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.
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.
This table shows the price difference between the site and your age.
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.
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.
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)
