Complete Shinkansen Guide

What Is the Shinkansen?

The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed rail network, operated by Japan Railways (JR). Trains reach speeds of up to 320 km/h and are famous for near-perfect punctuality. The average delay per train is measured in seconds, not minutes.

Key lines from Tokyo:

Line	Operator	Key Destinations	Top Speed
Tokaido	JR Central	Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka	285 km/h
Sanyo	JR West	Hiroshima, Hakata (Fukuoka)	300 km/h
Tohoku	JR East	Sendai, Morioka, Shin-Aomori	320 km/h
Hokuriku	JR East / JR West	Kanazawa, Toyama	260 km/h
Joetsu	JR East	Niigata	275 km/h
Hokkaido	JR Hokkaido	Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto	260 km/h

Popular Routes and Fares (2026)

Prices below are for Ordinary Car, reserved seat, during regular season. Peak season (New Year, Golden Week, Obon) adds about ¥200.

Route	Train	Time	Fare (one-way)
Tokyo to Kyoto	Nozomi	~2h 15min	¥14,170
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka	Nozomi	~2h 30min	¥14,720
Tokyo to Nagoya	Nozomi	~1h 40min	¥11,300
Tokyo to Hiroshima	Nozomi	~3h 55min	¥19,760
Tokyo to Hakata	Nozomi	~5h 00min	¥23,810
Tokyo to Kanazawa	Kagayaki	~2h 30min	¥14,380
Tokyo to Sendai	Hayabusa	~1h 30min	¥11,410
Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate	Hayabusa	~4h 00min	¥23,500

How to Buy Tickets

Option 1: SmartEX App (Recommended for Tourists)

The official online reservation system for Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen. Free to register, no service fee. Works with most foreign credit cards.

1. Download the SmartEX app (iOS/Android) or visit smartex.jp.
2. Create an account with your passport information and credit card.
3. Search your route, select a train and seat.
4. Pay with your credit card.
5. Board using the QR code displayed in the app — scan it at the ticket gate.
6. Changes are free until 4 minutes before departure.

Option 2: Station Ticket Machines

At any major JR station, use the green “Midori-no-Madoguchi” ticket window (みどりの窓口) or the purple ticket vending machines with passport readers.

1. Select your destination, date, and time.
2. Choose reserved or unreserved seat.
3. Pay with credit card or cash.
4. Insert the paper ticket at the Shinkansen ticket gate.

Option 3: JR-EAST Train Reservation (for Tohoku, Hokuriku, Joetsu)

JR East operates a separate online booking system at eki-net.com for the Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Joetsu Shinkansen. English interface available.

About the Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass covers most Shinkansen lines but does NOT cover the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido/Sanyo line. You must use Hikari or Kodama instead (slower, fewer departures). After the 2023 price increase, the JR Pass is only worthwhile if you take many long-distance rides within the validity period. Calculate your specific routes before buying.

Seating Classes

Unreserved (自由席 / Jiyuuseki)

About ¥1,000 cheaper than reserved. Board any unreserved car (typically cars 1-3) and sit in any open seat. No guarantee during peak times — you may have to stand.

Reserved (指定席 / Shiteiseki)

A guaranteed seat in your chosen car and seat number. Book in advance online or at the station. Recommended for all long-distance trips and essential during busy periods.

Green Car (グリーン車)

First class equivalent. Wider seats (2+2 configuration vs. 3+2), more legroom, quieter. Costs about ¥5,000-8,000 extra depending on the route.

Gran Class (グランクラス)

Available on Tohoku and Hokuriku Shinkansen. Leather seats (2+1 configuration), meals, drinks, and blankets included. About ¥10,000-15,000 extra over Ordinary Car.

How to Board

1. Find the Shinkansen gate — Separate from regular train gates at stations like Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama. Look for signs saying 新幹線 / Shinkansen.
2. Enter the gate — Insert your paper ticket or scan your QR code (SmartEX).
3. Check the departure board — Confirm your train name, time, and platform.
4. Line up at your car number — Floor markings show where each car stops.
5. Board and stow luggage — Overhead racks for smaller bags. Large suitcases (over 160cm total dimensions) require a reserved luggage space behind the last row. Book this when reserving your seat (free, but mandatory for oversized bags).

In-Car Experience

• Clean and quiet — Eat, drink, and use your laptop freely. Phone calls should be taken in the vestibule area between cars.
• Power outlets — Available on all N700S cars (Tokaido/Sanyo). Window seats and front/rear rows are most reliable.
• Wi-Fi — Free on most Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Quality varies.
• Food and drinks — Vending machines are on board. For ekiben (station lunch boxes / 駅弁), buy at the platform kiosk before boarding. The in-car trolley service has been discontinued on most Tokaido Shinkansen runs.

Troubleshooting

Missed your reserved train? Your ticket is still valid for unreserved seats on any same-day train on the same route. Board an unreserved car (自由席).

Oversized luggage and no reservation? If you have luggage over 160cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and did not reserve a luggage space, you may be charged ¥1,000 at the gate or on board. Book the “oversized baggage area” (特大荷物スペース) when buying your ticket.

Want to change trains mid-trip? You can get off at any intermediate station and catch a later Shinkansen on the same route within the same day (for unreserved seats). For reserved seats, change your reservation before boarding.

Forgot something on the train? Report to the nearest station office. Shinkansen lost items are cataloged and can often be retrieved within 1-2 days.

Feeling sick? A multi-purpose room (多目的室) is available on most Shinkansen, typically near car 11. Ask the conductor.