Jacob Brown
After placing 50 disused trolleys from the Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen route up for sale, the rail firm was flooded with demands.
For decades, the simple yet practical food and beverage trolleys on Japan’s shinkansen routes have been a familiar sight, serving snacks to millions of travellers hurtling along at high speeds.
However, with the discontinuation of food and drink sales on the Tokyo to Osaka Shinkansen route, these humble carts have unexpectedly become coveted items for canteens and household kitchens across Japan.
A Surprising Trend
The Central Japan Railway Company’s decision to discontinue food and drink sales on the popular route sparked an unexpected trend.
With staff shortages and declining demand from passengers, the company put up the carts for sale in January, initially planning to discard them.
However, train enthusiasts clamored to own a piece of Japanese railway history, leading to an astonishing 1,942 bids for the 50 available carts.
Demand Surpasses Expectations
Enthusiasts, ranging from school cafeterias to individual buyers, eagerly placed bids in hopes of acquiring one of these iconic trolleys.
With each cart priced at ¥100,000 (£528), the overwhelming response demonstrated the widespread appeal of these functional yet nostalgic items.
Despite being limited to two bids each, buyers were eager to secure a piece of Japanese culture that had become synonymous with high-speed rail travel.
A Symbol of Railway Heritage
The shinkansen food and beverage trolleys have a storied history, dating back to the introduction of high-speed rail travel in Japan.
Featuring rear brakes for stability and maneuverable front wheels, these carts were essential in delivering a variety of snacks and drinks to passengers during their journeys.
Fondly remembered for their signature “too hard” ice cream, these trolleys were an integral part of the shinkansen experience for many travellers.
Adapting to Change
While the discontinuation of onboard sales may mark the end of an era for the iconic trolleys, their legacy lives on through vending machines installed on platforms.
Now, passengers can still enjoy their favorite bullet train coffee and ice cream while waiting for their trains, ensuring that a piece of shinkansen history remains accessible to all.
