October 8, 2026

Japan’s famous bullet train, the Tokaido Shinkansen, connects Tokyo and Kyoto in as little as two hours and ten minutes, reaching speeds of around 177 miles per hour. The route opened in 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the world’s first high-speed rail service. More than sixty years later, it remains a remarkable way to travel between Japan’s modern capital and its historic one.

We booked tickets before leaving home for the bullet train using SmartEX (Japan Travel). A couple weeks before our departure date I received our direct boarding QR codes via email.

I had purchased the tickets for all four of us, so that we would be seated together. I had also paid a slight premium for a view of Mt Fuji. All we needed to do was scan our QR code and board.

The weather Gods were smiling as we passed by Mt Fuji. I understand that it is often hidden in fog or clouds this time of the year, but we got a clear view of the top. I was surprised that there was no snow on top, as that is the picture I’ve held in my mind forever.

Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain at 12,389 feet (3,776 meters). Its magnificence has inspired artists for centuries. An interesting distinction: Fuji became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its cultural and spiritual significance, rather than solely for its natural beauty.

Going from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, it was nice to make the transition to a little slower pace. Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan’s past, with centuries-old temples and peaceful gardens. It served as Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years, from 794 until 1868, and remains a treasure trove of art, architecture, and tradition.

Seventeen historic sites in Kyoto and nearby Uji and Otsu make up its UNESCO World Heritage listing—a remarkable concentration of cultural treasures.

After a nice dinner we settled in for the night. Our hotel (Hotel Traveltine Kyoto Kiyamachi) is well located and provided a good home base being conveniently located near both train and bus routes.

GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I’m grateful that I got to ride the Bullet Train in Japan, spotted Mt Fuji, and we are all settled into our new hotel. After staying four nights in a room in Tokyo that was not much bigger than a postage stamp (we had been forewarned), this room feels like a roomy palace…