The Shinkansen

The Shinkansen or Bullet Train is Japan’s famous high-speed rail known for its punctuality and efficiency. Traveling at speeds of up to 320 km/h, it connects various cities and regions of Japan in record time.

The easiest way to do this is directly through Google Maps. Choose the desired route and click on ‘Public Transit’ for the preferred route. Here, you’ll find all the Shinkansen connections including the Shinkansen names (important for Japan Rail Pass holders).

Costs

The ride on the Shinkansen is not exactly cheap. If you plan to travel long distances and frequently with the Shinkansen, I would recommend the Japan Rail Pass. Although it was increased by almost 70% in October 2023, it is still worthwhile for many journeys. More information can be found at Japan Rail Pass.

If you wish to book a single route, you should expect the following costs on average:

  • Tokyo – Kyoto approx. 13,000 yen
  • Tokyo – Hiroshima approx. 20,000 yen
  • Tokyo – Fukuoka approx. 22,000 yen
  • Tokyo – Hokkaido approx. 24,000 yen

Single tickets are calculated based on the distance of the route. The farther you travel, the more expensive it gets, but the longer your ticket remains valid as well.

Buying tickets & Seat reservation

Japan Rail Pass Holders

If you possess a Japan Rail Pass you can go directly to the gate. Without a seat reservation, you are only allowed to board the non-reserved area on the Shinkansen. However, on popular routes and during rush hours, it’s recommended to reserve a seat. Japan Rail Pass holders can do this for free. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the Rail Pass reservation page at https://www.japanrailpass-reservation.net and log in with your Japan Rail Pass credentials.
  2. Then, search for the respective Shinkansen, choose your preferred seat, and submit the reservation. You’ll receive an email confirmation with your seat assignment.
  3. Caution: Before your journey, you must pick up your reservation at the machine. Allocate time for this!
    • Go to a Shinkansen ticket machine, located near the Shinkansen entrance.
    • Select ‘Reserved Seat Ticket’, scan the QR code on your Japan Rail Pass, or enter its number.
    • Next, scan your passport. You’ll then receive the seat reservation.

It sounds complicated – and it is!

If you and your partner ordered both rail passes through one account, you can make reservations for them simultaneously.

Buying a ticket at the machine

Look for a ticket machine, set the language to English, and follow the instructions. Usually, you can pay with all Japanese prepaid cards and credit cards.

Important: Tickets are available as simple one-way or round-trip tickets. If you buy the return journey at the same time, it will be slightly cheaper. The longer the distance, the longer the ticket is valid. One extra day is added for every 200 km. You can also make stops along your booked route (minimum distance of 100 km between stops), but you must not travel back or deviate from the route.

First, you need to purchase a Base Fare Ticket (jōsha ryōkin). This is a basic ticket for your journey and allows you to travel to your destination using any mode of transportation. To do this at the machine:

  1. Route search
  2. Enter start and end stations
  3. Select the date from which the ticket should be valid
  4. Press “Search.”
  5. Choose train. However, you are not bound to this train because you are only getting a base fare ticket.
Shinkansen Vending Machine, Japan

After obtaining the Base Fare Ticket, you will need an additional Limited Express Ticket (tokkyū ryōkin) for the Shinkansen journey. You can either get a ticket for the entire route or for each intermediate section if you want to make stops. To get a Limited Express Ticket at the machine:

  1. Choose “Reserved Seat” or “Non-Reserved Seat”
  2. Select Shinkansen Trip
  3. Choose the corresponding Shinkansen
  4. Enter start and end stations (or intermediate station)
  5. Enter the date
  6. Choose “Purchase Limited Express Ticket only”
  7. In the next step, you can also get a return ticket if you want. Otherwise, choose “Do not purchase Return ticket.”

Get tickets at the counter

If operating the machine seems too complicated, simply get your ticket at the counter. Every Shinkansen station has a counter. However, it’s not guaranteed that the staff there can speak English. I would definitely recommend using the machines. After a few tries, you’ll get the hang of it.

Insider Tips

  • Get your tickets early. Some Shinkansen connections can be fully booked. Allow plenty of time on-site to pick up your tickets/seat reservations. During rush hours or on popular routes, queues can become very long.
  • Definitely grab a Bento Box for the Shinkansen journey. Every station offers these delicious snack boxes.
  • If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, aim for a seat on the right side. With some luck, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Traveling on the Shinkansen

Shinkansen arrivals and departures are almost precise to the second. Therefore, you don’t really need to worry about connecting trains. Even five minutes for a transfer are manageable.

At the platform barrier you insert your Japan Rail Pass ticket into the ticket slot. If you have a Base Fare and Limited Express ticket, you insert both together into the ticket slot.

Your seat reservation shows the car number. You’ll find this directly painted on the platform floor. Just stand in line here and the correct door for boarding will stop right in front of you.

Paying Public transport