The technical term for the event is “coupling,” but it’s known colloquially as the “Shinkansen kiss.” For Japanese rail fans, it’s a big deal. For foreigners, it is a unique insight into the ...

(CNN) — In Japan, finding a true hidden gem seems harder than ever. In recent years, the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have become staples for most international tourists who visit.

First, the teal green Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa” — one of Japan’s world-famous bullet trains — arrives at the platform. It stops, passengers alight, and the train waits patiently for ...