Skip to content
News — Travel — Added — Rail — Onlookers — Quintessentially — Morioka

Unknown Train Phenomenon in Japan: Fascination of Train Enthusiasts Worldwide, Known as the "Shinkansen Kiss"

Train encounter famously called the "Shinkansen kiss" is technically referred to as "coupling." This spectacle holds significant value for Japanese train enthusiasts and offers a distinctive glimpse into the traditional Japanese trainspotting culture for foreigners.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Shinkansen Embrace or Informally Known as the "Shinkansen Kiss," Refers to This Specific Scene...
Shinkansen Embrace or Informally Known as the "Shinkansen Kiss," Refers to This Specific Scene Captured Here.

Unknown Train Phenomenon in Japan: Fascination of Train Enthusiasts Worldwide, Known as the "Shinkansen Kiss"

Unleashing the Hidden Gems in Japan: Morioka's Shinkansen Kiss

Exploring Japan beyond the bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka promises an enchanting adventure. Nestled just a stone's throw from the capital lies Morioka - a lesser-known gem, where culinary delights can be savored against the picturesque backdrop of an active, snow-capped volcano.

With a genuine charm of its own, Morioka is renowned across Japan for the unusual spectacle that takes place 17 times each day within its train station. This train lover's dream is unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in the world.

First, the teal green Tohoku Shinkansen "Hayabusa" - a renowned symbol of Japanese precision engineering and speed - pulls into the platform. After passengers disembark, the train waits patiently for its partner. Seconds later, the bright red Akita Shinkansen "Komachi" glides along the same track, drawing gasps of delight from the audience that has gathered to behold the spectacle. Finally, the front of the trains join nose-to-nose, in a moment that train enthusiasts have dubbed the "Shinkansen kiss."

The Japanese are renowned for their devotion to their railways, and their sleek, spaceship-like Shinkansen, or "bullet trains," are no exception. In Morioka, the two trains connect and travel together towards the capital, granting passengers a truly unique experience not offered at any other station.

The spectacle is a must-see for train enthusiasts, but it's not just about the visual appeal. It's a testament to Japan's engineering prowess and precision train operations - qualities that are admired by both locals and visitors alike.

"It's a dance between two massive machines," says Carissa Loh, a rail fan from Singapore. "Watching the trains come together in Morioka is like witnessing art come alive."

For those unfamiliar with Japan's train culture, the Shinkansen kiss is a captivating window into the nation's rich railway heritage. Japan's train enthusiasts, known as tori-tetsu (those who like to take photos of trains) and nori-tetsu (those who enjoy riding them), gather eagerly to capture this special moment.

The Shinkansen network connects the Tokyo metropolitan area to various regions of the country, serving approximately 14 million passengers every day, according to the East Japan Rail Company. At Morioka, the two trains come together and then continue their journey towards the capital, allowing passengers to travel between Akita and Tokyo without needing to transfer.

Morioka is one of a select few stations in Japan where you can witness the kissing of two Shinkansen trains, along with Sendai and Fukushima. It is the only place where you can marvel at the striking sight of the green Tohoku Shinkansen and red Akita Shinkansen coming together in a breathtaking dance.

"It's not just a station," says Loh. "Morioka is an experience - one that only a few travelers are fortunate enough to discover."

Once relegated to the backdrop of Japan's tourist trail, Morioka is gaining recognition as a must-see destination. In 2023, the city was placed second on the New York Times' list of "52 Places to Go," only behind London. The Times described Morioka as a "walkable gem without the crowds, just a short bullet train ride from Tokyo."

The city is known for its old buildings and numerous boutiques, as well as its delectable noodle dishes, according to the East Japan Rail Company. With the added allure of the Shinkansen kiss, Morioka has the potential to rival the more popular destinations in the south and firmly establish itself as a must-see destination for any traveler seeking the authentic flavors of Japan.

"Most people travel towards Kyoto and Osaka," says the East Japan Rail Company. "But there are many interesting locations north of Tokyo to explore, and Morioka is the perfect starting point." Whether you're an avid train enthusiast or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Morioka offers a captivating journey that's not to be missed.

  1. Onlookers gathered at Morioka's train station, captivated by the quintessentially Japanese spectacle of two Shinkansen trains performing the "Shinkansen kiss."
  2. For travelers who venture off the beaten path, Morioka's unique attraction, the "Shinkansen kiss," adds an extraordinary experience to the journey, showcasing Japan's rich railway heritage.
  3. The Shinkansen network allows passengers to travel between lesser-known destinations, like Morioka, and the capital, providing an opportunity for train enthusiasts to witness the remarkable sight of the green Tohoku Shinkansen and red Akita Shinkansen joining together in a breathtaking dance.
Rapidly escalating train speeds: Japan's initial bullet train launched from Tokyo in 1964 with an average speed of 80 mph. Today, high-speed rail networks traverse the globe, and the most recent ones top out at a staggering 370 mph.
High-speed trains pile up at a maintenance facility in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, anticipating their journeys from January 20th, 2018. This build-up occurs during the height of the Spring Festival Rush, lasting from January 21st to March 1st. [Image credit: Wang He/Getty Images]

Read also:

Related

Latest