“Bullet-train” is the English word for the high-speed inter-city trains that speed across Japan. But in Japan, they are called “SHINKANSEN” – it’s a very boring Japanese word which roughly means ‘new main line’.
“Shinkansen” is the name used in Japan. It’s in brochures, booking offices, on directional signs in stations, in news reports, everywhere. You’ll never see a sign saying “bullet train”.
And the trains are deservedly world-famous. They’ve been running efficiently and safely for more than 50 years. There’s a whole fleet of them, all different models with new faster, more stream-lined ones regularly coming into service. The shinkansen network radiates out from Tokyo in all directions, and it’s still being expanded.
Like all Japanese trains, they travel strictly to schedule, leaving and arriving at exactly the timetabled time. Over the 50 years they have been running, their average lateness in arriving at their destination is 18 seconds.
Japan Tourist Tips 