The Shinkansen, commonly known as the bullet train, is Japan's high-speed rail network renowned for its speed, efficiency, and convenience. Operating at speeds up to 320 km/h (199 mph), the Shinkansen connects major cities across Japan, making it the fastest and most reliable way to explore the country.
Tips for Traveling on the Shinkansen
Booking in Advance
Secure your tickets early, especially during holiday seasons. Especially if you travel Gran Class (Truly First)
Check Schedules
Timetables vary by line and service type, so plan your journey accordingly.
Enjoy the Views
Sit on the right side when traveling from Tokyo to Osaka for a chance to see Mount Fuji.
Shinkansen Lines and Routes Summary
Japan's Shinkansen network comprises several lines that cover the entire country, each offering unique routes and services. Here are the primary Shinkansen lines
- 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
WiFi: Available on most trains, allowing you to stay connected during your journey.
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.
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.
Explore Shinkansen High-Speed Train Services and Classes
Gran Class
Experience the ultimate in luxury travel with Gran Class. These seats offer extra-wide leather seats that recline fully, ample legroom, and personal service that includes meals, drinks, and blankets. Gran Class cars are quieter with fewer seats, ensuring a peaceful and private journey.
Green Class
Green Class, equivalent to first class, provides enhanced comfort with wider seats, more legroom, and adjustable footrests. Passengers in Green Class enjoy complimentary drinks and a serene environment, perfect for relaxing or working during your journey.
Ordinary Class
Ordinary Class offers comfortable and spacious seating, suitable for all travelers. With reclining seats, ample luggage space, and a pleasant atmosphere, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. This class is ideal for both short commutes and longer journeys.
The Evolution and History of the Shinkansen
Sanyo Shinkansen (1972): Extended the high-speed network from Osaka to Fukuoka, enhancing connectivity between the Kansai and Kyushu regions.
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.
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.
The history of the Shinkansen dates back to the early 1960s when Japan aimed to revolutionize its rail transport system. The first Shinkansen line, the Tokaido Shinkansen, opened on October 1, 1964, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics.
This line connected Tokyo and Osaka, dramatically reducing travel time between the two cities and setting a new standard for rail travel worldwide.
This line connected Tokyo and Osaka, dramatically reducing travel time between the two cities and setting a new standard for rail travel worldwide.
Tokaido Shinkansen
The Tokaido Shinkansen is Japan's busiest and most popular line, connecting Tokyo with Osaka. It was the first high-speed rail line in Japan, inaugurated in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics. This line passes through major cities, making it ideal for both business and leisure travel.
Super Fact: The Tokaido Shinkansen is the world's busiest high-speed rail line, with over 150 million passengers annually
Sanyo Shinkansen
Extending from Osaka to Fukuoka, the Sanyo Shinkansen line is known for its rapid connectivity between the Kansai and Kyushu regions. It features several types of trains, including the Nozomi, Hikari, and Sakura, each varying in speed and stops.
Super Fact: The Sanyo Shinkansen can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (185 mph)
Tohoku Shinkansen
Running from Tokyo to Aomori, the Tohoku Shinkansen is a major artery for northern Japan. It includes branches to Akita and Yamagata, providing access to scenic regions and hot springs.
Super Fact: The Hayabusa train on the Tohoku Shinkansen is the fastest in Japan, reaching speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph)
Hokkaido Shinkansen
Connecting the main island of Honshu with Hokkaido, this line runs through the Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea tunnel in the world. The Hokkaido Shinkansen currently extends to Hakodate, with future plans to reach Sapporo.
Super Fact: The Seikan Tunnel, used by the Hokkaido Shinkansen, is 53.85 kilometers (33.46 miles) long, making it the world's longest undersea tunnel
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Connecting the main island of Honshu with Hokkaido, this line runs through the Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea tunnel in the world. The Hokkaido Shinkansen currently extends to Hakodate, with future plans to reach Sapporo.
Super Fact: The Hokuriku Shinkansen will extend to Tsuruga via Fukui in 2024, further enhancing connectivity
Kyushu Shinkansen
Covering the island of Kyushu from north to south, this line connects Fukuoka with Kagoshima. It provides a fast and comfortable way to explore Kyushu’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Super Fact: The Kyushu Shinkansen is known for its earthquake-resistant technology, ensuring safety and reliability
Joetsu Shinkansen
The Joetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo with the coastal city of Niigata, famous for its seafood, hot springs, and ski resorts. This line offers a relaxing journey with scenic views of the countryside.
Super Fact: The Joetsu Shinkansen is popular for winter sports enthusiasts heading to the ski resorts in Niigata
Akita Shinkansen
A branch line of the Tohoku Shinkansen, the Akita Shinkansen runs through scenic rural landscapes and offers a direct route from Tokyo to Akita. The E6 series, known as the Super Komachi, operates on this line.
Super Fact: The Akita Shinkansen trains can reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) on the Tohoku line
Yamagata Shinkansen
Another branch of the Tohoku Shinkansen, the Yamagata line provides access to the picturesque region of Yamagata, known for its hot springs and cherry orchards. The Tsubasa trains service this line.
Super Fact: The Yamagata Shinkansen runs on a narrower gauge track, allowing it to navigate through mountainous terrains
Frequently Asked Questions about Shinkansen Bullet Trains:
What makes the Shinkansen different from other high-speed trains?
What makes the Shinkansen different from other high-speed trains?
The Shinkansen stands out due to its exceptional speed, punctuality, and safety. It operates at speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph) with an average delay of less than a minute annually. Advanced technology and meticulous maintenance contribute to its unmatched reliability and safety record.
How do I purchase Shinkansen tickets, and can I buy them online?
How do I purchase Shinkansen tickets, and can I buy them online?
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at JR ticket counters and online through the official websites of JR companies. But if you have a payment method issued outside of Japan, then we recommend to purchase online from our partner.
What are the different classes of service available on the Shinkansen?
What are the different classes of service available on the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen offers three main classes: Ordinary (Standard), Green Car (First Class), and Gran Class (Premium). Ordinary class provides comfortable seating, Green Car offers more spacious seats and additional amenities, while Gran Class provides luxury seating with personalized service and enhanced comfort.
What amenities are available on Shinkansen trains?
What amenities are available on Shinkansen trains?
Shinkansen trains offer various amenities, including free WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and clean restrooms. Some trains also provide vending machines, food carts, and even reserved spaces for luggage, making your journey comfortable and convenient.
How early should I arrive at the station before my Shinkansen departure?
How early should I arrive at the station before my Shinkansen departure?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your departure. This allows time for ticket validation, navigating the station, and boarding. During peak travel times, arriving earlier can help ensure a smooth start to your journey.
What is the most scenic Shinkansen route for tourists?
What is the most scenic Shinkansen route for tourists?
The Tokaido Shinkansen route between Tokyo and Osaka offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days. For a scenic journey through the countryside and Japanese Alps, the Hokuriku Shinkansen route from Tokyo to Kanazawa is highly recommended.
Are there any discounts available for tourists?
Are there any discounts available for tourists?
Tourists can benefit from various passes like the Japan Rail Pass, which offers significant savings for unlimited travel on JR lines.
What should I do if I miss my train?
What should I do if I miss my train?
If you have a reserved seat, visit the ticket counter for assistance. For non-reserved seats, simply catch the next available train.
Watch about Shinkansen Train Reviews
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 Shinkansen Train is more than just a mode of transportation; it's an experience that embodies the innovation and efficiency of Japan. Whether you're a tourist exploring the country's landmarks or a business traveler on a tight schedule, the Shinkansen offers an unparalleled travel experience. Book your tickets today and embark on a high-speed adventure across Japan!
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.
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.
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