The Shinkansen, Japan’s iconic bullet train, is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a high-speed gateway to exploring the country.
Whether you’re traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto or soaking in the serene landscapes of northern Japan, the Shinkansen offers an amazing travel experience.
In this 2024 updated guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from booking your tickets and understanding the various train lines to insider tips on getting the most out of your journey.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned Japan explorer, this guide will ensure your Shinkansen experience is smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.
If you would like to know about the seasonal things to do in Japan, please click this link!
Before I will talk about this guide, I will show the view from Shinkansen. I took this photo on a trip to Mie Prefecture, while riding the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. Outside the window, you can see Mt. Fuji, one of Japan’s most iconic symbols. On clear days like this, it’s especially beautiful. While you’re on the train, you’ll sometimes hear an announcement letting passengers know that Mt. Fuji is in view—so make sure to listen for it and enjoy the sight!
Information of Shinkansen
The Shinkansen is known for its speed and punctuality. When Queen Elizabeth visited Japan, the train not only arrived on time as expected, but something remarkable happened: at a spot where Mount Fuji was visible, the train slowed down so she could enjoy the view. Despite this brief slowdown, the Shinkansen still managed to arrive precisely on schedule, highlighting its impressive efficiency and reliability.
There are three types of seats on the Shinkansen: Green Seat, Reserved Seat, and Non-Reserved Seat. The difference between Reserved and Non-Reserved seats is whether or not you have a specific seat assigned. But Green Seats are different in a few ways:
- Seat Space and Comfort Green Seat seats are wider, recline more and have more legroom. It’s 2+2 seating so it feels more private.
- Green Seat seats are made with higher quality materials and softer cushions so it’s very comfortable even for long trips. The headrests and armrests are adjustable so you can really relax.
- More Expensive Green Seat tickets are more expensive than regular seats—1,000 to several thousand yen more. But you get more comfort and better service.
1st – Purchase Shinkansen Ticket
The prices of shinkansen are various and the price is changed depending on where you will purchase the tickets and whether you are a student or not.
Usually purchasing the tickets on the online website is cheaper than the other purchasing options.
Please take a look at this graph. It shows a comparison of prices when booking tickets through various websites or using student discounts. As you can see, booking through JR’s Eki-Net platform generally allows you to purchase tickets at a more affordable rate. Additionally, JR offers tours that include discounted tickets, so I recommend checking those out as well for even better deals!
SAME DAY TICKET – Purchase it at a station
Unless you decide to go to some places by Shinkansen, you would not rather purchase the tickets at the station.
Because they sell the original price and the difference between the prices is much more than you expected.
Here is the link to purchase it at a station(Official site).
Purchase on Eki-Net
This is the most reasonable way to book the tickets for everyone.
Even though you are a student, you can purchase the tickets cheaper than using a student discount.
However, the range of the discount depends on the duration that you would like to use.
There are various options of the tickets prices. And if you have already decided to purchase the tickets of Shinkansen, you would rather purchase the tickets before 28 days.
This is the official site and you can explore the other fare.
ROUND TRIP DISCOUNT
This discount is called ‘smartEX-round trip’.
And if you would like to book the tickets for the destination which is apart over 600km from the departure place, you could get a discount of around 10%OFF.
From Tokyo, the two main stations that are over 600 km away and accessible by Shinkansen are Hiroshima Station and Hakata Station:
- Hiroshima Station: Located about 800 km from Tokyo, it takes roughly 4 hours by Shinkansen to reach. Hiroshima is a well-known tourist destination with landmarks like the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine. It’s also famous for its oysters.
- Hakata Station: Situated around 1,100 km from Tokyo, the journey by Shinkansen takes about 5 hours. Located in Fukuoka, Hakata is the heart of the region’s culinary and cultural scene. Hakata Ramen, one of Japan’s most famous ramen styles, originates here at restaurants like Ichiran. Other local specialties include mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and motsunabe (offal hotpot). If these sound appealing, Hakata is a must-visit!
If you would like to explore more, please this official website.
STUDENT DISCOUNT
Shinkansen has a deal that is 20%OFF if you are a student.
Even though many websites say that students can purchase the tickets at a student discount price, this deal is only for students who study in Japan.
Of course, The people who come from other countries can also buy Shinkansen tickets at a student discount, but the process can be a bit more complicated. So, instead of going through the steps to use the student discount, I recommend purchasing directly through Eki-Net for an easier experience.
So, eventually, everyone would rather purchase the tickets though the eki-net.
2nd – Eating EKIBEN in Shinkansen
An ekiben (駅弁) is a special type of Japanese bento box meal that is sold at train stations and on trains throughout Japan.
Combining “eki” (station) and “ben” (short for bento), these portable meals are designed to be enjoyed during train, especially on long-distance routes.
Each station has a unique lunch box and you can purchase a lunch box when you visit the station.
If you would like to explore more about the each famous Eki-ben, please click this link(Written in Japanese)
