Everything You Need to Know About Japan's Bullet Trains

Here’s what you need to know about Shinkansen pricing, routes, and amenities.

Japan is known for many things: ancient temples, towering skyscrapers, sushi, and first-class rail service. I’ve had the pleasure of speeding through the Japanese countryside many times, and on my most recent trip this past April, I was yet again reminded why Japan's high-speed trains are world famous.

“The first high-speed rail system, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, operated by Japan Railways (JR), began operations in Honshu in 1964. Due to the streamlined spitzer-shaped nose cone of the locomotive, the system earned the English nickname ‘the bullet train’” explains Keigo Tachihara, senior concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, a five-star hotel steps from Tokyo Station that offers a complimentary Shinkansen escort service for guests. “Running at speeds of up to 199 miles per hour, the Shinkansen services Japan’s main islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido and is famed for punctuality — most trains depart on time to the second — comfortable, quiet cars with forward-facing seats, safety, and efficiency.” The majority of travelers visiting Japan will arrive in Tokyo, but thanks to the bullet train, it’s super easy and quick to hop around to popular spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kanazawa.

Planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun? Scroll on for everything you need to know about the Shinkansen.

Keigo Tachihara is a senior concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, a five-star hotel near Tokyo Station.

Popular Bullet Train Routes

The most traveled bullet train line in the country, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto. The Sanyō Shinkansen connects Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) with Fukuoka (Hakata Station) on Kyushu and reaches speeds up to 186 miles per hour. It was completed in 1975 as the second Shinkansen line. The Jōetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Niigata. It was opened in 1982 and is operated by the East Japan Railway Company, commonly known as JR East. “It provides tourists with access to hot springs and ski resorts in Gunma and Niigata prefectures,” says Tachihara. Also operated by JR East, the Tōhoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Aomori at the northern tip of Honshu. “Sendai, Morioka, and Akita are the most popular stations,” per Tachihara. The Kyushu Shinkansen connects  Fukuoka and Kagoshima.

How to Buy Tickets

Travelers looking to ride the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines can buy individual tickets online with the SmartEX app (which is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand) from one month in advance right up to the departure time of your chosen train. Tachihara advises that the app does seem to have issues with some foreign-issued credit cards. Prices vary depending on route and fare class.

If you’re planning to travel around Japan extensively, it’s worth considering the Japan Rail Pass (also commonly called JR Pass), a nationwide rail pass for train travel in Japan that can be used only by foreign tourists and offers unlimited rides on JR trains.

What to Know About Rail Passes

Japan Rail Passes are available in increments of seven, 14, or 21 days (the validity period is for consecutive dates) and come in two types: ordinary and green car. “The latter is valid on first-class cars, which offer more spacious seats and upgraded amenities.” Passes can be purchased through the Japan Rail Pass train reservation website and at ticket offices throughout Japan. “Kindly note that Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, so tickets need to be purchased individually for those,” says Tachihara.

Related: 13 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

What to Expect on Board

Fare Classes

Ordinary cars, available on all Shinkansen trains, offer comfortable seats arranged in a three-by-two or two-by-two layout, ample elbow room, and plenty of luggage space. Both reserved and unreserved seating options are available. An upgrade to one of the green cars, the equivalent of first-class, offers even greater comfort with seats arranged in a two-by-two layout and more space. All seats are reserved, for a more streamlined, less crowded experience. Gran Class, which is available on certain trains, provides a luxurious experience with spacious leather seats arranged in a two-by-one layout. “Passengers receive personal attention, an escort to their seat, and complimentary amenities like blankets, warm towels, slippers, and eye masks are handed out,” says Tachihara. “You can also enjoy unlimited food and drinks during the ride on certain lines.”

Services

“The Tokaido Shinkansen has a mobile food order service for green car passengers that allows riders to purchase snacks and beverages onboard by scanning a QR code. Items are then delivered directly to their seats by the onboard host/hostess,” explains Tachihara.

There’s a refreshment wagon that carries snacks, bento, beverages, and souvenirs for ordinary car passengers on Jyoetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen.

All trains have free Wi-Fi for all passengers, and there are restrooms available on board.

Tips for Traveling on Japanese Bullet Trains

• Like we said, these trains are timely and efficient, and they leave on the dot. Tachihara advises passengers to allocate ample time not only to reach the platform but also to get settled in the correct car.

• While food is sometimes available on board (on certain routes), travelers with food allergies or dietary restrictions should purchase something at the station kiosks before boarding.

• Be sure to check the luggage requirements and limitations when you book; you may need to reserve a specific seat if you have oversized luggage.

• Be mindful of other passengers. Avoid talking on the phone in the train cars, and keep your voice down when chatting with travel companions.

• Traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen leaving Tokyo? Reserve a right-side window seat for views of Mt. Fuji. 
  

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