This video documents a nostalgic and rare journey on the Sanyo Shinkansen’s 100 series Kodama train from Hiroshima to Hakata, filmed in August 2003. Unlike the standard long trains of today, this particular Kodama service was notable for its unique 4-car formation—an all non-reserved seating setup that has since become a thing of the past. The video provides an uncut right-side window view of the trip, highlighting the entire ride and all station stops, recreating the authentic experience of a classic Japanese shinkansen journey.

The service, Kodama 589, departs from Hiroshima and makes stops at key Sanyo Shinkansen stations, including Shin-Iwakuni, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi (formerly Ogori), Asa, Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura, and finishing at Hakata Station in Fukuoka. Each stop and the passing views showcase both urban and rural landscapes of western Honshu and northern Kyushu. The onboard announcements, car sales calls, and longer travel time compared to modern services provide a lens into early 2000s Japanese rail travel culture and how shinkansen operations have evolved.

Highlighted stations like Hiroshima and Hakata are significant rail hubs, while intermediate stations such as Tokuyama and Shin-Yamaguchi connect regional travelers. Notably, the video mentions that, as of 2025, the travel time between Hiroshima and Hakata has been reduced to about 1 hour and 25 minutes thanks to faster rolling stock and service improvements, compared to over 1 hour and 50 minutes in 2003. For train enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese railway history, this footage offers a time-capsule experience of the now-retired 100 series shinkansen and its legacy on the Sanyo line.

The Sanyo Shinkansen remains one of the vital high-speed rail links in Japan, spanning from Osaka to Fukuoka and connecting major cities in the Chugoku and Kyushu regions. This train trip is ideal for travelers looking to explore historical cities, transfer to Kyushu’s local trains, or simply enjoy the ever-changing scenery along the way.