
Riding the Shinkansen in Japan is always a fun experience. Not only does it go super-fast (you can totally feel those G-forces!), it’s also guaranteed to be quiet and incredibly clean. But with 323 Shinkansen trains departing from Tokyo every day, how do they find the time to clean all those trains?
Well, it turns out that it takes a highly synchronised team of mega-efficient cleaners only seven minutes to clean each train – since that’s all the time they have!. And here’s an incredible video of how they do it!
The video, titled “7-Minute Miracle”, explains exactly what steps are involved in cleaning a Shinkansen train from nose to tail in the seven minutes between the train’s arrival at the station and its next departure. Cleaning teams are in position on the platform as the train pulls in so as not to waste a second, and, as you can see, no corners are cut as they clear and wipe down each car with incredible speed and efficiency.
Impressive isn’t the word.
Our favourite part was when they flipped all of the seats around (there’s a SECRET button!) so they’d be facing in the right direction for the next journey. Oh, Japanese design!
No, we were kidding. Our favourite part was when they lined up at the end to bow to the waiting passengers. Now that’s what you call style!
Next time you’re in Japan and taking a ride on the Shink, spare a thought for the hard-working cleanup crew!
Source: Fundo
Main Image: Screenshot via YouTube – tokyo
[ Read in Japanese ]



Shinkansen: “Seats can be quickly used as shields in the event of an attack”
Japan’s West Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train service to Nagasaki is set to open this fall
Race against the clock: Shinkansen staff have just 7 minutes to get bullet train ready to ride
Evangelion Shinkansen gets range of souvenirs, including its very own bullet train ekiben obento
Faster than a speeding bullet! Ride the Tokyo to Kyoto “Nozomi” Shinkansen with us! 【Video】
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Defacing the Japanese flag is now a crime, says government, punishable by up to two years in jail
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
Gundam’s Char Aznable normal suit becomes roomwear for doing normal stuff in the real world [Pics]
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
How to order snacks on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
Tokyo farewells Japan’s only double-decker Shinkansen with a special escalator at the station
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Shinkansen driver disciplined for taking poop break while train was going 150 kilometers an hour
Is the Shinkansen bullet train Green Car upgrade worth it when traveling in Japan?【Photos】
Traveler in Japan filled with gratitude as bullet train conductor shares Shinkansen lifehack
This is Japan’s only shrine with a Shinkansen tunnel underneath it
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Shinkansen travel tip: A clever way to keep your suitcase from rolling around on the bullet train
The ultimate Shinkansen trip: Riding Japan’s bullet train network from one end to the other
Hello Kitty Shinkansen bullet train to debut in Japan this summer
$2.34!? Cheapest bullet-train ride in Japan lasts 3 minutes, but memories are forever【Photos】
New Shinkansen bullet train design revealed for Nagasaki extension
Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train will start offering wider seats, but will charge more for them too
Japan is getting a Disney Mickey Mouse Shinkansen bullet train this spring!
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
One Piece Shinkansen bullet trains set to speed to adventure in Japan