Lucky Encounter: The Yellow Bullet Train - Doctor Yellow
When exploring Japan, one of the frequently used modes of transportation for both locals and foreign travelers alike is the Shinkansen, or the famous Japanese bullet train.
However, have you ever heard of the enigmatic yellow bullet train that roams the tracks? It's so rare that it's believed to bring luck to those who catch a glimpse of it, making it quite popular in Japan – a nation known for its love of horoscopes and blood type personality readings.
This distinctive yellow Shinkansen is affectionately known as "Doctor Yellow" due to its striking appearance, and it operates on sections of the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.
But here's the catch: ordinary passengers can't ride this train. Why? Because Doctor Yellow isn't meant for passengers; it's a maintenance vehicle. While cruising along the Shinkansen routes, it collects data on track alignment, overhead line conditions, signal systems, and more to ensure the safety and accuracy of the high-frequency train schedules without delays. It plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role in maintaining the world-class safety standards of the Shinkansen network. Truly, it lives up to its "Doctor" namesake.
Doctor Yellow operates between Tokyo and Hakata only a few times a month, but the exact schedule is a well-guarded secret. This exclusivity makes it extremely challenging for the general public to plan a visit, further adding to its mystique as the "phantom Shinkansen."
That's why if you ever chance upon Doctor Yellow during your travels, consider yourself exceptionally fortunate! Its bright yellow exterior is undoubtedly Instagram-worthy, so be sure to capture plenty of photos to share with your friends and followers.
