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How Japan's TINY High-Speed Trains Solved a Big Problem | Mini-Shinkansen review

Simon Andersen

53,118 views

Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of Japan's unique mini high-speed trains, specifically designed for two routes branching from the super fast Tohoku Shinkansen line. I'll uncover the history and reasoning behind these innovative trains as we embark on a captivating journey across mountains from Tokyo to Yamagata, showcasing the blend of traditional and cutting-edge technology that defines this Japanese train.

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Train type: E3 Shinkansen
Route: Tokyo to Yamagata
Train: Tsubasa 129
Distance: 343 km
Journey time: 2h41m
Average speed: 128 km/h
Price: 11250 yen / 69 €

20 Comments

@Simon-Andersen Creator 2 years ago Pinned

So this video was actually not meant to be released before tomorow (Sunday) 😅 Enjoy the slighly earlier release this week! 🥳

@barrielui 2 years ago

Mini-Shinkansen, despite being 'mini' to the normal ones, actually has the same width (2945mm) as most of the European high speed trains like ICE3 and Frecciarossa 1000. Each car has a shorter length to accommodate the tighter bends on conventional lines. The newer E6 series has variable suspension system to achieve stability at high speed on the high speed line, while providing the cornering ability on the conventional line.

@DangItshere 2 years ago

this is such a high-quality review and a great explanation to the mini shinkansen! also note the E2 series on 4:52 is a special E2 with a dark green-light tan livery that commemorated the original livery of the Joetsu Shinkansen, quite a rare catch!

@shyviking 2 years ago

Yes, Mini-Shinkansen is a really ingenious solution to a real challenge (some routes cannot bear or justify a full Shinkansen conversion, but still need a fast connection to Tokyo).

@JBS319 2 years ago

These E3 trains will be withdrawn beginning this year as their replacements, the E8 series, are entering service in the next few weeks.

@volante8657 2 years ago

me being pedantic, mini shinkansen are legally not a shinkansen, that's why it can never exceed 130kph, the national limit of Japanese trains

@timothy__tt 2 years ago

Even if they are "mini", the comforts are still very much all there. Never knew these existed, thank you for the video.

@しおからミルク 2 years ago

Before the Yamagata Shinkansen opened, the Itaya Pass had many switchback sections, which the train had to pass through in a zigzag.
It was fascinating in its own way, though.

@popozz 4 hours ago

It is no easy feat to achieve both high-speed driving and navigating curves in mountainous terrain.
It’s like winning medals in both speed skating and figure skating while wearing the same pair of skates.

@bejeweledman 2 years ago (edited)

10:05 Although it's still more cost effective than building a dedicated one, a large investment was required for converting Tazawako Line and two sections of Ou Main Line to run Mini-Shinkansen...

1) Closing the lines for a year to allow works being carried out (i.e. revenue lost and needed to pay for rail replacement buses)
2) Re-laying all tracks from 1067mm narrow gauge to standard gauge, and building new straight line sections are usually necessary
3) Upgrading the train protection system from ATS-S to ATS-P
4) Ordering new local trainsets that runs on standard gauge

@nagasako7 2 years ago (edited)

A lot of countries around the world could afford a Baby Shinkansen. Japan keeps it for rural communities. Rural onsen towns have better HSR than many western cities and all US. 😅

@metricstormtrooper 2 years ago

What a great journey, I love the Japanese rail system. Seeing the mini Shinkansen work so perfectly is a great example of what can be done when a government values a rail system.

@michaelhall8586 2 years ago

Really enjoyed this video

@OnkelJajusBahn 1 year ago

It is really rare to see two different types of EMUs coupled together. Very interesting to see it.

@bubbledoubletrouble 2 years ago

1:10 That's a hotel up there! I have had the fortune to stay in one of those rooms once

@extuceistdoof1438 2 years ago

Great Video

@RicardoCristofRemmertFontes 2 years ago

Wow, that’s a convoluted ticketing/boarding process!

@jgodfrey546 2 years ago

Very interesting & informative! I think you are the 1st Euro Youtuber to show the original Tokyo stn building... Did the pastry shop gve you a discount, by any chance...lol...