Get Latest Business News from All Over the World 24/7 throughout the Year: I rode on Japan's world-famous bullet train that reaches speeds of up to 186 miles per hour. It was an incredible way to travel.

The needle-nose tip of the bullet train at Osaka Station.
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Japan's Shinkansen bullet train was the first high-speed rail network in the world, debuting in 1964.
Tokaido is the busiest line, running at 186 miles per hour and connecting Tokyo and Osaka in less than three hours.
I rode one of the super-speedy bullet trains on a recent trip to Japan and thought it was an incredible experience.

Japan's bullet train system — known as Shinkansen — is the fastest in the nation and one of the fastest in the world.

The Shinkansen has been in operation since 1964, and has an impeccable safety record with no fatalities due to derailment or collision since its inaugural service.

Japan shinkansen bullet train — Japan Shinkansen bullet train.
tackune / Shutterstock.com

Source: BBC, Japan Railways Group

The trains are easy and convenient as they run on dedicated tracks and only stop at major stations.

Source: Japan Railways Group

The busiest line is Tokaido, a westbound train that connects Japan's major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.

Osaka Castle with green trees. — Osaka Castle.
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Source: Japan Railways Group

According to Shinkansen operator Japan Railways Group, the Tokaido line "has literally supported Japan's economic growth," saying over 6.4 billion people have used the line since its inaugural service.

People waiting to board the Shinkansen train in Tokyo.
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Source: Japan Railways Group

On a recent trip to Japan, I rode on the famous Tokaido bullet train. Here's my experience in first class.

A selfie of the author on the bullet train. — A selfie of the author on the Shinkansen bullet train.
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My journey started at Tokyo Station where I boarded an 8:00 a.m. train to Shin-Osaka Station. I paid $200 for my one-way ticket.

Tokyo Station with Japanese flag waving in wind. — Tokyo Station.
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Finding the Shinkansen line was easy thanks to the multitude of signage pointing me in the right direction.

Signage pointing me towards the Shinkansen lines. — I followed the signs for Shinkansen. Everything was in English and Japanese.
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Although I pre-booked my train online, I had to pick up my tickets at the station. My confirmation email said I could use a kiosk or ticket booth, and I opted for the latter.

The kiosks at Tokyo Station. — The kiosk (pictured) was a little confusing, even in English, so it was easier to just go to an agent.
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The line was long, but luckily I wasn't pressed for time because I got to Tokyo Station at 6:30 a.m. instead of the suggested 7:30 a.m.

The line to see a ticket agent. — Get to Tokyo Station early in case you get lost or face a long line at the ticket booth.
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After about 20 minutes, I got my ticket and headed to track number 19 for boarding. The track was displayed on screens in both English and Japanese.

The author holding her ticket. — I held onto my Suica metro card to use in Osaka.
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Waiting for me was the N700 — a 16-car Nozomi bullet train built for the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. Sanyo takes travelers further west beyond Osaka.

The N700 train at Tokyo Station. — The N700 is also used on the Kyushu line that runs beyond Sanyo.
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Japan's bullet train has a new model that can run even during an earthquake. Here's the history of the country's iconic high-speed railway.

The super express train is popular in Japan, running at 186 miles per hour. It is the third-speediest bullet train in Japan but the fastest serving the Tokyo-Osaka route.

Two other bullet trains — Hayabusa and Komachi — bolt at 200 miles per hour, but do not serve Osaka.

Hayabusa Shinkansen — Pictured is the Hayabusa bullet train. This and the Komachi trains run north and are attached up until a certain point where they detach and go in separate directions.
REUTERS/Kyodo Kyodo

I boarded "Green Car" number 9 and made my way to seat 4-D — a window seat. I luckily didn't have anyone in the aisle seat next to me for the whole ride.

The author's seat, 4-D in car number 9. — Nobody checked my ticket to make sure I was in the right seat.
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Configured in a 2x2 layout, the "Green Car" is for first class and is quieter and more spacious than ordinary cars. Though, it is about $40 more expensive than coach.

The bullet train "Green Car" seats. — The coach seats were also comfortable, but weren't as big and didn't come with the side table.
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The car had mostly forward-facing seats, but there was also a quad-seating arrangement in the middle of the car.

The quad-seating in the bullet train. — The quad-seating in the center of car number nine.
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Settling into my seat, I was impressed with the comfort of the lounger, which was huge and nicely cushioned. It was definitely better than airline domestic business class.

The author’s first class seat on the bullet train in Japan. — The seats has wings around the headrest.
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The seat came with plenty of amenities, including a footrest…

The footrest flipped out. — The adjustable footrest could flip out to create more surface area.
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…a large tray table…

The tray table flipped out. — The tray table was big enough to fit my laptop and a drink.
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…a second smaller table that stored in the side armrest…

The side table flipped out. — The side table was small, but perfect for a small cup and snack.
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…deep recline…

A view of the seat across from me reclined. — The recline didn't appear to encroach into the person behind's space.
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…free WiFi, though I'll it was a little spotty…

A screenshot of the free WiFi instructions on my phone when I connected. — There were stretches of time where the WiFi wouldn't connect.
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…a power outlet for each passenger…

My power block plugged into the outlet located in front of the seat. — The outlet is the same as used in the US.
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…a good-sized seatback pocket…

The seatback pocket had plenty of space. — The pocket was big enough to fit a book or water bottle.
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…a reading light and an adjustable window shade…

The reading light on the lounger and the window shade half closed behind it. — The window shade blocked out a lot of light but it wasn't fully dark.
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…and more than enough legroom for even the tallest travelers. I'm 5'3" and could stretch my legs out.

The author's red shoes on the footrest. — I'm a thicker person, and I also felt I had enough seat width as well.
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There was also plenty of storage space for my carry-on and small duffel bag. I also had a backpack, but no one checked how many pieces I brought onboard.

The storage space above the seats. — Everyone had enough space for their luggage.
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However, there are some restrictions for oversized luggage. Select reserved cars have racks near the restrooms for big suitcases…

The luggage racks were between the cars, which could lock luggage into place using a metro card to avoid theft. But, these were out of service during my ride.
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…while other trains require a special seat assignment. So, be sure to check during booking if your ticket comes with oversized bags.

A yellow suitcase in the space behind one of the seats. — Oversized luggage can be placed behind specific reserved seats.
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Shortly after leaving Tokyo Station, the train started whizzing past the beautiful Japanese countryside — my favorite part of the journey.

Greenery, buildings, and mountains in the Japanese countryside, taken from the bullet train. — Views of the Japanese countryside.
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I loved seeing the small towns and architecture, but the most incredible view was Mt. Fuji, an active volcano and Japan's tallest mountain.

Mt. Fuji in the distance towering over the green Japanese landscape, taken from the train. — We could see all of Mt. Fuji from the train.
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Its snow-covered peak was in full view thanks to clear skies. As someone who loves hiking and prefers mountains over beaches, I was thrilled to see it.

Mt. Fuji's snow-covered peak towering over the green landscape. — Mt. Fuji.
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As Mt. Fuji faded from view, I explored more of the train and was amazed at how clean it was.

A view of the entire train taken from behind. — Each car had dozens of rows of seats.
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The carpets and seats were well-maintained…

A view of the front of the seats. — A pair of Green Car seats.
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…and the bathrooms were spotless. They even came with a bidet — something I've grown to appreciate during my time in Japan.

The lavatory view of the toilet and bidet. — The bathrooms were huge.
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After I got back to my seat, I waited for the drink cart to come by. I ordered some coffee for 400 yen (about $3), but there were also soda and snacks available.

The snack cart filled with drinks and snacks that passed through the car. — It took a while for the drink and snack cart to come by.
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I spent the rest of the time taking in all of the scenic views, but the 2.5-hour ride quickly passed and I was in Osaka at 10:30 a.m. — right on time.

The Shin-Osaka train station sign with the N700 bullet train in the background. — The bullet train's delay rate is less than one minute, according to JR Railways.
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Source: Japan Railways Group

Overall, I loved the unique bullet train experience and can say I've officially ticked it off the bucket list.

The inside of the bullet train facing towards the back of the car. — The bullet train at Shin-Osaka station.
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It was so much easier than flying from Tokyo to Osaka, and required little to no hassle. I didn't have to traverse a crowded airport or clear security…

The blue ticket turnstile at the airport. — The only thing I had to pass through was this turnstile, which read my ticket. After that, no one checked my bags or if I was even in the correct seat.
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…I could bring both my suitcase and duffle bag onboard, which easily fit in the overhead shelves…

The luggage I brought onboard. A white duffle on top of a black suitcase. — I also had a small backpack I kept by my feet.
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…and I didn't have to spend time collecting my checked bags after landing. Not to mention, the bullet train spit me out in the city center — further saving time.

The Shin-Osaka train station. — The metro line to my hotel was only a few minute walk from the disembarkation platform.
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Granted, it is cheaper to fly, but I'd happily pay for the convenience of train travel.

A shinkansen bullet train conductor — A Shinkansen bullet train conductor in Japan.
Getty/Buddhika Weerasinghe

And, as it's unlikely we'll ever get a robust high-speed train network like the Shinkansen in the US, I'll enjoy it when I can — especially for the unforgettable views.