Shinkansen Scramble Diaries: Nine Days, Countless Memories, and One Incredible Adventure

What started as a train race across Japan quickly became one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life.

In May 2026, my friend Ali and I boarded the Shinkansen Scramble—a five-day rail challenge that pushed us across Japan in pursuit of checkpoints, points, and experiences we never would have discovered otherwise. Armed with rail passes, backpacks, and a willingness to say "yes" to the unexpected, we chased everything from historic castles and quaint train stations to snow monkeys, giant landmarks, sacred shrines, and some of the most beautiful scenery Japan has to offer.

But this journey became about far more than points on a leaderboard.

The Scramble challenged us to think strategically, adapt when plans changed, navigate unfamiliar cities, and embrace the chaos that comes with racing hundreds of miles by train. Along the way, we found ourselves standing beneath on a ferry on the way to Rabbit Island, feeding deer in Nara, searching for elusive checkpoints, racing against train schedules, and celebrating every small victory that brought us one step closer to the finish line.

There were moments of exhaustion, moments of frustration, and moments when we wondered if our  plans would actually work. Yet those moments were balanced by laughter, unexpected discoveries, incredible food, and the unique camaraderie that develops when two friends tackle an adventure this ambitious together.

The Shinkansen Scramble reminded me why I love travel. The best journeys aren't always the ones that go perfectly—they're the ones that challenge you, surprise you, and leave you with stories you'll be telling for years.

This diary series chronicles every checkpoint, every struggle, every train ride, and every lesson learned along the way. Whether you're a rail enthusiast, a Japan traveler, or simply someone who loves a good adventure story, I hope you'll join me as I relive nine unforgettable days racing across Japan.

All aboard—the adventure begins here.