FlyerTalk Forums - Bullet Train Experience

Quote:

Originally Posted by railroadtycoon

I would if you don't want to spend a fortune is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station (about 35 minute ride). Get out at Odawara visit Odarawa Castle. Or if you have a full day from Odawara Station you can explore Hakone.

Most trains that stop at Odawara Station are "Kodama Shinkansen" services, these are the "slowest" of the Tokaido Shinkansen services, however they are much faster than regular trains taking 35minutes vs. 1.5-2hrs from Central Tokyo by regular trains, and they are Series 300 Shinkansen trains.

Even the Kodamas get up to 150mph or so on the Shinagawa - Odawara segment. I think a day trip to Odawara from Tokyo on the Shinkansen is an excellent idea. In fact, I did this very thing a few weeks ago with a group of first-time visitors to Japan. Many people were on a budget, but wanted to ride the "famous" bullet train. I looked at all the schedules and route maps, and Odawara seemed to be the best compromise between it not costing a lot, the train actually getting up to speed for a few minutes, and for there being something interesting to do at the destination. As others have mentioned, spend a few minutes on the platform after you arrive and wait for a Nozomi or two to pass through - it's quite amazing.