Chapter 1: What is the Shinkansen? Overview of Lines and Train Types

The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed railway system that connects major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, and Kanazawa. It is the most popular mode of medium- to long-distance travel for both locals and tourists.

There are currently 10 main Shinkansen lines across the country, each with different stops and train types.

JR East Railway Major Route:Metropolitan Area

▼ Major Shinkansen Lines (Summary):

Line	Route	Train Types	Travel Time
Tokaido Shinkansen	Tokyo to Shin-Osaka	Nozomi / Hikari / Kodama	Approx. 2 hr 22 min
Sanyo Shinkansen	Shin-Osaka to Hakata	Mizuho / Sakura / Hikari / Kodama / Nozomi	Approx. 2 hr 22 min
Tohoku Shinkansen	Tokyo to Shin-Aomori	Hayabusa / Yamabiko / Nasuno / Hayate	Approx. 3 hr
Hokkaido Shinkansen	Shin-Aomori to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto	Hayabusa / Hayate	Approx. 4 hr (transfer required)
Hokuriku Shinkansen	Tokyo to Tsuruga	Kagayaki / Hakutaka / Asama / Tsurugi	Approx. 2.5 hr
Joetsu Shinkansen	Tokyo to Niigata	Toki / Tanigawa	Approx. 1 hr 36 min
Yamagata Shinkansen	Tokyo to Shinjo	Tsubasa	Approx. 2 hr 44 min
Akita Shinkansen	Tokyo to Akita	Komachi	Approx. 3 hr 37 min
Kyushu Shinkansen	Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo	Mizuho / Sakura / Tsubame	Approx. 1 hr 17 min
Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen	Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki	Kamome	Approx. 30 min

Chapter 2: What Do Shinkansen Train Names Mean?

Each Shinkansen train type has a unique name that indicates its speed, stop frequency, and purpose.

▼ Common Train Types and Features:

Train Type	Features	JR Pass Availability
Nozomi	Fastest with fewest stops; business-focused	Not available
Mizuho	Fastest in western Japan	Not available
Hikari	Stops at major stations; good for tourists	Available
Sakura	Key train in Sanyo and Kyushu regions	Available
Kodama	Stops at all stations; ideal for relaxed travel	Available
Hayabusa	Fastest in Tohoku/Hokkaido; partially direct to Hokkaido	Available
Komachi	Serves Akita with shorter train cars	Available
Kagayaki	Fastest on Hokuriku line	Available

Note: Nozomi and Mizuho cannot be used with the JR Pass. Use Hikari or Sakura instead—they're nearly as fast and more affordable.

Chapter 3: How to Buy Tickets – Just 2 Easy Steps

Shinkansen tickets consist of two parts:

● Base Fare Ticket (Jōshaken): Covers distance from departure to destination
● Limited Express Ticket (Tokkyūken): Required for Shinkansen trains; includes seat type

▼ How to Buy:
① Before arriving in Japan:
- Buy a JR Pass Exchange Order online via the official JR website or travel agencies
- Some websites offer advance seat reservation—recommended during holidays or peak seasons

② After arriving in Japan:
- Midori no Madoguchi (Ticket Office): Staff assistance available; great for first-timers
- Ticket Machines: Support multiple languages and credit cards; easy to use
- Exchange JR Pass: Show your passport at the counter to receive your pass

Chapter 4: Seat Types – Reserved, Non-reserved, Green Car, Gran Class

There are several seating classes on the Shinkansen:

● Non-reserved Seat (Ordinary Car): First-come-first-served. Best for off-peak/short trips
● Reserved Seat (Ordinary Car): Seat number assigned in advance. Ideal during busy seasons
● Green Car: Spacious, quiet, and comfortable. Great for long-distance rides
● Gran Class: Premium service with snacks, drinks, and dedicated attendants (available on select lines only)

Chapter 5: Traveling with Large Luggage

If your luggage is over 160cm in total dimensions (length + width + height), reservation is required for some lines (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu).

● ≤160cm: No reservation needed; store above seat or at your feet
● 160–250cm: Must reserve a 'seat with oversized baggage area' (no extra fee)
● >250cm: Not allowed on the Shinkansen

* Bringing oversized luggage without a reservation may result in a ¥1,000 fine or denial of boarding
* Some trains will have luggage storage areas starting July 2025

Chapter 6: Boarding Process – From Station to Train

① Pass through the ticket gate
- If you have two paper tickets, insert them together into the automatic gate
- If using a JR Pass, show it at the manned gate

② Check the platform and car number
- Follow the electronic board to find the correct platform
- Line up according to your car number (boarding positions differ by train)

③ Find your seat and board
- Reserved seats: Find your assigned number
- Non-reserved seats: First-come-first-served; avoid rush hours for better chance

Chapter 7: Useful Tips to Enjoy the Shinkansen

● Free Wi-Fi: Available on newer models like N700S and E5 (connect to “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi”)
● Power outlets: Always available in Green Car/Gran Class; ordinary cars vary by train (under seat/window area)
● Best seat for Mt. Fuji view:
- Tokyo → Osaka: Seat E (right side window)
- Osaka → Tokyo: Seat D (right side window)
(Best between Shin-Yokohama and Shizuoka)
● Ekiben: Try local boxed meals sold at stations – perfect for enjoying during your ride
● Onboard sales: Some trains sell drinks, snacks, and ice cream – bring cash or IC card
● Arrive 15–20 minutes early to avoid stress

Chapter 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I ride the Nozomi with the JR Pass?
A1: No. Use Hikari, Sakura, or Kodama instead

Q2: What if I miss my reserved train?
A2: You can use the same ticket on non-reserved seats the same day. One free change allowed at the counter

Q3: How do I buy tickets for children?
A3: Under 6: free if sharing a seat with an adult. Age 6–11: child fare. Age 12+: adult fare

Q4: I don’t speak Japanese. Is that okay?
A4: Most staff speak basic English. Ticket machines are multilingual. Translation apps help too

Q5: Is the Shinkansen connected to subway or JR lines?
A5: Some stations are shared but most require walking inside the station (allow 5–10 minutes)

Q6: Can I buy tickets on the same day?
A6: Yes, but reserved seats may be sold out during peak hours. Use non-reserved seats if needed

Q7: Can I eat and drink on board?
A7: Yes! Bring food, drinks, or buy an Ekiben and enjoy the scenery

Q8: Should I buy a JR Pass?
A8: Definitely, if you plan to use Shinkansen or long-distance trains multiple times. Great value!