【Bullet Trip】This weekend, to Morioka Station! A journey to see the "DNA of Ferrari" that excites car enthusiasts, along with the docking of machines that reach a top speed of 320 km/h.

Driving my favorite car on the weekend is the best way to refresh myself. However, why not occasionally put down the steering wheel and immerse yourself in "another high-speed machine" that showcases the essence of Japanese technology?

The "two genes" you want to experience on the Shinkansen × Local 1-hour Bullet Tour

You can escape from everyday life in an instant without worrying about traffic jams or driving fatigue, thanks to the "Shinkansen × Local 1-hour Bullet Tour." The destination is Morioka Station in Iwate Prefecture. Experience the domestic highest speed of "320 km/h" from Tokyo, and await the exciting moment at the forefront of the warped platform.

Standing side by side on the platform at Tokyo Station are the "Komachi" and "Hayabusa." To thoroughly admire this ultimate docking moment up close and from a special seat, we will head straight to Morioka Station this time!

Why should car and machinery lovers aim for Morioka Station? The reason will become clear once you learn about the roots of the two machines encountered on the platform.

First, the striking "Japan Red" (deep red) Akita Shinkansen "E6 Series Komachi," which looks fantastic. The styling was supervised by the world-renowned industrial designer Kiyoshi Akimoto, who worked on the legendary supercar "Enzo Ferrari." Therefore, this vehicle carries a strong Ferrari DNA within it.

On the other hand, its partner, the green Tohoku Shinkansen "Hayabusa" (E5 Series), is the highest speed machine packed with the latest Japanese technology, developed by top design teams, including that of the prestigious Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The long nose, designed to slice through the air at 320 km/h, is a "form for running with no waste of even 1 millimeter," created through extensive analysis by supercomputers, and embodies the very romance of aerodynamics akin to that of racing cars like F1s.

Before departure at the Tokyo Station platform. A special shot of "Kagayaki" sliding in next to "Hayabusa and Komachi." From here, we will burst into the world of 320 km/h and warp to the holy site of coupling and decoupling, Morioka.

You can see the connected appearance at Tokyo Station as well, but the only place where you can experience the drama of these two cars merging and separating, which even the Ferrari designer respected, is the platform at Morioka Station. For fans of supercars and racing, the moment these two genes combine is a special sight that you’ll want to witness at least once.

Witness the "precision docking" with no errors, right on the platform at Morioka Station.

Having raced through the world at 320 km/h from Tokyo, you finally arrive at the holy ground of Morioka Station. Here, without stepping out of the ticket gate, a rich one-hour tour begins.

The biggest advantage of coming to Morioka by Shinkansen is the efficient time-saving aspect of being “already standing on the best viewing stage at the moment of arrival.” This time, you can wait for the opening of the world’s most beautiful docking show just by moving around the platform without leaving the ticket gate. (Note: even if you're just observing and not boarding, you can enter by purchasing a ticket.)

The best position to aim for is right in front of the "confirmation mirror" installed in the window frame of the platform! This position with the mirror allows you to view the coupling straight on, providing a premium seat.

The best position is where you can see the "confirmation mirror" installed in the window frame over the platform fence (handrail). Just before the dramatic docking, with the nose open and the rugged coupling exposed!

The "Komachi" slowly approaches the waiting "Hayabusa." The moment the front nose opens wide and reveals a mechanical coupler is an exciting stimulation for fans of mechanics, reminiscent of a robot transforming in a movie.

Watching the pause as if breathing in sync from inside the fence, in the end, without a single millimeter of deviation, the lock clicks into place automatically. The precise technology that smoothly unites the two giant machines with different personalities is truly art.

The coupler engaged firmly without a single millimeter of deviation. The red and green bodies beautifully reflect in the confirmation mirror located in the upper right window frame.

Meanwhile, on the down platform heading to Akita and Hokkaido, the drama of "smooth departure," embodying the aesthetics of farewell, can be enjoyed.

The coupler lock is released, and the "Komachi" heads toward Akita. After separation, the mechanical expression of the front gradually closes, and it departs smoothly with the red tail lights lit.

After arriving at the station, the coupler lock is released in just a few minutes. With a signal, the "Komachi," having closed its nose, sets off toward the Akita branch line as if being pulled in. The smooth acceleration without any hitch and the vivid afterimage of the departing tail lights leave a pleasing echo, as if witnessing a car leaving the pit in a circuit.

A one-hour stay, deliberately enjoying the luxury of not "leaving the ticket gates," and returning to Tokyo in excitement

after capturing the coolness of connection and disconnection in your eyes and fully satisfying your adult curiosity, it’s finally time for the finish of this bullet tour. The local stay time is just one hour. Without any unnecessary detours, you sink deep into your seat on the Shinkansen heading back to Tokyo, relishing only the pure excitement of the "cool long nose in Japan Red" and "precise automatic coupling" you just witnessed.

After finishing the tour on the platform at Morioka Station, it’s back to the Shinkansen bound for Tokyo. From here, the comfortable journey at 320 km/h begins again.

All that’s left is to relax and enjoy the comfortable speed of 320 km/h on the way back. While a tough long drive in your beloved car over hundreds of kilometers can be fun, indulging in the state-of-the-art technology and beautiful design of Japan and swiftly returning to daily life is truly luxurious. How about planning such a smart and detail-oriented weekend escape for your next weekend?

The "adult etiquette" for smart sightseeing.

The Shinkansen platform at Morioka Station is a very popular spot where many fans gather every day. For this reason, just like in the pit road of a circuit, it is important to follow the rules and enjoy smartly, as a courtesy for car enthusiasts. Let's keep the following points in mind to ensure safe photography and observation.

- Keep behind the yellow line: Do not lean out from the yellow tactile paving or installed protective barriers. - Safety first, follow the station staff's instructions: When a train approaches or during busy times, prioritize the announcements and instructions of the station staff for safety. - Tripods and flash photography are prohibited: The use of tripods and flash photography on the platform is strictly forbidden as it can hinder the safe operation of the Shinkansen.

Interview and text by Yui Hara

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【Bullet Trip】This weekend, to Morioka Station! A journey to see the "DNA of Ferrari" that excites car enthusiasts, along with the docking of machines that reach a top speed of 320 km/h.

The "two genes" you want to experience on the Shinkansen × Local 1-hour Bullet Tour

Witness the "precision docking" with no errors, right on the platform at Morioka Station.

A one-hour stay, deliberately enjoying the luxury of not "leaving the ticket gates," and returning to Tokyo in excitement

The "adult etiquette" for smart sightseeing.

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