The Bullet Train Experience: How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
Greetings, fellow traveller! Japan is a land of rich traditions, vibrant cities and mouthwatering sushi.
But amongst all its marvels, the Shinkansen bullet train stands out as an icon of modern Japan.
If buying a ticket for this high-speed wonder feels daunting, fret not! We’re here to transform this task into a breeze.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or this is your first time setting foot in the land of the rising sun, this guide is tailor-made for you.
Let’s journey through the ins and outs of the Shinkansen ticketing system together!
- Understanding the Shinkansen system
- Choosing your class
- Where and how can you buy Shinkansen tickets?
- JR Rail Pass: a golden ticket
- How can you buy Shinkansen tickets with a JR Pass to make your travel easier?
- How can you buy tickets for Nozomi Shinkansen?
- Pro tips to make your Shinkansen travel convenient
- How can you get cheap Shinkansen tickets?
Understanding the Shinkansen System
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The Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, is a network of high-speed railway lines crisscrossing Japan, offering the quickest and easiest way to explore the country. With multiple routes serving major cities and trains reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph), you can quickly reach your desired destinations.
- Tokaido Shinkansen: Connects Tokyo and Osaka via Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto.
- Sanyo Shinkansen: Links Osaka and Fukuoka (Hakata Station) and continues from where the Tokaido Shinkansen stops, passing through cities like Kobe, Okayama and Hiroshima.
- Kyushu Shinkansen: Connects Fukuoka (Hakata Station) to Kagoshima in Kyushu, passing through Kumamoto.
- Tohoku Shinkansen: Runs from Tokyo to Aomori in the northern part of Honshu, with stops in cities like Sendai and Morioka.
- Joetsu Shinkansen: Links Tokyo with Niigata, passing through Gunma and Nagaoka.
- Hokkaido Shinkansen: Connects Aomori (Shin-Aomori Station) to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto in Hokkaido, with an extension to Sapporo planned for 2030
- Hokuriku (previously known as Nagano) Shinkansen: Links Tokyo with Kanazawa via Nagano and Toyama.
- Yamagata Shinkansen: A mini-shinkansen line branching off from the Tohoku Shinkansen, connecting Fukushima to Shinjo via Yamagata.
- Akita Shinkansen: Another mini-shinkansen line branching off from the Tohoku Shinkansen, linking Morioka to Akita.
Think of it like hopping on an express subway that’s supercharged!
Choosing Your Class
There are generally three classes:
- Unreserved seats (Jiyūseki): Just as it sounds, you grab any open seat in the unreserved cars.
- Reserved seats (Shiteiseki): Secure your spot! These are for those who prefer knowing exactly where they’ll sit.
- Green car (First class) seats (Guriinsha): The luxurious choice with more space and comfier seats.
Budget travellers usually go for unreserved, but if you’re travelling during peak times (like Golden Week or Obon), reserving your tickets in advance might save you from standing for hours.
Where and How Can You Buy Shinkansen Tickets?
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At the Station:
- How to buy through ticket machines: They’re found at all major train stations. Many offer English guidance. Simply select your destination, class, and number of tickets.
- Ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi): If machines feel too robotic for you, human interaction is available at these counters.
How to buy Shinkansen tickets online: Platforms like Pelago let you book your tickets in advance. Perfect for those who like to have everything squared away before their journey.
Travel agencies: If you’re more of a hands-off planner, agencies can take care of your ticketing needs.
JR Rail Pass: A Golden Ticket
If you travel extensively around Japan, consider the Japan Rail (JR) Pass. It’s like a golden ticket that allows unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen, for a set period (4, 5, 7, 14, or 21 days).
For many, it’s a cost-saving godsend. And you can book the tickets in advance. You MUST buy the JR Pass outside Japan and receive an Exchange Order. Upon arrival, exchange this at a JR office for the actual pass.
Also, please note, that not all Shinkansen trains are covered (Nozomi/Mizuho).
How Can You Buy Shinkansen Tickets with a JR Pass to Make Your Travel Easier?
Discover Hokuriku with the 4 day JR Pass, covering Kanazawa, Fukui, Toyama, and the Japanese Alps.
Enjoy unlimited JR West network access, including bullet trains between Kanazawa and Kurobe-Unazukionsen, the express ‘THUNDERBIRD’, local trains, and buses. Dive deep into regions like Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui.
All aboard for a seamless Hokuriku exploration!
Exclusive for foreign tourists, the Hokkaido Rail Pass offers 5 or 7 days of unlimited JR Hokkaido train journeys (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen) and select buses.
Explore iconic spots like Sapporo, Tomamu, and Asahikawa easily and flexibly. Choose the duration that suits your adventure best!
Experience Japan effortlessly with the JR Pass, available for 7, 14, or 21 days, covering JR railways, local buses, monorails, and the Miyajima Ferry.
Opt for the standard Ordinary pass or indulge in the first-class comfort of the Green Class with extra amenities.
How Can You Buy Tickets for Nozomi Shinkansen?
The Nozomi Shinkansen is Japan’s fastest bullet train service, operating on the Tōkaidō and San’yō Shinkansen lines.
Connecting major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima. It epitomises efficiency and punctuality.
Nozomi trains offer state-of-the-art technology, comfort and significantly reduced travel times, symbolising Japan’s commitment to advanced rail transit.
That said, the JR Pass does not cover the Nozomi train. The same applies to the Mizuho trains.
- At the station:
- Ticket Machines: Go to a green Shinkansen ticket machine, typically found at major JR stations.
- Choose your destination and select the Nozomi service.
- Select your preferred seating type (reserved/unreserved, ordinary/Green Car).
- Pay for the ticket using cash or a card.
- Ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi):
- Visit the Shinkansen ticket office (look for the sign ‘Midori-no-Madoguchi’).
- Tell the staff your destination, that you want to use the Nozomi service and your seat preference.
- Pay as instructed
Pro-Tips to Make Your Shinkansen Travel Convenient
- Finding your platform: Platforms and tracks are marked. If in doubt, there are information counters at every station.
- Boarding: Reserved seats will have car numbers and seat numbers on your ticket. If you’re in the unreserved section, just find an open seat in the designated cars.
- Luggage: Unlike planes, there’s no formal check-in. But starting in 2020, if you’re travelling on the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu Shinkansen with oversized luggage, you’ll need to reserve a seat in the last row or pay a fee. So, travel light!
- Etiquette: Japan is all about politeness. Keep your phone on silent, speak softly, and for the love of sushi, let passengers off before boarding.
- Eki-ben: It’s a bento (boxed meal) sold at stations, tailored to local specialities. Eating an Eki-ben while watching the countryside whizz by is an essential Shinkansen experience!
- Timing: The punctuality of Japanese trains is legendary. If your ticket says 10:03, your train WILL leave at 10:03. So, be on time!
How Can You Get Cheap Shinkansen Tickets?
To secure cheap Shinkansen tickets, consider purchasing the Japan Rail (JR) Pass for unlimited rides within a set period, travelling during off-peak hours, using regional passes, or exploring ticket platforms like Pelago for discounts. Early reservations and KrisFlyer miles can also provide savings on select routes.
Get Ready for the Ride of a Lifetime with Japan's Shinkansen
And there we have it! A start-to-finish guide to make your Shinkansen journey as smooth as the ride.
Japan offers countless experiences, and travelling by bullet train is an adventure to be noticed.
With these tips in your travel toolkit, you can navigate the Shinkansen world confidently.
Remember, every incredible journey starts with a single ticket purchase. So, dive in, embrace the experience, and let the Shinkansen take you on a memorable voyage through Japan.
Safe travels, and happy exploring Japan!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use my Japan Rail (JR) Pass on all Shinkansen lines?
Mostly, yes. The JR Pass covers a majority of Shinkansen lines, but there are exceptions. The Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines aren’t covered by the standard JR Pass.
Is there Wi-Fi on the Shinkansen?
Some Shinkansen trains offer free Wi-Fi for passengers, especially on newer models and popular routes. However, it’s only universal across some trains, so it’s a good idea to check in advance or be prepared with alternative internet solutions.
How strict is the seating on the Shinkansen? Can I move if there are free seats?
If you’ve purchased a reserved ticket, you should sit in the seat assigned to you. If you have an unreserved ticket, you can sit in any open seat in the unreserved cars. If the train isn’t crowded, it’s generally okay to move to a free seat in the unreserved section, but always be respectful and aware of other passengers boarding later.
How early should I arrive at the station before my Shinkansen departure?
The beauty of the Shinkansen is its punctuality. It’s recommended to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before departure, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the station or if it’s a peak travel period.
Can I bring food and drinks onto the Shinkansen?
Yes, you can! Many passengers enjoy ‘Ekiben’, the train station bento boxes, during their ride. Just be mindful of strong-smelling foods out of consideration for fellow passengers.
