The video showcases the experience of riding Japan's iconic bullet train, also known as the Shinkansen. The hosts, who have been invited by JR East to try the luxurious Grand Class, share their journey from Morioka to Tokyo. They highlight the train's impressive features, such as its top speed of 200 miles per hour, comfortable seating, and smooth ride. The hosts also visit Fukushima Station to witness the train passing through at full speed.
Upon arriving at Tokyo Station, they board the Grand Class cabin, which offers luxurious amenities, including complimentary food and drink, and spacious seating. The hosts are impressed by the comfort and luxury of the Grand Class, but acknowledge that it comes with a hefty price tag of around $750 for a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Hokkaido.
The video also provides tips for tourists on how to ride the bullet train on a budget, including the JR East Rail Pass, which offers unlimited travel in the Tohoku region for five days at a cost of 19,000 yen (around $180). The hosts conclude that while the Grand Class experience is exceptional, it may not be feasible for regular travel, but the JR East Rail Pass is a great option for tourists.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The bullet train was first introduced in Japan in 1964.
2. The bullet train has a top speed of 200 miles per hour.
3. Over 10 billion passengers have been carried by the bullet train since its introduction.
4. In over 50 years of service, there has not been a single passenger fatality or injury due to a train accident.
5. The Japanese word for bullet train is "Shinkansen", which literally translates to "new trunk line".
6. Bullet trains come in three classes: ordinary, green (business class), and grand (first class).
7. Grand class was introduced in 2011 and features cabin attendants and other luxurious amenities.
8. The cost of riding the bullet train from Tokyo to Sendai is around 11,000 yen (approximately $100 USD).
9. The fastest Shinkansen train is the Hayabusa, which has a top speed of 200 miles per hour.
10. Major train stations in Japan offer a wide range of food options, including fast food and snacks.
11. The JR East Rail Pass allows foreign tourists to travel anywhere in the Tohoku region for five days for 19,000 yen (approximately $180 USD).
12. The JR East Rail Pass comes with a map of the region and can be used to visit various attractions.
13. The welcome Suica card is a prepaid card that can be used to make purchases at shops and convenience stores in train stations.
14. The counter for the Rail Pass and other tourist information is located on Tokyo Station's Marunouchi exit.