The 山陽新幹線 (Sanyō Shinkansen) is a high-speed train line in Japan that connects Osaka and Hakata in Fukuoka. It is part of the larger Shinkansen network, known for its efficiency and speed, allowing passengers to travel between major cities quickly. Opened in 1972, the Sanyō Shinkansen covers approximately 553 kilometers (343 miles) and features several types of trains, including the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. This line plays a crucial role in Japan's transportation system, facilitating both business and tourism across the western region of the country.