Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet train, is one of the most efficient, comfortable, and iconic ways to travel across the country. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, understanding how to navigate the Shinkansen system will make your journey much smoother. This Shinkansen guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right train to buying tickets, navigating the gates, and making the most of your trip.
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What is the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed rail network, renowned for its punctuality, safety, and speed—trains can reach up to 320 km/h (199 mph) while providing a quiet and comfortable ride. These trains are the best option for long-distance travel within Japan, connecting major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in just a few hours.
Which Shinkansen Should You Take?
The type of Shinkansen offered will ultimately depend on the region and line you are riding. For example, if you are traveling in the Hokkaido, Yamagata, or Akita regions you will encounter the Hayabusa and Yamabiko. In the Kyushu region, the Mizuho, Sakura, and Tsubame trains.
In this guide we will compare the three main types of Shinkansen operating on the most popular line—Tokaido. This line connects Japan’s three largest metropolitan areas–Tokyo and Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kyoto and Osaka. Each Shinkansen varies in speed, cost, and coverage under the Japan Rail (JR) Pass:
- Nozomi – The fastest option, stopping only at major stations. It’s the most expensive and NOT covered by the standard JR Pass.
- Hikari – A slightly slower but still fast option, making more stops than Nozomi. It is covered by the JR Pass.
- Kodama – The slowest of the three, stopping at every station. Best for short trips and impractical for long distances. It is also covered by the JR Pass.
For longer journeys in the central and western regions, Nozomi or Hikari are the best choices, depending on whether you have a JR Pass.
For quick information on some of the more popular trains and their service areas see the below chart:
| Train | Line | Service Area | JR Pass Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozomi | Tokaido, Sanyo | Tokyo—>Fukuoka | No |
| Hikari | Tokaido, Sanyo | Tokyo—>Shin-Osaka | Yes |
| Kodama | Tokaido, Sanyo | Tokyo—>Hakata | Yes |
| Hayabusa | Tohoku, Hokkaido | Tokyo—>Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto | Yes |
| Yamabiko | Tohoku | Tokyo—>Morioka | Yes |
| Mizuho | Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu | Shin-Osaka—>Kagoshima-Chuo | No |
| Sakura | Sanyo, Kyushu | Shin-Osaka—>Kagoshima-Chuo | Yes |
| Tsubame | Kyushu | Hakata—>Kagoshima-Chuo | Yes |
When Should You Take the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen is ideal for medium-to-long-distance trips, such as:
- Tokyo to Kyoto
- Osaka to Hiroshima
However, for shorter trips—like Kyoto to Osaka—the Shinkansen might not be the best option. A regular train takes about 30 minutes, compared to 15 minutes by Shinkansen, but the local trains are often cheaper and more convenient.
A useful tip: Google Maps is your best friend when planning train routes. It provides real-time schedules, ticket prices, and train recommendations.
Should You Get a JR Pass?
With recent JR Pass price increases, the pass is no longer an automatic money-saver. It’s only worth it if:
- You plan to take multiple long-distance Shinkansen rides.
- Your itinerary includes several distant destinations.
For most travelers doing a simple Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka loop, buying individual tickets is usually cheaper. You can compare costs by inputting your itinerary into this fare calculator to decide if a JR Pass is beneficial for you.
Standard fares for various Shinkansen trips vs. the increased cost of the JR Pass.
The 7-Day JR Pass is almost double the price for Shinkansen tickets for the popular Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka loop.
How to Buy a Shinkansen Ticket
There are several ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets:
- At the Station – Use ticket machines or counters (English available). Both cash and most foreign credit cards are accepted. If you have JR Pass you can reserve seats at JR ticket offices or use non-reserved seats without booking.
- Online in Advance – Recommended for peak travel times (Golden Week, New Year’s holidays). Booking early secures your seat and saves you time.
- Smart Ex – The official site for reserving tickets for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines
- I personally recommend this site, particularly the smartEX-round trip, which allows you to make advanced reservations and make unlimited changes to those reservations. It works for all shinkansens, year round.
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME – A popular Japanese company, book tickets with any Shinkansen line
- Klook and Rail.Ninja – Third party sites, book tickets with any Shinkansen line
- Smart Ex – The official site for reserving tickets for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines
When to Reserve Tickets:
JR advises making advanced reservations during peak periods. This is the calendar information they provide. If a period of time is not on the calendar, but near a peak period, you may still want to make a reservation.
| Month | Period | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | December 25 to January 10 | PEAK | |
| January-February | January 15 to February | Off-Season | Except for weekends and national holidays |
| March-April | March 21 to April 5 | PEAK | |
| April-May | April 28 to May 6 | PEAK | |
| June | June | Off-Season | Except for weekends and national holidays |
| July-August | July 21 to August 31 | PEAK | |
| September | September | Off-Season | Except for weekends and national holidays |
| November-December | November 1 to December 20 | Off-Season | Except for weekends and national holidays |
Seat Options:
Reserved vs. Non-Reserved Seats:
- Reserved guarantees a seat but costs slightly more.
- Non-reserved is cheaper but operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seat Classes:
- Standard Class – Comfortable with plenty of legroom.
- Green Car (First Class) – Slightly larger seats and more legroom.
- Gran Class – Luxury seating, available on select trains. Offers additional amenities and services.
If you’re traveling in a group or during busy times, reserving a seat is highly recommended.
Additionally, if you are traveling with oversized luggage (H + W + D = 160~250cm), you are required to make a seat reservation in the last row of seats, in front of the oversized luggage storage areas. This requirement does not include large items such as strollers. It’s highly recommended you check out the official Japan Rail website for more detailed information regarding luggage, pets, bicycles, and wheelchairs.
How to Read Your Ticket
Tickets bought online will still need to be picked up at either a ticket machine or counter in most cases. It can be pretty daunting when you don’t understand Japanese and thus can’t read all the information on the ticket. While exact formatting may differ, you can use the photos below to help decipher your ticket.
Base Fare Ticket – This is the basic cost to travel between two stations. You are always required to have a base fare ticket. This is calculated based on distance between stations.
Shinkansen Super Express Ticket – This is your Shinkansen ticket. It is required to enter and exit the Shinkansen gates. There are two types—reserved seat and non-reserved seat.
- Reserved seat:
2. Non-reserved seat:
Navigating the Station
Once you arrive at the station, follow the Shinkansen signs and proceed through these steps:
- Go to the Ticket Gate – Insert your ticket(s). If you have two paper tickets, insert them simultaneously. Make sure you pick up the tickets on the other side when they pop out. You will need it for potential ticket checks onboard and to exit the station at your destination.
- If you purchased digital tickets, you can either board using a QR-code, paper tickets (pick up at most ticket kiosks at the station using the 16 digit code you were provided) or with your IC Card if you have loaded the IC Card with the tickets.
- Find Your Platform – Make sure you’re at the correct platform for your train. This is usually posted on an electric signboard when you enter through the gate. Generally, the trains go two directions. Choose which direction you’re headed in.
- Check Your Car and Seat Number – Signs on the platform indicate where each car stops.
- Line Up at the Platform Markings – Doors align perfectly with designated waiting spots.
Shinkansen trains run on time to the second, so don’t be late!
Boarding the Train
- Find your assigned car and enter through the correct door. There are signs that will point you in the correct direction to board based on seat number. Once you are inside, the seat numbers will be listed above the windows.
- Store your luggage in overhead racks or designated spaces for large bags if you reserved a seat due to traveling with oversized luggage.
- Settle in and enjoy the ride! Even standard-class seats are spacious and comfortable.
What to Expect Onboard
Shinkansen trains provide a premium travel experience with convenient features regardless of class:
- Reclining Seats with tray tables and footrests.
- Power Outlets in most window seats and Green Cars.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on many trains but may be spotty in tunnels.
- Restrooms are clean and available in multiple cars.
Announcements are made in both Japanese and English, and electronic signboards display upcoming stops.
Eating and Drinking on the Shinkansen
One of the best parts of Shinkansen travel is the food! Unlike local trains, eating is common on Shinkansen. Passengers can enjoy:
- Ekiben (Train Bento Boxes) – Sold at stations, featuring regional specialties.
- Onboard Snack Carts – Offering drinks, snacks, and light meals. Mostly phased out.
- Bring Your Own Food – Convenient for longer trips.
Enjoying the Journey
The Shinkansen isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s part of the travel experience. If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, look out for Mount Fuji on the right-hand side for a breathtaking view.
Train Etiquette to Remember:
- Keep conversations quiet – The Shinkansen is known for its peaceful atmosphere. Many people take the time to catch up on some z’s while riding.
- Avoid phone calls in your seat – Use the designated areas between train cars.
Arriving at Your Destination
- You should be ready to disembark a few minutes before arriving at your station. This means removing your luggage from any racks or compartments and making your way to the closest exit before the train has stopped. This ensures the flow of traffic getting off and coming on remains smooth and the train can depart on schedule.
- Follow signs to the exit gates. Many stations include English, especially in high-tourist locations. When in doubt–follow the crowd.
- Insert your ticket at the gate–it won’t be returned, unless you’re entering another train area.
- If transferring to a local train, use station maps and signage. Sometimes stations will have guiding lines painted on the ground directing you to specific train lines. If you will be taking another train (local), you will keep the tickets until you arrive at your final destination. Insert them once you arrive.
What if You Miss Your Train?
Sometimes things don’t go right and you miss your train. But there’s no need to fret! There are a couple of options if you’ve missed your train.
- If you didn’t reserve a seat, congratulations, you can simply get on the next available train on the same route. The time listed on your ticket is not important as long as you’re boarding same-day.
- If you purchased a reserved seat, you can still board the next available train but you will have to sit in a car with unreserved seats. There are often signs posted marking whether a car is reserved or unreserved.
- If your reserved seat was an oversized baggage seat it becomes a little more complicated. You should visit a ticket office and inform the staff of the situation. They may have you reserve a seat on another train. This could incur more fees. Alternatively, you could pay the 1,000 yen fine for bringing oversized luggage into an unreserved car and store your luggage in a space designated by the staff.
There’s no need to panic should you arrive at your platform the second the doors close. Station staff are very willing to help in any situation.
Final Thoughts
Taking the Shinkansen is one of the most enjoyable and efficient ways to travel in Japan. Plan your route, book tickets in advance when necessary, and enjoy the journey! With this guide, you’re ready to navigate the Shinkansen system like a pro.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out PiQtour Japan on YouTube for more travel guides and tips!