What do you know about the Shinkansen

Test your knowledge or learn something new about Japan!

Let’s start with History. The first Shinkansen (the 0-Class) entered public service in?

The first Shinkansen line started between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, initially reducing travel time from 6 hours and 40 minutes to about 4 hours.

The Shinkansen line between Tokyo – Osaka was named after the trade route that for centuries followed the approximate same route. What is the name of this route?

They are not just fast, they are reliant too. The average delay of trains in the UK is 2 min 30sec. What is the average delay of the Shinkansen?

Currently, the fastest Shinkansen can be found in Tohoku (traveling up north from Tokyo). What is the current maximum speed?

In the spring of 2015 JR East/West opened a new Shinkansen line. The Hokuriku Shinkansen. They connect Tokyo to?

In 2016, JR East and JR Hokkaido will connect Shin-Aomori to Hakodate, making it possible to travel to Hokkaido using the Shinkansen. Further extension into Hokkaido is planned, to what city?

What is the name of this electric thingy on top of the Shinkansen (and other trains)?

This is a special Bentobox “ready made meal” sold at the station and sometimes in the train as well.

The Japan Rail Pass is a wonderful thing. Though it covers all JR lines in Japan, some train services are not included, these are?

In other countries you will find 2nd class and 1st class carriages on trains. What are the names of 1st and 2nd class in Japan?

Bonus Question for the rail fans. The Japanese Imperial Family have their own train! What is the name of this train?