Japan Rail trains are famous for connecting Japanese cities at eye-opening speeds – especially the Tokaido Shinkansen (the first ever bullet train) connecting Tokyo to Osaka. In addition to speed, they offer a super safe and comfortable experience. With our Shinkansen guide, you can make it hassle-free too.
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Plan your Japan adventure in advance
Want to take a deep dive into what Tokyo has to offer, indulging in Michelin star-worthy ramen, the sacred beauty of Japanese temples, and dream-like displays at fantastic museums? Or would you like to expand your horizons, marvelling at Mount Fuji and Japan’s imperial past in Kyoto? Determining your itinerary is the first step to our Shinkansen guide. And since you can buy bullet train tickets even before you arrive in Japan, it means you can already start booking ahead.
How does one buy Shinkansen tickets? Easily
There are Japan Rail ticket machines at all major train stations. Some are only for short distance trips, so make sure you’ve got the right one. If you’d like some human assistance, look for the JR ticket offices. Of course, you can also book online – you might find cheaper tickets when you reserve early.
If you’re planning to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto, the easiest way to do it is to use the official Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen Online Reservation Service which allows you to book tickets and manage reservations on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Buy a JAPAN RAIL PASS
Planning a mega-adventure spanning from Osaka to Tokyo to Hokkaido’s colourful hills? Then the JAPAN RAIL PASS is your best friend. For a fixed price, it gives you unlimited access to all JR bullet train lines, buses and airport transfers. All you need to do is decide how many days you’ll need it for – and whether you want to buy it in Japan or before you arrive.
However, just keep in mind that you won’t be able to take the Nozomi trains (the fastest ones along the Tokaido Shinkansen) with your JAPAN RAIL PASS.
Tip: Want to visit Mount Fuji, Kyoto or Osaka, but not sure when… or how long? Look into the FLEX Rail Ticket offered by JR Central.
Remember – kids under 6 ride free
Plus, kids under 12 get to ride at half price. Which means you can save more for the inevitable visit to a famous Tokyo amusement park.
Just keep in mind that if you’re on a full train, you might be expected to travel with your infants in your lap. It’s a part of bullet train ettiquete, and only meant as a courtesy to offer some space to fellow passengers who might need it.
Good to know: Non-reserved seats are free for kids under 6. However, you also get a 50% discount for little ones in reserved or green car (first class) seats.
Reserve a spot for your oversized baggage
Starting with May 2020, you’ll need to reserve a seat within the oversized baggage area if you’re travelling with oversized baggage – in other words, any item with a combined length, width and height between 160cm and 250cm.
Luckily, this also means getting a seat right next to the door, which makes getting on and off the train hassle-free. And if you don’t reserve beforehand, you’ll have to pay a 1,000 yen fee.
Get to know the different types of bullet trains
Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?
These are the 3 different types of train running on the Tokaido Shinkansen. But which one should you choose? Let’s look at how it works with an example. Say you’re going from Tokyo to Osaka.
- Nozomi is the fastest, and will take you there in about 2.5 hours. It’s also the most expensive. And it’s worth noting that you can’t take it using your JR Pass.
- Hikari makes a few more stops, but takes only half an hour longer than the Nozomi.
- Kodama is the slowest. Although at 4 hours travel time, “slow” is a relative concept. It’s also ideal for exploring more cities in between because it stops at all stations on the way.
Check the digital timetables – and get the right train!
All Tokaido Shinkansen trains look alike, which makes it almost impossible to tell them apart. And while some might go where you want to go, some might skip the station. Luckily, the digital timetables in the stations are there to be your Shinkansen guide. All you have to do is match the train number on the screens to what’s on your ticket. They can even show you which cars are reserved or not.
Oh, and a small tip – don’t accidentally get on the first class car (a.k.a. the Green Car). It’s easy to spot thanks to the four-leaf clover on its side.
Don’t lug your baggage around with you
Each major station in Japan has plenty of baggage lockers, which makes for much more enjoyable city touring. Many can be activated by an IC card such as TOICA, Suica or ICOCA, but pack a few coins just in case.
Arrive at the station with time to spare
The bullet trains are not just fast. They’re also very, very punctual. So arrive early enough to find where you need to go. Have both your base fare and express ticket at the ready, as you’ll need both to clear the Shinkansen gates. Also, give yourself time to choose from the dozens of ekiben boxes – a tasty bullet train hack, and arguably the best on-the-go meal you’ll ever have. Seriously. We doubt you’ll be able to go back to sandwiches and crisps after that.
Enjoy the free JR Wifi
On board? Now it’s time to go online. Look into things to do in Kyoto, research the best eats in Osaka, or just share a photo of Mount Fuji with your friends and followers. They won’t envy you at all.
Quick tip: Older trains may not have power outlets throughout the car. To make 100% you can charge your phone, find a seat in the last or first rows.
Whether you’re taking a short trip or touring all over Japan, the Shinkansen is a not-to-be-missed experience. Put together, the JR Shinkansen cover destinations from Kagoshima to Tokyo to Hokkaido. And if you book your seats on the Tokaido Shinkansen with the official Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen Online Reservation Service, all you need to do is show up. That’s it. And enjoy the ride, of course.
🚅 🗻 Ready to get your Japan plan on track? Save loads with a Japan Rail Pass.
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A guide to the Tokaido Shinkansen, in numbers
| 477,000 | the number of people who ride the Shinkansen daily |
| 178 mph | the top speed reached by the bullet train… for now |
| 3 minutes | the shortest you’ll have to wait until the next train |
| 54 seconds | the average “delay” time |
*Numbers from JR Central, 2018
Bullet train tips to boost your trip through Japan
After this guide to the Shinkansen, you’re pretty much a pro. Now, discover some insider tips from frequent travelers – from rotating seats to secret spa spots.
