Originally Posted by
jpatokal
But if you drive from Tokyo to Osaka, it's 6:30 (at least!) driving in a featureless tube of sound barriers and tunnels with a high probability of traffic jams(*), while the Shinkansen zips you across in under half that time in comfort and a nearly infallible schedule.
very true. I myself much prefer the train under most circumstances. But for going to places like Tochigi, Kofu and Karuizawa, I like cars more (as long as I'm not the one driving). I've only done train/bus in Kyushu, but I agree with QShoeGuy that a car would've been nice to get around Kyushu.