How to Take Shinkansen: Guide to Japan's Bullet Trains

Whether traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa, or Hokkaido to Fukuoka, a Japan tour with the Shinkansen bullet train ride offers a convenient and cost-effective way to see the sights of Japan in a surprisingly short time. Here's your complete guide to taking Japan's Shinkansen, including information on the different types of carriages and seats, how to purchase tickets, the services and amenities available on board, and essential etiquette for riding the trains.

Map of Shinkansen Line

Linking almost the entire country, below is a map of the Shinkansen lines for easy travel around Japan.

Map of Shinkansen

Which Shinkansen Line to Take

Tokaido Shinkansen Line: A popular line that takes you from Tokyo to Osaka in 2.5 hours with the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji, passing through the improving city of Kyoto, which could be one of the most enjoyable lines for you to travel through the center of Japan.

Sanyo Shinkansen Line: Start in Osaka, which also takes 2.5 hours to get to Hakata. You can use this line to continue your exploration of western Japan, especially the food tour, such as Osaka's takoyaki and the delicacy of Kobe beef.

Tohoku Shinkansen Line: A line running from central Tokyo to northern Japan, including Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, and Aomori, the terminal station, could be one of the most convenient ways to get to the snowy world in winter.

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Types of Shinkansen Carriages & Seats

Ordinary Carriage

All Shinkansen bullet trains have ordinary carriages with plush seats that are comfortable and clean, having ample space between the seats. Each row has 5 seats, 3 on one side and 2 on the other, separated by the aisle. Ordinary carriages include 2 types of seats, non-reserved seats and reserved seats.

Ordinary Carriage

Non-Reserved Seat

Carriages 1 to 3 are usually non-reserved carriages with only non-reserved seats, but the carriage settings may vary somewhat from line to line, so please follow the information on your ticket to find your carriage.

An unreserved seat means that your train and seat are not fixed. It is on a first-come, first-seated basis. You can select any empty non-reserved seat (if any), however, during peak periods, such as the end of the year and Golden Week, there may be no seats available and you will have to stand.

Non-reserved seats are about 5 USD cheaper than reserved seats in ordinary carriages. Buying a non-reserved seat ticket in the off-season is a great option. You will have plenty of seats to choose from, and you can change your seat to take in the view outside both the left and right windows.

Reserved Seat

If you buy a reserved seat ticket, your train and seat are fixed. When purchasing reserved seat tickets, you need to choose your seat preferences, such as whether you want seats next to the window or aisle, and you need to choose your departure time, class of carriage, etc.

It is recommended to buy your tickets a few days in advance so that it is easier to choose the seat you are satisfied with.

Ticket of Reserved Seat

Green Carriage

The green carriages have only reserved seats that are wider than those of the ordinary carriages. Each row has 4 seats, 2 on one side and 2 on the other, separated by the aisle. The seats have deeper reclines, and the carriages are quieter, allowing you to take a nap during the journey.

Green carriages also provide some snacks and drinks, and the ticket price is about 30% more expensive than the ordinary carriage.

Gran Class Carriage

Hokuriku, Tohoku, and Hokkaido Shinkansen have Gran Class carriages with reserved seats only, which are wider than those of green carriages and have more space between each other. Each row has 3 seats, 2 on one side and 1 on the other, separated by the aisle.

Gran Class carriages provide you with blankets, eye masks, food, and self-service beverages. Tickets for Gran Class carriages are about 50% more expensive than those for ordinary carriages.

How to Take Shinkansen Bullet Trains

Use the Japan Rail Pass

Purchase a Japan Rail Pass that is valid for 7, 14, or 21 days, then you can take unlimited rides on the Shinkansen within the validity period. After purchasing online, the merchant will send you a Japan Rail Pass voucher (you need to make a physical copy of it). Upon arrival in Japan, you can exchange your physical Japan Rail Pass voucher for an actual Japan Rail Pass at any of the JR Exchange Offices.

Buy Tickets at Train Stations or Online

Tickets for the Shinkansen can be purchased at ticket windows and vending machines at train stations, or on the Internet. You can choose your tickets according to your travel zone, date and time, number of passengers, whether you want reserved seats or non-reserved seats, whether you want a carriage allowing smoking, and whether you want seats next to the window or aisle.

Station of Shinkansen

Steps to Take the Train after Ticket Purchasing

Insert your ticket at the Shinkansen ticket gate and retrieve it. Find out which platform your Shinkansen bullet train departs from and wait there (check the train number and departure time on your ticket and confirm the platform of your Shinkansen bullet train on the electronic board). A staff member will check your ticket after you have been on the train.

The Shinkansen bullet train stops at each station for only a short period of time, so when the radio announces that you will soon arrive at your destination station, please pack your bags and get ready to get off the train, and then go out the station through the ticket gate with your ticket.

Services and Amenities on Shinkansen Bullet Trains

Luggage

• If the total length, width, and height of your luggage is less than or equal to 160cm, it can be carried into the Shinkansen bullet train free of charge.
• If the total length, width, and height of your luggage is between 160cm and 250cm, you must make a reservation when you buy your ticket (if you do not make a reservation, you will be charged 7 USD).
• If the total length, width, and height of your luggage is greater than or equal to 250cm, you can purchase a luggage forwarding service for a fee that depends on the size of your luggage, usually between 7 and 35 USD.

Food

It is recommended to buy food at the station and bring it to the Shinkansen bullet train. There are many stores inside the stations with a wide selection of bento, snacks and drinks, including those available and not available on the trains. There are no dining carriages on the Shinkansen bullet trains, so passengers can enjoy their food at their seats.

Wheelchair

The Shinkansen is equipped with wheelchair-accessible seats, which are spacious and close to the restrooms. Passengers in need can take the elevator to reach the waiting platform. The floor of the Shinkansen carriage and the waiting platform is almost flush, making it easy for wheelchair access. Note that the train doors are about 71 cm wide and please check if your wheelchair can pass through.

Wheelchair-accessible Seats

Restroom

There are multiple restrooms on each Shinkansen bullet train, parts of which are women-only restrooms, men-only restrooms, and spacious restrooms equipped for wheelchair users.

Shinkansen Manners

• When you reach the waiting platform, please line up, and board the train in order when it arrives.
• If you bring food on board, please avoid food with strong odors and do not leave any litter behind.
• Speak quietly, set your cell phone to silent mode, and go to the connecting area between carriages when making calls.
• If you smoke, please go to the designated smoking area on the train. Some Shinkansen bullet trains have designated smoking carriages.
• When adjusting your seat, please consider the person behind your seat and pull your seat back to its original position before getting off the train.
• Small pets are allowed, and please put them into a carrying case with a total length, width and height of no more than 120 cm and a weight of no more than 10 kg.

Travel Around Japan by Shinkansen Bullet Train

If you want to travel conveniently and comfortably throughout Japan, take the Shinkansen and see as much of the country as possible in your limited vacation time. Let Odynovo plan your Shinkansen rides and answer your questions about the Shinkansen, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.