Day 4: May 23, 2025

Time to board the legendary Shinkansen Hikari 515, our very first bullet train ride! Sleek, smooth, and so punctual it made us question our whole understanding of public transport.

I couldn’t help but kept comparing Mumbai locals as they are equally available in frequency and are crowded. Here, These Shinkansens are perfect to Time and work almost as per given choreography. No noise, no confusion, no pushing…no last minute door closing drama.

After arrival of the train, people get off the train and a squad of housekeeping services enters into the train. Train gets clean, until then there are doors on platform which remain closed for new entrants. The perfectly in time these doors open, same train gets ready for departure and people are allowed to enter. There are reserved and non- reserved cars. You can book these in advance for oversized luggage. Either there is a availability in stack or 2 first and last seats have a space for luggage.

Super-clean interior, Golden silent … did I mention speed, I experienced near to 300 km/hr speed. Yes again made us keep guessing how much we travel fast if bullet trains becomes a part of our country… It’s not just a thrill…it’s meditation…Just unforgettable!!!

As the Shinkansen glided into Kyoto, the landscape slowly transformed. Skyscrapers gave way to gently rolling hills, tiled rooftops, and ancient whispers wrapped in mist. A soft blanket of clouds hung low over the city. It was as if Kyoto had draped herself in calm just for our arrival. The air felt cooler, quieter, and carried with it a sense of timelessness. It wasn’t just a location change. It felt like we’d stepped into a tranquil painting. Temples peeked through trees. Every corner invited reflection. The city’s serene welcome was a gentle pause after Tokyo’s high-speed rhythm. We embraced it fully, one deep breath at a time.

After settled in Kyoto, in memory of speedy train we chose a comforting Indian dinner at Taj Mahal Restaurant. Yes, that was a delicious tasty Indian food!!

Read Japan Travelogue here;

**All Photos by Author