Japan’s Tokaido Shinkansen began passenger service between Tokyo and Osaka in 1964.
The line opened on 1 October 1964, shortly before the Tokyo Olympics. It was the world’s first purpose-built high-speed railway to operate regular intercity passenger services, establishing the modern bullet-train model.
The original trains covered the 515-kilometre route in about four hours, later reduced to under three hours through timetable and infrastructure improvements. The Tokaido Shinkansen is operated by Central Japan Railway Company, commonly called JR Central.
A common mix-up is confusing the opening year with 1963, when test running began, or with 1972, when the Sanyo Shinkansen reached Okayama. The Tokaido route remains one of Japan’s busiest rail corridors.