For many people, high-speed trains are often synonymous with Japan. Since launching its first high-speed train, the Shinkansen, in 1964, Japan has been recognized as a pioneer in modern railway technology.
However, in recent years, Japan’s position has faced serious challenges from China. The country has aggressively expanded its high-speed rail network, which is now claimed to be the largest in the world.
The competition between Japan and China is not only about speed but also encompasses comfort, technology, efficiency, and the overall passenger experience. How do they compare? Here is a complete overview.
History and Development
Japan is known as the pioneer of modern high-speed rail. On October 1, 1964, coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics, Japan launched its first high-speed train called the Shinkansen. The first generation of the Shinkansen served the Tokyo–Osaka route via the 515-kilometer Tokaido Shinkansen line.
With an initial speed of up to 210 km/h, the Shinkansen became a symbol of Japan’s technological advancement and post-war efficiency. Since its debut, the Shinkansen network has expanded to various regions such as Sanyo, Tohoku, Hokuriku, and others, covering nearly the entire country.
In contrast, China began developing its high-speed rail much later than Japan, but its growth has been extremely rapid. China’s first high-speed train, known as CRH (China Railway High-speed), began operation in 2008, serving the Beijing–Tianjin route, and has continued to expand ever since.
As of 2024, China has far surpassed Japan with the world’s longest high-speed rail network, covering more than 45,000 kilometers.
It can be concluded that Japan excels in depth and consistent quality, while China leads in scale, speed of expansion, and mass innovation.
Speed and Performance
In terms of speed and performance, both Japan and China have achieved impressive results, albeit with different approaches.
Japan operates the Shinkansen at a maximum speed of around 320 km/h, such as the Hayabusa train that runs on the Tohoku Shinkansen route connecting Tokyo to Aomori Prefecture. Japan focuses not only on high speed but also on consistency, safety, and exceptional punctuality.
China, on the other hand, takes a more ambitious approach in terms of both top speed and network coverage. Its latest-generation trains, like the Fuxing Hao, can travel up to 350 km/h, making them among the fastest commercially operated trains in the world.
Additionally, China is actively developing Maglev (magnetic levitation) technology, which has reached speeds over 600 km/h in trials. Currently, the Maglev train operating between Shanghai Pudong Airport and the city runs at speeds of up to 431 km/h.
In general, Japan excels in long-term stability and reliability, while China leads in maximum speed and operational scale.
Route Length
When it comes to route length, China clearly surpasses Japan with the world’s largest high-speed rail network. As previously mentioned, as of 2024, China’s high-speed rail lines span more than 45,000 kilometers, connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as remote regions.
This network continues to grow as part of a national strategy to improve connectivity and logistical efficiency.
In contrast, although Japan pioneered high-speed rail, the total length of its Shinkansen network remains much smaller. Currently, Japan’s Shinkansen lines total around 3,000 kilometers.
While the Shinkansen network is more limited in geographical coverage, it is known for its exceptional punctuality, safety, and high service quality.
Onboard Facilities
In terms of onboard facilities, both Japan and China offer high levels of comfort, albeit with different characteristics.
Japanese Shinkansen trains are known for attention to detail, including wide and ergonomic seats, generous legroom, and impeccable cleanliness. Passengers can also enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi on select routes, dedicated spaces for seniors and passengers with disabilities, and clear, multilingual announcements.
Meanwhile, China’s high-speed trains offer modern and continually evolving facilities. Trains like the Fuxing Hao are equipped with free Wi-Fi, digital entertainment systems, comfortable seating, and more spacious luggage areas. China also offers a range of service classes, from economy to business class, with extras such as complimentary food and beverages.
Overall, Japan stands out with its emphasis on detail and a calm, quiet atmosphere, while China prioritizes modern features and a wide variety of services to suit different passenger needs.
Cost and Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Japan’s Shinkansen are generally higher than those in China, reflecting the exceptional service quality, punctuality, and safety standards.
For example, a one-way trip from Tokyo to Osaka on the Shinkansen costs around ¥14,000 to ¥15,000 (approximately IDR 1.5–1.8 million), and can be even more expensive depending on the class and train type selected. Despite the cost, many passengers consider the price worthwhile due to the convenience and time savings.
In contrast, China offers more affordable high-speed train fares, especially for long-distance routes covering thousands of kilometers. Ticket prices vary depending on the train class and route.
For instance, a second-class ticket for the high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai typically costs around CN¥550 (about IDR 1.1 million), while a soft sleeper ticket on a regular train for the same route is around CN¥500 (about IDR 1.2 million).
These lower fares are supported by government subsidies and the large-scale network, making high-speed rail a popular transportation choice for the general public in China.
Punctuality Advantage
One of the key advantages of Japan’s Shinkansen is its extraordinary punctuality. The Shinkansen is globally renowned for its precise scheduling, with average annual delays measured in seconds, and often less than one minute.
This precision is made possible through strict operational management, routine maintenance, and a highly disciplined work culture. Even in the event of disruptions, Shinkansen operators in Japan can usually restore the schedule quickly without compromising safety or passenger comfort.
Meanwhile, China’s high-speed trains also demonstrate a high level of punctuality, especially considering the vast scale of the network and number of passengers served. While not as precise as Japan in terms of seconds, China’s system still performs very well in maintaining departure and arrival times.
Conclusion
From the discussion above, it is clear that both Japan and China excel in high-speed rail, albeit through different approaches.
Japan emphasizes precision, safety, and service quality, while China leads in speed, extensive network coverage, and large-scale technological innovation.
Both countries serve as global benchmarks in modern transportation development, showing that success can be achieved either through depth of quality or through expansive technological efficiency.
