A lucky 100 passengers were able to test out Japan's high speed train last week, when the Central Japanese Railway Company ran eight days of trials on their latest innovation. The train ran between the cities of Uenohara and Fuefuki in the Yamanashi Prefecture, a 42.8 km journey.
Using magnetic levitation, or "maglev" technology, these trains hover over train tracks. The lack of friction allows them to reach incredibly high speeds. This also makes a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.
The train is also designed to be extremely aerodynamic, which contributes to its exceptionally fast speed.
How fast is exceptionally fast? Try 500 km/h fast. Super man fast.
A total of 2,400 people will be able to ride the train, beginning in December. They were selected by lottery, from a pool of nearly 300,000.
Japan already has maglev "bullet" trains in use, which reach speeds of 300 km/h.
Experts estimate that the entire project will be finalized by 2027 at the earliest. The train will link Tokyo to Nagoya and Osaka. Once complete, the travel time on these routes will be cut in half. It will be the fastest maglev line in the world.
Check out the video of the first 100 people to ride the train.
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