We’ve experience, of course, of Japanese trains over 13 years in Ireland, but we won’t hold our breath that the country will get the top-grade stock, the type that’s bullet for speed in Japan.
Passengers will be quick to share with you how Iarnrod Eirann ordered in a stock of Japanese trains back in the day.
And RTE archives recalls that there was much excitement after they were shipped in to Dublin Port after a six-week journey from Asia.
And that the new rail cars were lifted by a 400-hundred tonne crane from ship to dockside.
With two land-based cranes to place the carriages on rail lines, to be linked to a locomotive and towed to the Iarnród Éireann Inchicore railway works.
With especial emphasis on the accessible toilets on board.
Only the stock that they got for their Dublin Area Regional Transport (DART) service had seats to accommodate the smaller Japanese rather than hearty Irish people.
And no toilets!
On the right track
We digress and that digression takes us today to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Courtesy of our pals at Tropical Sky who are tempting us with a 20-day rail trail.
This immersive adventure, they promise, takes passengers across all three of the country’s main islands, Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido.
Where you’ll be able to take in the poignant history of Nagasaki and Hiroshima to the timeless temples of Kyoto.
The vibrant streets of Tokyo and the scenic beauty of Northern Japan.
With every destination seamlessly connected by one of the world’s most efficient rail systems.
The rail thing
And this is what you can look forward to…
- Travel across Japan aboard its renowned rail network, including high-speed bullet trains
- Contemplate the history of Nagasaki and Hiroshima
- Marvel at the temples and traditions of Kyoto
- Seek out the famous Snow Monkeys in the Japanese Alps
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Tokyo
- Discover the charm of Sendai and Hakodate
- Experience the unique atmosphere of Sapporo
A 19-night Japan by Rail Tour is priced from £9,449 pp based on two sharing a room.
This includes international flights, all transportation and transfers, 19 nights accommodation, 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 dinners, air-conditioned coach travel, guides and entrance fees.
Although Tropical Sky can’t tell us if they can arrange Brad Pitt to be there on our bullet train.
But if they can arrange it for anyone, they will, for us.
