As long as we're being picky, the term "bullet train" is used by tourists only. The official name of these Japanese high-speed trains is "shinkansen," which does not translate into "bullet train."

The fascinating thing about these is that some of them have been in service so long that the actually feel a bit worn and old fashioned. But who cares, because they keep their schedules to the second. Except when a typhoon disrupts them once every decade or so (as it did once when I was there and needed to get back to Tokyo for my return international flight -- but that's another story).

Charlie