Javelin Train - the Japanese Bullet Train

The Japanese Bullet Train, also known as the Shinkansen, presents one of the iconic Japanese images. These trains run on a network of high speed rail links operated by different Japanese rail companies, and these networks link most major cities in Japan at speeds of up to 300km/hour. A world record speed of 361mph was set in 2003.

Literally Shinkansen means "New Trunk Line", and is referring to the tracks, but the name is widely used inside and outside Japan to refer to the trains themselves as well as the whole rail system.

Bullet Trains use tunnels and viaducts to go over and through obstacles rather than around them. With a minimum curve radius of 4,000 meters (2,500 meters in the oldest Tokaido Shinkansen), the system was built entirely from the ground up on elevated tracks without road crossings and separate from conventional rail.

The Tokaido Shinkansen is the world's busiest rail line. Carrying 375,000 passengers a day, it has transported more passengers (4.5 billion) than all other high speed lines in the world combined. Mainly a long-distance transport system, the Bullet Train also serves commuters who travel to work in metropolitan areas from outlying cities.