Shinkansen Guide
Everything you need to know about Japan’s bullet trains — lines, train types, reserved vs unreserved seats, luggage rules, and how to book.
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Japan’s bullet trains are more than just fast — they’re punctual to the second, spotlessly clean, and surprisingly easy to use. But booking as a tourist can feel confusing: reserved vs. unreserved? Nozomi vs. Hikari? SmartEX vs. ticket counter? Here’s everything you need to know.
Best for: Anyone taking an intercity trip beyond Tokyo — Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Nagoya, and beyond.
Where each line goes
Shinkansen Lines at a Glance
| Line | Operator | Key Route | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokaido | JR Central | Tokyo → Nagoya → Kyoto → Osaka (Shin-Osaka) | 285 km/h |
| Sanyo | JR West | Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima → Hakata (Fukuoka) | 300 km/h |
| Tohoku | JR East | Tokyo → Sendai → Morioka → Shin-Aomori | 320 km/h |
| Hokuriku | JR East / JR West | Tokyo → Nagano → Kanazawa → Tsuruga | 260 km/h |
| Joetsu | JR East | Tokyo → Niigata | 275 km/h |
| Hokkaido | JR Hokkaido | Shin-Aomori → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto | 260 km/h |
| Kyushu | JR Kyushu | Hakata → Kumamoto → Kagoshima-Chuo | 260 km/h |
Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama
Train Types — Which One Should You Take?
| Type | Speed | Stops | JR Pass? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nozomi | Fastest | Fewest (major stations only) | ❌ No | Tokyo→Shin-Osaka: 2h15m |
| Hikari | Fast | Moderate | ✅ Yes | Tokyo→Shin-Osaka: 2h40m |
| Kodama | Slower | All stations | ✅ Yes | Tokyo→Shin-Osaka: 3h40m |
| Mizuho | Fastest (Sanyo/Kyushu) | Fewest | ❌ No | Shin-Osaka→Hakata: 2h15m |
| Sakura | Fast (Sanyo/Kyushu) | Moderate | ✅ Yes | Shin-Osaka→Hakata: 2h30m |
Key takeaway: If you have a JR Pass, use Hikari or Sakura. The time difference vs. Nozomi is only 15–25 minutes.
Reserved is worth it
Reserved vs. Unreserved Seats
| Reserved (指定席) | Unreserved (自由席) | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat guarantee | Yes — your specific seat | No — first come, first served |
| Extra cost | +¥530 on top of base fare | Included in base fare |
| JR Pass holders | Free & unlimited reservations | Also free |
| Recommended | Peak season, weekends, long routes | Off-peak, short trips |
Tip: JR Pass holders should always reserve — it’s free and guarantees a seat.
SmartEX, machine, counter
How to Book
Option 1: SmartEX App (Recommended for non-JR Pass)
- Download SmartEX app (iOS / Android)
- Register with passport info and credit card
- Book and pay in-app → receive QR code
- Tap QR at Shinkansen ticket gate (Tokaido/Sanyo lines only)
Option 2: Ticket Machines
- Look for 指定席券売機 (Reserved Seat Ticket Machine) at JR stations
- English interface available
- Pay by credit card or cash
Option 3: JR Ticket Counter
- Find みどりの窓口 (Midori no Madoguchi / Green Window)
- Show your route request on paper or phone — staff handle the rest
- JR Pass holders: reserve seats here or at ticket machines
Big bags need a reservation
Luggage Rules
Oversized Baggage Reservation Required Since May 2020, luggage exceeding 160 cm total (L+W+H) requires an oversized baggage seat reservation (特大荷物スペースつき座席). This is a reserved seat at the back of the car with a luggage space behind it. – Free to reserve in advance – ¥1,000 penalty if you board without reserving – Maximum size: 250 cm total – Standard suitcases (under 160 cm) can go in overhead racks — no reservation needed
Grab an ekiben, sit right
Practical Tips
Pro Tips – Mount Fuji view: Sit on the right side (window seat E) heading from Tokyo to Osaka, left side (window seat A) heading back – Food: Buy an ekiben (station bento) before boarding — it’s a Shinkansen tradition. Major stations have dedicated ekiben shops on the platform – Smoking: All Shinkansen are non-smoking. Some Tokaido Shinkansen have designated smoking rooms between cars – Wi-Fi: Free on Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen — connect to “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi” – Outlets: Most seats have power outlets (varies by train age). Window seats and front-row seats are most reliable – Timing: Arrive at the platform 10 min early. Trains depart on the second — they will not wait
Common questions
FAQ
Do I need to print my ticket?
If you booked via SmartEX, you can use the QR code on your phone. If you booked at a machine or counter, you’ll have a paper ticket — keep it for the entire journey.
Can I change trains mid-route?
Yes, if your ticket covers the route. For example, a Tokyo→Shin-Osaka ticket lets you hop off at Kyoto and take a later train to Shin-Osaka. Reserved seat reservations are for a specific train, but the base ticket is valid all day.
What if I miss my train?
– Unreserved ticket: Take any later train’s unreserved car – Reserved ticket: Your reservation is void, but you can ride unreserved cars on a later train the same day (same route) – SmartEX: Change your reservation in the app before departure
Is Green Car (first class) worth it?
Green Car offers wider seats (2+2 layout), more legroom, and quieter cabins. For a 2.5-hour Tokyo→Osaka ride, the extra ~¥5,000 is a nice luxury but not essential. Standard cars are already very comfortable.
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