen in Japan.
Types of Trains in Japan
Before embarking on a Shinkansen journey, it’s helpful to know about the different types of trains in Japan:
1. Futsu (Local Train)
- Stops at every station.
- Slowest and most affordable.
2. Kaisoku (Rapid Train)
- Stops at fewer stations than local trains, bypassing some smaller stops.
- Ticket prices are similar to local trains.
3. Kyuko (Express Train)
- Fewer stops than rapid trains, saving time.
- Ticket prices are on par with local and rapid trains.
4. Tokkyu (Limited Express)
- Stops only at major stations.
- Additional limited express fee required, ranging from 500 to 4000 yen, depending on distance.
5. Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
- The fastest train in Japan, operating on dedicated tracks and platforms.
- Can cover distances like Tokyo to Osaka, which takes 7 to 8 hours by road, in just 3 hours.
- Ticket prices are higher than other trains.
Choosing Your Shinkansen Seat
When purchasing a ticket, be aware of the different types of seats and services available on the Shinkansen:
1. Non-Reserved Seats
- First-come, first-served basis. Suitable for flexible travelers but may not guarantee a seat during busy times.
2. Reserved Seats
- Specific seat numbers are assigned, ensuring you have a guaranteed place.
3. Green Car Seats
- Larger and more comfortable, with adjustable leg rests. More expensive than standard seats.
4. Gran Class Seats
- The most luxurious, with wide seats similar to business class on airplanes. Includes complimentary snacks and beverages. Available on select Shinkansen trains.
How to Purchase Shinkansen Tickets
Here’s how to buy Shinkansen tickets:
1. Determine Departure and Arrival Stations: Decide where you will start and end your journey.
2. Visit a Station or Use the Official Booking Website: Tickets can be purchased at the station or online. Booking online is convenient for planning ahead.
3. Choose Train Type and Seat: Select the type of Shinkansen (e.g., Nozomi, Hikari) and the seat type (non-reserved, reserved, green car, or gran class) based on your preference.
4. Set Departure Time: For reserved seats, specify your departure time.
5. Make Payment: Complete the payment based on your ticket selection.
6. Collect Your Ticket: After payment, you will receive your ticket. Keep it safe as you will need it to board and disembark.
Boarding and Exiting the Shinkansen
Boarding the Shinkansen:
1. Find the Shinkansen Ticket Gate: Look for the Shinkansen-specific gate at the station. It’s separate from local train gates.
2. Pass Through the Ticket Gate: Use the ticket machine to validate both your base fare and limited express ticket. Collect your tickets after passing through.
3. Locate the Waiting Area: Check the electronic boards for the platform where your Shinkansen will arrive.
4. Board the Shinkansen: When it arrives, use the nearest escalator to board. Check your seat number.
Exiting the Shinkansen:
1. Monitor Train Information: Pay attention to announcements and electronic boards inside the train to know your current location.
2. Prepare to Disembark: Pack your belongings as you approach your destination.
3. Exit the Train: Gather all your items and leave the Shinkansen when you reach your stop.
4. Dispose of Trash: If you have any trash, use the designated bins. Also, return your seat to its original position and maintain cleanliness.
Apps for Train Schedule Information
Using apps can simplify finding train information in Japan. Here are some useful ones:
- NAVITIME for Japan Travel: Supports English, Mandarin, and Korean.
- Japan Transit Planner: Available in 12 languages including English, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.
- Google Maps: Can also provide train transit information in various languages.
Using these apps will make your journey smoother and more manageable.
Conclusion
Riding the Shinkansen in Japan is an unforgettable experience. Not only is it fast and comfortable, but it’s also a key part of Japanese transportation. By following this guide, you now know how to ride the Shinkansen, choose your ticket, and navigate the boarding and exiting process. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t miss the chance to experience the Shinkansen and explore this fascinating country. Happy travels!
Push-ups effectively have interaction the upper chest
muscle tissue, providing a substitute for dumbbell workout routines.
The Dumbbell Z Press carried out whereas sitting on the floor
with legs extended straight ahead. This exercise primarily targets the shoulder muscle tissue (deltoids), triceps,
and higher back. Including weights to your
arm exercises at residence or the health club can sculpt your biceps
and triceps sooner than just body weight.
The alternating dumbbell bicep curl strengthens the bicep and helps forge stable arms.
These muscles work throughout varied movements, corresponding to adduction, abduction, extension,
and flexion, making it logical to train the shoulder and arms collectively.
The Fitness Phantom is a database of hundreds of exercise routines and exercises which might
be supported by floor experience, research journals, and fitness specialists.
Each controlled swing or press is a chance for these muscles across your upper body to develop stronger in unison with out the confinement
imposed by traditional bench workouts. Arms and shoulders both comprise small muscles,
such because the entrance delt, lateral delt, rear delt, higher traps,
biceps, triceps, and forearms. The shoulders
and arms are two of the crucial higher body muscles that involve in varied activities,
together with the push and pull workouts.
During the head-supported reverse dumbbell fly, keep your torso horizontal to
focus on your posterior deltoids. The single-arm variation permits for a larger range of
motion compared to the normal upright row.
Leaning away lateral increase is more practical than the dumbbell side raise as a result of it puts your lateral deltoid under
rigidity through a higher portion of the range of movement.
Performing the train with one arm at a time will actively engage the core throughout the
vary of movement.
When performing this exercise, stand with a dumbbell
in a single hand and execute a fly motion while maintaining the arm straight to focus on partaking the chest muscles.
Embrace quite a lot of chest dumbbell exercises standing to target different areas of the chest and construct overall energy.
Learn on for detailed directions and tips about how to carry out these exercises
successfully. With over a decade of strength training expertise,
I’ve seen firsthand how incorporating standing dumbbell workouts for
the chest can remodel each aesthetics and functional strength.
The seated two-arm overhead dumbbell triceps extension is an isolation train that’s
nice for constructing and strengthening your triceps
brachii.
It’ll be finest to alternate between one of the biceps
workout routines and one of the tricep exercises. Incorporating an incline adjusts the
angle of resistance towards gravity; it emphasizes completely
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head (upper part) when urgent up. Constructing a strong basis through
targeting stabilizer muscle tissue can lead to better posture,
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The dumbbell wrist curl primarily isolates the forearms, increases wrist
mobility, and bolsters arm power.
The Dumbbell Cuban Press is a compound exercise combining an external
shoulder rotation with a dumbbell press, focusing on the
shoulders, rotator cuff, and upper again muscles. The dumbbell front raises with a neutral grip is
a superb train that targets the front of the shoulders.
To do the alternating dumbbell bench press, you press dumbbells
from your chest level to your full extension,
one arm at a time.
The dumbbell fly makes use of a chest fly movement sample to
isolate the chest muscle tissue, helping the muscular tissues to develop better and
turn out to be stronger. The incline dumbbell press is a
staple train for anyone trying to construct a well-defined, muscular upper chest.
Ideally, you’d do these arm exercises and exercise in direction of the top of
your fasting interval. So by understanding on the finish of your fasting interval you’ll burn even more fats off your body and arms.
If you’re making an attempt to get rid of the higher arm fat then you’ll need to additionally reduce physique
fats. Putting your physique in an total state of calorie deficit for enough total body fat
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References:
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