What is the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen (新幹線, "bullet train") is Japan's legendary high-speed rail network. Trains reach 320 km/h (200 mph), connecting major cities in 2–8 hours. It's one of the world's safest, most punctual rail systems.
2025 Fun Fact: The Shinkansen has been operating since 1964 and has never had a passenger fatality due to train accidents.
Main Shinkansen Routes
Tokaido Shinkansen (Most Popular)
Connects Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka:
Route · Time · Cost (Regular)
Tokyo → Kyoto · 2h 15m · ¥13,320
Tokyo → Osaka · 2h 30m · ¥13,870
Kyoto → Osaka · 75 min · ¥3,000
Osaka → Hiroshima · 1h 20m · ¥9,490
Note: Prices are approximate; peak season adds ¥1,000–2,000.
Sanyo Shinkansen (Western Japan)
Extends from Osaka west:
- Osaka → Hiroshima (1h 20m)
- Hiroshima → Fukuoka (2h 23m)
Tohoku Shinkansen (Northern Japan)
Extends northeast from Tokyo:
- Tokyo → Sendai (2h)
- Tokyo → Aomori (3h 20m)
Kyushu Shinkansen (Southwest)
Modern line with scenic views:
- Fukuoka → Kagoshima (1h 15m)
Types of Shinkansen Trains
Japan operates three speed tiers. Know this before buying your ticket:
Type · Speed · Stops · Booking
Nozomi · 320 km/h · Few · JR Pass doesn't cover
Mizuho · 285 km/h · Few · JR Pass covers
Sakura · 285 km/h · Few · JR Pass covers
Tsubame · 320 km/h · Few · JR Pass doesn't cover
Critical: If you have a JR Pass, you can ONLY ride Nozomi, Mizuho, Sakura, and older trains—NOT the fastest "Nozomi" or "Tsubame" trains. Nozomi trains require separate tickets.
Buying Shinkansen Tickets
Option 1: JR Pass Holders
If you have a JR Pass:
- Go to JR East ticket office (station with JR logo)
- Tell agent your route and preferred time
- Agent books reserved seat for free
- Receive seat assignment
- Board at your designated time
- No additional payment
Pro tip: Book 1 week ahead during peak season (April, August, Golden Week).
Option 2: Single Tickets (No JR Pass)
At ticket offices:
- Find JR ticket counter at any train station
- Tell agent destination and preferred time
- Choose seat class (reserved or unreserved)
- Pay ¥13,320+ depending on route
- Receive ticket with seat number
- Board accordingly
Online booking (hyperdia.com):
- View all routes and prices
- Book 1 month in advance
- Pick up ticket at station (shows confirmation number)
Option 3: Discount Websites
Travel sites like Klook, Viator, or JapanRail Pass Exchange:
- Offer slight discounts (¥1,000–2,000)
- Require advance booking (1–2 weeks before)
- Often cheaper than station purchase
- Book before arriving in Japan
Shinkansen Seats & Comfort
Seat Classes
Ordinary Car (Standard Seating)
- ¥13,320 per ticket
- Standard airline-style seats
- Reclining, armrest cups
- Adequate legroom
- This is what most tourists use
First Class (Green Car)
- ¥19,680 per ticket (40% more expensive)
- Wider seats, more legroom
- Free tea/coffee service
- Quieter cars
- Only book if budget allows
Reserved vs. Unreserved
- Reserved: Choose your seat, guaranteed seating
- Unreserved: First-come, first-served; cheaper (¥1,000 less)
Recommendation: Always book reserved seats (takes 2 minutes at counter, guarantees you a seat).
What to Expect Onboard
- Announcements: In Japanese and English
- Doors: Auto-close; board before departure
- Luggage: Small bags overhead; large suitcases fit in luggage racks at car ends
- Bathrooms: Clean, Western-style toilets
- Food: Vendors push carts with onigiri, bento, drinks (¥1,000–2,500)
- WiFi: Some trains have free WiFi (spotty)
- Charging: USB ports on some newer trains
Shinkansen Etiquette
Follow these unwritten rules to avoid staring:
Phone Usage
- Do NOT take calls (breach of etiquette)
- Silent mode is expected
- Text messages are fine
- Headphones for videos are fine
Luggage
- Large bags: Luggage racks at ends of cars
- Small bags: Overhead racks
- Under seats: Only shoes-sized items
- Aisle: Never leave bags blocking walkway
Noise Level
- Speak quietly (normal conversation is fine, no shouting)
- Eating: OK, but don't bring pungent foods (avoid durian, etc.)
- Feet: Never put feet on seats or luggage
Seat Behavior
- Sleeping: Totally fine (many Japanese nap!)
- Reclining: Go ahead but be courteous to person behind
- Leg space: Don't spread legs excessively
Shinkansen Timeline Tips
Best Times to Travel
- Early morning (6–7 AM trains): Emptiest, fastest seating
- Midday (11 AM–3 PM): Moderate crowds
- Evening (5–8 PM): Busiest, peak pricing
Worst time: Golden Week (late April), summer holidays (August), New Year (late Dec–early Jan)
How Early to Arrive
Timeframe · Early · Recommended
Reserved seat · N/A · 20 min before
Unreserved · N/A · 30 min before
Peak season · 30 min · 45 min
Honest advice: Arrive 20 minutes early. It's Japan—everything runs on time.
Common Questions
Can I Use My Luggage Forwarding Service to Send Bags?
Yes! Popular strategy:
- Forward your luggage (Takkyubin service) to your next destination
- Board shinkansen with only small daypack
- Luggage arrives same evening
Costs ¥2,000–3,500 but removes shinkansen hassle entirely.
What If I Miss My Shinkansen?
- Reserved ticket: Lost money (non-refundable)
- Some operators: Allow rescheduling same day (fee ¥500–1,000)
- General rule: Show up early; don't risk it
Do Shinkansen Trains Serve Food?
Yes:
- Onboard vendors: Expensive (¥1,000–3,000 per item)
- Station vendors: Cheaper, buy before boarding
- Convenience store: Fill backpack before train
- Quality: Decent bento boxes; nothing fancy
Pro tip: Buy ekiben (station bento) at Tokyo/Kyoto stations before boarding. They're delicious and cheaper.
Do I Need a Reservation?
No, but strongly recommended:
- Reserved seats cost same as unreserved in most cases
- Reserved guarantees you have a seat
- Takes 2 minutes to book
- Always better than standing for 2+ hours
Will I Get Sick on the Shinkansen?
Shinkansen trains are extremely smooth and stable. Most people sleep. Motion sickness is rare.
Luggage Tips for Shinkansen
Best practice:
- Luggage forwarding service (Takkyubin) to next destination
- Take only small backpack on train
- Saves space, reduces stress
If you must take luggage:
- Use racks at ends of cars (not aisles)
- Stack neatly to leave space
- Never block emergency exits
- Most trains have designated luggage storage areas
Shinkansen vs. Flying in Japan
Factor · Shinkansen · Domestic Flight
Cost · ¥13,320 (Tokyo–Osaka) · ¥8,000–12,000
Time · 2.5 hours + city transfer · 1 hour + airport transfer
Total Time · 3.5–4 hours · 3–4 hours (similar!)
Convenience · City center to city center · Airport to airport
Experience · Iconic, scenic · Practical
Verdict: Shinkansen is usually better unless flying saves 2+ hours.
Final Checklist Before Boarding
- Ticket with seat number? ✓
- Pasport (for ID if checked)? ✓
- Suica/IC card (backup)? ✓
- Luggage stored properly? ✓
- Phone on silent mode? ✓
- Arrived 20 minutes early? ✓
The Shinkansen is the quintessential Japan experience. Sit back, watch the countryside blur by at 300 km/h, and enjoy one of the world's best train rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the Shinkansen go?
The Nozomi Shinkansen reaches speeds up to 320 km/h. The average journey speed including stops is around 260 km/h, making Tokyo to Kyoto (450km) a 2h15m trip.
Is the Shinkansen covered by JR Pass?
Hikari and Kodama services are fully covered. The faster Nozomi and Mizuho services are NOT covered by JR Pass and require additional payment.
How far in advance should I book Shinkansen tickets?
Unreserved seats need no advance booking — buy on the day. Reserved seats open one month ahead. For Golden Week and cherry blossom season, book reserved seats as early as possible.
Can I bring luggage on the Shinkansen?
Yes. Standard luggage fits overhead. Bags with total dimensions over 160cm require a fee-based luggage space reservation (¥1,000) at the rear of designated cars.
