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.
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 |
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 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.
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
Luggage Rules
Oversized baggage reservation required On relevant Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen services, baggage with total dimensions over 160 cm requires a seat with an oversized-baggage area.
- Reserve the designated seat before boarding; the reservation itself has no added baggage fee.
- Boarding without the required reservation can incur a ¥1,000 handling fee and staff may move the bag.
- Baggage over 250 cm total is not accepted.
- Standard suitcases up to 160 cm total can normally use the overhead rack without this reservation.
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 : Tokaido Shinkansen trains are smoke-free; onboard smoking rooms were abolished on March 16, 2024
- 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
Tokaido Shinkansen smoking rooms were abolished in March 2024. JR Central announcement
For pass and route decisions, cross-check our JR Pass guide and station navigation guide.
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?
If you miss the booked train:
- Unreserved ticket: Use a later eligible train’s unreserved car, subject to the ticket conditions.
- Reserved ticket: The reserved seat is lost, but the same-day ticket may still permit an unreserved car on a later eligible train; confirm the conditions at the gate.
- SmartEX: Change the reservation in the app before departure whenever possible.
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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