The Shinkansen ‘new trunk line’, colloquially known in English as the bullet train, is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan. It was initially built to connect distant Japanese regions with Tokyo, the capital, to aid economic growth and development. Beyond long-distance travel, some sections around the largest metropolitan areas are used as a commuter rail network.

Here is a great Youtube video of this amazing transportation system that would take me a week to report on. From the description of this video: In this video, the commentator takes you on the quintessential Shinkansen journey along the Tokaido Shinkansen route, the most popular and historic bullet train line in Japan, connecting Tokyo and Nagoya. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a travel lover or planning your first trip to Japan, this video will immerse you in the ultimate high-speed rail adventure. We start by navigating Tokyo Station — one of the busiest and most complex railway hubs in the world — so you’ll feel confident finding your way. Learn how to buy and collect your Shinkansen tickets with ease, whether you’re using a Japan Rail Pass or purchasing directly. Once onboard, explore the little touches that make the Shinkansen a world-class travel experience, from its plush seating to the unparalleled window views of Japan’s stunning landscapes. Thinking about trying the Shinkansen on your next trip? This video is packed with practical tips to help you plan your journey, including advice on luggage storage, seat reservations, and what to expect during the ride. I’ll show you the amenities and services that set the Shinkansen apart, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Japan. Whether you’re curious about Japan’s railway culture, love exploring new places, or simply enjoy train travel, this video is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to travel while soaking in the beauty of Japan. Keywords: Shinkansen, Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokyo Station, Nagoya travel, Japan bullet trains, high-speed rail travel, Japan Rail Pass, train travel tips, Japanese railway culture, Tokyo to Nagoya, essential Shinkansen experience, Japan travel guide, rail enthusiasts, scenic train journeys.

Here is a video I hacked together of Shinkansens entering stations and 2 segments taken from a car while the train was in motion including 1 segment of Mount Fuji (no idea how fast we were going).

Here’s some detail on the stewardship of the Japanese Shinkansen lines (from wiki)

• JRTT (Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency): This government agency is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the Shinkansen infrastructure. They own the land and tracks, and they rent these to the JR Group companies. 
• JR Group Companies: These companies, including JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Hokkaido, and JR Kyushu, operate the Shinkansen trains and manage the passenger services. They are responsible for ticketing, scheduling, and train maintenance. 
• Privatization and Ownership: While the JR Group companies operate the trains, they are not entirely government-owned. Some, like JR East, JR Central, JR West, and JR Kyushu, are publicly traded and have private shareholders. This means that while the infrastructure is owned by the government (JRTT), the operational companies have a significant level of private ownership and control.