Featured Train: Japan's Golden Bullet Train, Called `Doctor Yellow'

by Benson Agoha | Travel and Tours

In October 2014, Japan celebrated 50 years of the fast train called the bullet train. But in Japan, it is called `Shinkansen', the name given to a revolution that emanated from the desire to solve travel needs of millions of tourists arriving the country for Olympic games that was holding in Osaka.

* Imagine not having to stop at all on a round journey?

The first train to achieve a breathtaking speed did it at 130 mph in that year. Up till date, Japan's bullet is never late - always on time. Bullet trains have now achieved a speed of between 270 to 311 mph speed.

The train above is the famous "Doctor Yellow" - although it's colour leans more towards dark gold. It is rarely seen on certain lengths of train tracks. More than that, Japan Rail does not make it's schedule public, nor does it stop at stations. It is only deployed to run a few times a month. And its not even rescue train! So what does it dot?

* The imposing image of Mount Fuji, Japan glows
white as the bullet train glides past.

The Yellow Doctor train is a `geek` train equipped with state of the art gadgets to check the track for wear and tear and other potential problems.

But recently a Tokyo-based travel agency started selling packages which includes a ride on the Doctor Yellow Train.

* China bullet Train can clock up 267mph

In the capital the geek train run's late at night and first in the morning, which is why many people do not know how National Rail keeps a close watch on the condition of the tracks.

Japan got well ahead before Italy's TGV followed suit 13 years later. 

* Shanghai Bullet Train can clock up 276mph

One remarkable feature of bullet trains is the comfort and peace with which they travel - they glide through tracks like floating magnets, avoiding bumps and even making it difficult for passengers to estimate the speed at which it is traveling.

Germany's Deutsche Bahn tested a bullet train that would cover it's Germany to London and Amsterdam at 200mph.

* The DB (Deustche Bahn) clocks 200mph

But perhaps the most remarkable bullet is Japan's Maglev bullet train, tested in 2013 when it clocked 311mph. The train is expected to begin commercial service between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027 during which it will connect both cities in 40 minutes - one-third of the current time.

* Japan's Maglev floating bullet train clocked 311 mph during test.

* Japan's Maglev floating bullet train

* Kawasaki bullet train clocks 300mph

* Siemens Velaro bullet train sells fast

* Bombardier Zefiro bullet train