One of the most fun parts of traveling in Japan is undoubtedly the country?s amazing train network.
The shinkansen (bullet train) is arguably the world?s most exhilarating form of terra firma transit, but even smaller regional JR trains and other private railways like the Kintetsu (used often in the Kansai region) are speedy, spacious, spotless, and punctual.

This article is for you, especially if you’re not a minimalist
It?s not an exaggeration to say that you can set your watch by the timeliness of train arrivals and departures throughout the country.
Throw in a historic mountain railway like the Hakone Tozan switchback up into the hills of Gora, and you may find yourself giddy like a kid on a carnival ride.
The train conductor bows to you; the beverage cart comes gliding by; you recline your seat much farther than you could on the airplane flight over. Simply put, Japan train travel leaves you feeling eminently civilized. One of the many joys of train travel in Japan: a beautiful bento (photo by kadluba CC BY)
Luggage Space on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
That is, unless or until you arrive at the train station lugging a 25-inch (or larger) suitcase behind you, plus your carry-on or other personal bag ? all the luggage you packed for your 10 or 12 or 14-night Japan travel… and maybe also a bag or two of omiyage (souvenirs) you picked up along the way (this is, after all, also one of the best countries on the planet for shopping).
Upon boarding, you realize:...