🚄 How to Ride the Shinkansen in Japan (Full Guide by Toru Tour)
The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is Japan’s world-famous high-speed rail system. It connects major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka at speeds up to 300 km/h. It’s safe, punctual, and super comfortable — the best way to travel long distances in Japan.
1. Choose Your Route
| Line | Main Cities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka | Most popular and frequent |
| Sanyo Shinkansen | Osaka – Hiroshima – Hakata | For western Japan |
| Tohoku Shinkansen | Tokyo – Sendai – Aomori | For northern Japan |
| Hokuriku Shinkansen | Tokyo – Kanazawa | Beautiful scenery |
2. Ticket Types (Important!)
To ride the Shinkansen, you need two types of tickets:
- Basic Fare Ticket (乗車券) – Covers the distance between stations, e.g. “Tokyo → Kyoto”.
- Limited Express Ticket (特急券) – An extra fee for riding the Shinkansen (it’s a limited express train).
When you buy at a ticket office, machine, or online, these two are usually issued together.
3. How to Go Through the Gate
Insert both tickets together into the ticket gate. Take them back after passing through — you’ll need them again when exiting at your destination. At the final station, insert both tickets again; this time, they will not come out.
4. Buying Tickets
- At the Ticket Office (みどりの窓口 / JR Ticket Office) – Staff can help you in English at major stations.
- At Ticket Machines – Switch to English on screen and pay with cash or credit card.
- Online Booking – Examples:
- SmartEX (Tokaido/Sanyo lines)
- JR East Train Reservation
- Japan Rail Pass official site
5. Using IC Cards and Digital Tickets (Suica / ICOCA etc.)
In recent years, you can board with your IC card or smartphone — no paper ticket needed, if linked properly.
| Service | Area | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| SmartEX / EX Reservation | Tokaido & Sanyo lines | Book online → Tap your card/phone at the gate |
| Shinkansen e-Ticket | JR East & Hokkaido lines | Link your IC card after booking → Tap to enter |
How to use:
- Register via app or website (e.g., SmartEX, JR East e-Ticket)
- Book your train, seat, and date
- Link your IC card (Suica, ICOCA, TOICA, etc.)
- On the travel day, just tap your card or phone at the ticket gate — no paper ticket needed!
Note: You cannot use IC cards for Shinkansen without pre-booking through an official app. Simply tapping without a reservation will not work.
6. Seat Types
| Type | English | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 自由席 | Non-reserved Seat | Cheaper, sit anywhere available |
| 指定席 | Reserved Seat | Seat number assigned, guaranteed |
| グリーン車 | Green Car | Business-class comfort, quiet |
| グランクラス | Gran Class | First-class luxury, drink/snack service |
7. On the Platform
- Check the digital board for train number, departure time, and platform.
- Find your Car Number on the ground or platform signs.
- Line up neatly — doors stop exactly where the markings are.
8. Etiquette Inside the Train
- Keep voices low and avoid loud calls (phone calls only in the vestibule area).
- Eating and drinking are allowed — try an ekiben (station lunch box) 🍱.
- Put trash in bins near the doors or take it with you.
- When reclining your seat, say politely: “May I recline my seat?”
9. Luggage Rules
- Small bags → overhead rack.
- Large suitcases → behind the last row seats.
- Very large luggage (over 160cm total size) requires a reservation for a seat with oversized baggage area (Tokaido/Sanyo lines).
- Keep valuables with you at all times.
10. When Getting Off
- Listen for the arrival announcement and prepare early.
- Doors may need to be opened manually by pressing a button.
- At the gate, insert both tickets together again — they will not return.
- If unsure, ask: “Exit?” or “Where is the exit?”
11. Toru’s Travel Tips 🌟
- Travel on weekdays mid-day to avoid crowds.
- For Mt. Fuji view → Choose seat E (window, Tokyo → Osaka).
- Buy drinks/snacks at convenience stores — cheaper than onboard.
- Free onboard Wi-Fi (registration required).
- Refunds/changes can be done before departure at ticket offices.
12. Discount Passes for Foreign Visitors
| Pass Name | Coverage | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Rail Pass | Nationwide | Unlimited rides for short-term visitors |
| JR East/West/North/South Pass | Regional | Cheaper for area-based travel |
| Hokkaido Rail Pass | Hokkaido | For northern explorers |
13. In Case of Trouble
- Delay or cancellation: Ask for a “Delay Certificate” at the station.
- Lost ticket: Report to the ticket office (you may need to buy again).
- Need English help: Say “Is there anyone who speaks English?”
🚄 Experience Japan smoothly and comfortably with Toru Tour — we’ll help you ride like a local!