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Bullet Trains
regular trains | using the train | bullet trains | buses | ferries
THE SHINKANSEN
The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is one of the fastest, most convenient trains on the planet. You will relax in smooth comfort as you travel to your destination. Shiga is blessed with two convenient Shinkansen stations, one in nearby Kyoto and one in Maibara.

Reservations for the Shinkansen can be made at major JR station green counters and at your local travel agency. When making reservations, you have the choice of reserving a seat or not. The Shinkansen into three classes of trains: the Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. The Nozomi stops at only the most major stops, such as Tokyo and Osaka. The Hikari stops at all major cities, and the Kodama stops at all the Shinkansen stations. You may ride ant train of the ssame class or lower for the validity of your ticket, but in order to make a seat reservation, you must choose a specific time.
SAMPLE FARES AND TIMES
Kyoto to Tokyo (one-way, Hikari):
160 minutes 13,000 yen
Maibara to Tokyo (one-way, Hikari):
147 minutes 12,000 yen
Kyoto to Hiroshima (one-way, Hikari):
121 minutes 11,000 yen
For a complete listing of Shinkansen fares, time schedules, and seating availabilty check out JR's Cyberstation (Japanese only).
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