March 16, 2012 was the final day of operations for the 300 series Shinkansen. This rolling stock made its debut in 1992 and operated on both the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. Initially, the 300 series was utilized for the fastest Nozomi service (which makes stops at fewer stations along the route), but were later re-purposed to the slower but more highly utilized Hikari and Kodama services when newer train series were unveiled (500, 700 and N700).
As a result, the 300 series became a venerable workhorse during its 20 years of operation. Most sets were pulled from service back in February, but a few specially tagged trains ran until March 16th. Those trains had a simple distinguishing livery; a special graphic on both its nose and on the side just to the front of the cabin door; Shinkansen Series 300 ありがとう。 Last Run 2012.3.16
2 trains will be preserved (one will be housed at the Railway Museum in Saitama) while the remaining 67 are being scrapped.The following video is an edited compilation of those final runs (a PITA endeavor shot at Tokyo Station, from outside JR Yurakucho, and at various points along the Tokaido Shinkansen line). As someone who personally put serious mileage on this series (mainly between Tokyo and the Kansai region), thank you and goodbye old friend!
