4 PERFECT SPOTS TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE BULLET TRAIN IN TOKYO

Bullet trains or ‘‘Shinkansen’’ in Japanese is one of the most iconic symbols of modern Japan. They were first made operational in 1964 during the start of the economic boom. Even to this day people, especially children, idolize Shinkansen as a symbol of modernization, technological development and speed. It is one of the safest means of transportation and proudly holds that title.

Taking a picture of the bullet train while it is on stop, in big stations like Tokyo station or Shinagawa station, is easy. Just wait for the bullet train to halt at the beginning of the platform and take a picture. But taking a picture while the train is in action might come as a little bit more difficult. You will need a vantage point, clear of obstacles. And in a bustling city like Tokyo that vantage point does not come by easy. So, here are 4 spots for you to take a picture of the iconic Shinkansen.

WHERE SHIKANSENS SLEEP AT NIGHT

As the title suggests, this is where the bullet trains are run for maintenance and rest during the night. At least 5 or 6 bullet trains are in line like above picture at any given time of the day. But, we strongly recommend visiting this spot in the morning before 9am. There are more number of trains lined up in the morning, as they start to depart as the day progresses.

You are not allowed to go inside the parking for trains, hence you will have to shoot the picture from a distance and through a fence. Using a mid-range lens is recommended. Both the above and below pictures were shot at f4 on a mid-range lens. On the picture above you can see vignetting occurring on the corners due to the fence.Due to the nature of the location and the subject, a dramatic looking picture will do justice. So try going here on a rainy or cloudy day like below picture.

Lined up like soldiers off to battle, the bullet trains are ready to depart. This picture was taken on an early morning while it was slightly raining. Hence the picture is misty and foggy.

EYE LEVEL AND UP CLOSE WITH SHINKANSEN

This spot is famous for a lot of Japanese photographers who love the Shinkansen. It’s a perfect spot to practice your panning motion blur pictures. This technique is especially useful to give the picture a sense of motion. It lets you freeze the subject while blurring the background like above picture.

This spot is on the 3rd floor of a building near a big terminal station. Which means you are on eye level with the bullet train and the number of trains that pass by is large in number. You will not have to wait long for a bullet train to pass by. Hold your camera in position and stand by.The above picture was taken with a 14mm lens and the below picture was taken with a mid-range lens.

To take a picture like above, you will have to quickly move your camera in the direction the train is moving. Keeping the train in focus, but letting the background fade and blur. Make sure you are focused on the tip of the train or at least somewhere near it. This method of shooting is one of the best ways to learn photography and will give you a sense of accomplishment.

FROM UP ABOVE

This spot is also located near a big busy terminal station. The picture is taken by standing on the bridge while the trains run below it. This location is also called the ‘‘Mini Shinkansen Museum’’ by Japanese Shinkansen geeks as you get a chance to see a lot of trains run by.

Because it is not a busy bridge you can easily use your tripod here. The above picture is a composite of several pictures creating a busy railroad with unique Shinkansen designs. It took an hour to shoot all the picture for above one image.

AT HIGH SPEED

There are some parts in Tokyo where the road’s altitude increases to the level of the railway the Shinkansen runs. Areas like this make it possible to have the Shinkansen at eye level. The the above picture is taken from a pedestrian bridge in one of these areas where the road’s altitude is higher.

You will need a telephoto lens to take a picture like above. But the unique point of this spot is that because it is not near a big terminal station, the speed of the Shinkansen is faster than the other locations introduced in this article. It might be harder to keep the bullet train in focus due to its speed but it will make the background more blurry. Give it a few trys to perfect your shot.