New Japanese bullet train service to start in March

SINGAPORE - Starting Mar 14, travellers will get to enjoy a new routes and shorter travelling time with the addition of the bullet train line, said the East Japan Railway Company.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen route will " significantly reduce travel times", said the rail company, and bring passengers to other popular cities outside Tokyo like Toyama and Kanazawa.

The new service will depart from Tokyo and travel northwards.

It will make stops in Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa - also known as the best spots for cherry blossom viewing, said the company.

If travelling during cherry blossom season, passengers will have stunning views of the blooms along the journey.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is also a great way to travel to popular attractions.

Takada Castle at Niigata Prefecture's Joetsumyoko Station is one of the best locations in Japan for night time cherry blossom viewing, according to CNNGo, and is only a 1.5 hour ride away from the capital.

Dotted with more than 4,000 cherry trees, the beauty of the locale is accentuated by countless paper lanterns decorating the streets.

The famous Zenko-ji Temple is another stop accessible along the new route. Passengers can get off at Nagano Station and have the chance to explore the prefecture.

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is recommended by the rail company as a convenient and affordable place to stay.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg