The bullet trains throughout Asia are way better than anything in the US. Shutterstock

On a recent trip through Asia and Europe, I had the opportunity to ride bullet trains in China, Korea, and Russia. Last year, on a trip to Tokyo to launch Business Insider Japan, I rode a bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka.

China's bullet trains stood out for their speed and the extensive network; Japan's trains were notable for their cleanliness and comfort; Korea's trains were easy to navigate and had great WiFi; and Russia's trains had the best food options.

While China's and Japan's bullet-train systems were exceptional, and Russia's Sapsan felt luxurious, I think China has the edge. Here's why.

As Business Insider's international correspondent, I have spent a lot of time over the past four months on any number of trains, planes, and metros.

But my favorite thing to do in any country is ride a high-speed bullet train, if there is one.

Why? They just aren't available in the US.

Amtrak's Acela Express, which travels from Boston to Washington, DC, is the closest thing Americans have to a high-speed train. But with a speed that tops out at 241 kilometers per hour (150 mph), it pales in comparison to train systems in China and Japan, which are both faster and more extensive.

On recent trips to China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, I made sure to ride the high-speed bullet trains so that I could get a sense of how they compare from country to country.

In each instance, the train systems were impressive and efficient. But which is the best? Let's find out.

(Disclaimer: This is based on my personal experience. For a more numbers-based comparison, go here »)