High-speed Shinkansen trains began running between Tokyo and Osaka on October 1, 1964, heralding a new era for rail travel as Japan grew into an economic superpower after its World War II defeat.
(Photo | AFP)
The service remains integral to the nation's economy, so keeping it dazzlingly clean, punctual and accident-free is a serious job.
(Photo | AFP)
Each day nearly a quarter of a million passengers ride the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which stretches from Tokyo past Mount Fuji to Hakata around five hours away.
(Photo | AFP)
It has never had an accident resulting in death or injury on the bullet train, even in a country where earthquakes, typhoons and heavy snow are common.
(Photo | AFP)
With routes spanning the country, the Shinkansen's top speed of 320 kilometres (200 miles) per hour is no longer the world's fastest, having been outpaced by China.
(Photo | AFP)
The original high-speed locomotive's streamlined nose and spacious interiors remain a symbol of Japanese engineering prowess and attention to detail.