emintatli5156

Hi everyone,

I知 planning a trip to Japan this September and could use some advice on where to go and what to see. I知 especially interested in train spotting, particularly the shinkansen, and would love to hear your recommendations!

Here痴 what I知 thinking so far:

• Tokyo Area: I致e read that Tokyo is a great spot for catching various trains and shinkansen, but I知 wondering if there are any specific locations or train stations that are best for spotting the latest trains and models.
  
• San'yō Shinkansen Line: I知 intrigued by the San'yō Shinkansen and would like to explore spots along this line. Are there any particular stations or viewpoints where I can see the famous shinkansen trains up close?
  
• Kyushu Region: I知 also considering a possible stopover in Kyushu. Any recommendations for train spotting there or other interesting places to visit?
  

I値l be traveling for about a week and prefer locations that are easily accessible without needing a car. Any advice on the best train spotting locations, or other must-see spots in Japan during September, would be greatly appreciated!

emintatli5156

Any other must see places around tokyo would be awesome.

kja

I suggest that you consult japan-guide.com

mrwunrfl

>> especially interested in train spotting, particularly the shinkansen

Tokyo Station, definitely. It is a terminal station for the Tokaido, Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku shinkansen lines.

You can see all three types of Tokaido Shinkansen trains (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama).

The Tohoku shinkansen line has some coupled trains. They split into two at Fukushima with one train going up the Yamagata shinkansen line and the other continuing up the Tohoku line. The fastest train in Japan (highest speed) is the Hyabusa on the Tohoku line.

So, you could take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukushima and hang out to watch the decoupling. The Hyabusa doesn't stop at Fukushima, so you could also see that train blast on through Fukushima Station without stopping.

There are several stations along both the Tokaido and Sanyo shinkansen that are not served by the Nozomi shinkansen trains. Go to a station that only gets Kodama trains and you won't have to wait very long at all to see a Nozomi or Hikari tran blast on through. There would be two tracks in each direction next to the platform for the local trains and two? tracks between them for the through trains. They slow a bit through the station but it is still impressive. There might be a minor station that has only two tracks and might be only a bit farther than arm's length from tjhe platform. Wouldn't want to get your hand crushed by a through train.

I think the best station to see the Nozomi blow on by would be between Shinagawa and Nagoya. Probably better at one station before/after those stations. I think that Shin Fuji or maybe Mishima stations are famous for this. Or maybe Shin Fuji is famous for the view of Fujisan, so you could see the through trains and the mountain view.

Shinjuku Station is not a shinkansen station but it is the busiest rail station in the world (3 million pax per day) and has multiple railway companies as well as subway trains.

Kyushu has a ton of scenic trains. Some are just one or two cars.

mrwunrfl

Almost forget to recommend finding out if you can see the Chuo Shinkansen which is under development. Maybe you can see the train and witness a test. It is maglev
Chūō Shinkansen - Wikipedia

The shinkansen operations at Tokyo Station are impressive. There is an excellent youtube that show this

The Narita Eexpress is another coupled train. It splits at Tokyo Station, part going south to Yokohama and other stops and the other train going west to Shinjuku and Ebisu

mrwunrfl

First vid below shows coupled trains (green, blue) close up:

mrwunrfl

This one is at Tokyo station. Pretty sure all these trains are headed north (consult a station map). Means you would need to go elsewhere to see Tokaido shinkansen ops.

mrwunrfl

Am certain that there is a forum out there with eager participants who can guide you. Not only tell ylou which stations (Tokyo, Shin Osaka) but exactly where to go in th.e station and when.

I mentioned watching through trains from station platforms like in the videos above. Am sure that there are viewpoints along the lines where you can get a good view of trains flying by. There are poiints where shinkansen pass each other going in different directions. Somebody out there can tell you not only where but when to see it and probably tell you how fast each train is going at that point.

The forum you want for this topic is not here. I can't tell you where to find one. I do know that there are tons of videos about JR and other railway companies on youtube.

lcuy

I love traveling by train in Japan! If you're train lover, (depending on your available time) you could fly one way to Kyushu island, enjoy some of the local themed trains, then work your way back to Tokyo by shinkansen, either one long ride or stopping along the way - Hiroshima, Osaka/Kyoto, etc.

Kyushu has tons of small, wonderfully themed trains:
https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/index.html
We went on two of them when in Kyushu. Everything from the decor, attendants' uniforms, food, and kid play areas were perfectly matched to the themes.

Here is a good guide to the shinkansen:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018....tion%20complex.