Check Out Japan's First Shinkansen at Kawasaki World in Kobe!

The Shinkansen bullet train is Japan’s world-class high-speed rail system. It is fascinating how it balances high speed with safety.

When the Shinkansen launched its commercial operation in 1964, it coincided with the Olympic Games held in Tokyo. Initial pictures capture the 0 Series Shinkansen, which debuted at that time. This series featured a round-nosed lead car that operated until 2008, when it was taken out of service.

Let's check out the 0 series train sets, the classic example of Shinkansen trains. While you can no longer watch them in operation, you can see the train cars displayed at Kawasaki World in Kobe City.

Tour Kawasaki World With Street View

Kawasaki World is located inside the Kobe Maritime Museum in the Port of Kobe. It is operated by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and displays trains, helicopters, and other vehicles developed by the company. Since Kawasaki Heavy Industries had a hand in constructing the Shinkansen 0 Series, it is on display here.

The museum is open to the public through Google Street View. You can even see the train sets while taking a Street View tour. Let's take a look at the Shinkansen Series 0 train!

Place your cursor on the picture above, then click and drag to see the actual scenery unfold before your eyes.

This is an actual 0 Series car, but it has been segmented to be put on display. There is a staircase on the side and a passageway leading inside. Let's head inside!

There are up to three rows of seats. Of course, these are real Shinkansen seats. Now let's turn back to the doorway.

You Can Enter the Driver’s Cabin!

When you exit the aisle, there is an open door leading past the passenger area. This is the door that leads to the driver's seat. Let's check it out!

Climbing the little stairs at the front will give you a view of the driver's seat. The hard-looking material and design of the chair look uncomfortable but evoke a feel of the times. Let's go up the steps and see the driver's seat for yourself!

This is the viewpoint from the driver's seat. You can see the outside world through the windows. Although the horizontally-oriented windows are a bit narrower than regular trains, they surprisingly have a wide field of vision. It is a rare opportunity to see train gauges and meters up close. No wonder this spot is a must-see for train enthusiasts.

Sense the History of Shinkansen's Safe Transport at This Exhibit

You just got a glimpse of the first-generation Shinkansen trains. From a modern perspective, some of these trains may seem old-fashioned. However, Japan's Shinkansen has never had a major accident since its lines first began operating to the present.

Check out the origins of the Shinkansen's safe and careful operations at Kawasaki World!

Information

Kawasaki World

Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Chuo-ku, Hatoba-cho 2-2
Operating Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is a national holiday, then the following day will be closed) and the New Year's holiday (12/29 to 1/3)
Wi-Fi Environment: N/A
Credit Cards Accepted: Cash only
Foreign Language Support: Only Japanese is available
Foreign Language Menus/Pamphlets: English and Chinese (Simplified, Traditional)
Nearest Station: 10-minute walk from Minato Motomachi Station (Kobe Municipal Subway, Kaigan Line), 15-minute walk from Motomachi Stations (JR or Hanshin Lines), and 15-minute walk from Hanakuma Station (Hankyu or Sanyo Lines)
Entrance Fee: Adults 600 yen / Children (elementary and middle school students) 250 yen
Phone Number: 078-327-5401
Official Homepage: Kawasaki World

Kobe Maritime Museum

Kobe Maritime Museum 2F, 2-2 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Pre...