
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】
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Two of Kyoto’s famous temples tackle streetside trash with solar-powered trash cans
Starbucks Japan releases special limited-edition summer drinks… at only 30 stores
Lawson transforms convenience store food with massive katsu burger and an insane curry bread
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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】