If you visit Japan and want to go beyond Tokyo, think about taking a Shinkansen train to Kyoto. You'll see the countryside and see Japanese life in Old Kyoto.

Japanese Bullet Trains
Japan's trains are actual works of art. The bullet trains or Shinkansen provide high speed transportation throughout Japan. The Japanese train routes serve most of the major cities and islands.

View detailed information on Shinkansen train service in Japan and make reservations.

Temporary visitors to Japan who want to really see the entire country should consider the Japan Rail Pass. It can be used on the bullet trains and other smaller railroads.

When I visited Japan in 1993, I rode the Tokyo metro but did not get a chance to ride a bullet train. Looking back, I probably could have taken a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, but instead flew to Nagasaki and went by bus the rest of the way. Well, hopefully I will get the chance to do so.

South Korea also has very good rail service. Now that he situation between North Korea and South Korea has settled down, it might be a good time to see the country. Korea National Railroad offers a Korea Rail Pass.