We thoroughly enjoyed travelling on the trains in Japan.

The trains are all in immaculate condition, clean and comfortable, and are timely to the minute.

The Shinkansens (bullet trains) are a real experience. Super smooth and speeds of up to 300kph (190mph). Right down to the lady who wheels her trolley up and down the train with goodies such as snacks and beer, the whole experience is fabulous.

Personally I just can't stop looking out the window and taking in the views because the landscape changes so frequently due to the speed of the train.

With a JR Pass this makes the whole experience affordable and great value.

The service in the train stations can be a little frustrating at times due to cumbersome procedures and the language barrier (due to my pathetic Japanese language skills!), however this is very minor.

This really is the fastest and most efficient way to travel around Japan (particularly Honshu).