- Shinkansen Train Classes
- History of the Shinkansen
- Tokaido Shinkansen: Connects Tokyo with Osaka, passing through Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kyoto.
- Sanyo Shinkansen: Extends from Osaka to Fukuoka, with stops in Hiroshima and Okayama.
- Tohoku Shinkansen: Runs from Tokyo to Aomori, including branches to Akita and Yamagata.
- Hokkaido Shinkansen: Connects Aomori to Hakodate, with future extensions to Sapporo.
- Hokuriku Shinkansen: Links Tokyo with Kanazawa, and soon to be extended to Tsuruga.
- Kyushu Shinkansen: Covers the island of Kyushu from Fukuoka to Kagoshima.
- Joetsu Shinkansen: Connects Tokyo with Niigata, famous for its hot springs and ski resorts.
- Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen: Mini-Shinkansen lines branching from the Tohoku Shinkansen to Akita and Yamagata respectively.
- FAQ about Shinkansen Bullet Train
- Watch Shinkansen Train Reviews
Quick info about Shinkansen Trains
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Types of Shinkansen Trains
Shinkansen trains come in three main types, catering to different travel needs:
Fast Trains: Limited stops, ideal for long-distance travel.
Semi-Fast Trains: More stops than fast trains, balancing speed and convenience.Local Trains: Stops at every station, perfect for shorter trips.
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Ticketing and Seat Reservations
The cost includes a base fare and a limited express fee, with optional seat reservations and Green Car (business class). You can check Shinkansen timetable here.
Reserved Seats: Ensure a specific seat, highly recommended during peak travel times.
Non-Reserved Seats: More flexible and often cheaper, but seating is first-come, first-served.
Green Car Seats: Offers enhanced comfort with spacious seating and extra amenities.
Gran Class Seats: Truly First class experience. Very limited availability, preferable to book online well in advance.
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Onboard Amenities and Services
Baggage Allowance: Passengers can bring up to two pieces of luggage within size and weight limits. For oversized luggage, reservations are required.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly facilities and designated seating areas ensure accessibility for all passengers.
Bicycles and Pets: Bicycles can be carried in bags, and small pets are allowed in containers.
The Evolution and History of the Shinkansen
Tohoku Shinkansen (1982): Connected Tokyo with the northern region of Tohoku, providing faster access to cities like Sendai and Morioka.
Joetsu Shinkansen (1982): Linked Tokyo with Niigata, offering a route to the Sea of Japan coast.
Hokuriku Shinkansen (1997): Initially opened for the Nagano Winter Olympics, this line connects Tokyo with the Sea of Japan coast, and will extend further to Tsuruga by 2024.
Kyushu Shinkansen (2004): Covers the island of Kyushu, linking Fukuoka with Kagoshima.
Hokkaido Shinkansen (2016): Connects Aomori on the main island of Honshu with Hakodate on Hokkaido, with future plans to extend to Sapporo.
Mini-Shinkansen Lines: The Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen lines branch off from the Tohoku Shinkansen, serving the rural regions with slightly narrower gauge tracks.
This line connected Tokyo and Osaka, dramatically reducing travel time between the two cities and setting a new standard for rail travel worldwide.
Travelers' Experiences
Watch real travelers share their experiences and discover why the Shinkansen High-Speed Train is their preferred choice
Watch Yourself
Hear what customers are saying about the comfort, speed, and convenience of the Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Osaka in these detailed reviews
The Impact of Shinkansen on Japan
The introduction of the Shinkansen has had a profound impact on Japan's economy, society, and culture. These high-speed trains have significantly reduced travel times, making it possible for people to commute between cities efficiently. This has facilitated business travel, tourism, and regional development.
Moreover, the Shinkansen network is renowned for its safety, punctuality, and technological innovation. Japan's commitment to maintaining high standards in rail travel has made the Shinkansen a model for high-speed rail systems around the world.
The Future of Shinkansen
Japan continues to expand and improve its Shinkansen network. Upcoming projects include the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga and the full extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sapporo by 2030. These expansions will further enhance the connectivity and efficiency of Japan's rail network, ensuring that the Shinkansen remains a vital part of the country's infrastructure.