Shinkansen is probably the most generally used technique of transportation for long-distance journey inside Japan. On the Shinkansen, you possibly can relaxation on snug seats and arrive at your vacation spot in a short while.
To make use of Shinkansen, you first want to purchase a ticket. This text will summarize details about Shinkansen, varieties of tickets and issues to notice earlier than shopping for tickets .
※This text will introduce preferential tickets for each Japanese and vacationers to Japan.
Amongst them, free passes are offered on Klook similar to “Japan Rail Move” for vacationers to Japan. Japanese individuals ought to take notice.
To seek out inexpensive lodging, attempt Reserving.com , Rakuten Journey can earn Rakuten factors.
Index:
1. Sorts of Shinkansen
2. Sorts of Shinkansen seats
ーTypes of Shinkansen tickets
ーRegulations for bringing “giant baggage” on the Shinkansen
3. Tips on how to purchase Shinkansen tickets: purchase on-line
ーWhen the vacation spot is Japanese Japan
ーWhen the vacation spot is Western Japan
ーWhen touring between Japanese and Western Japan
ーWhen touring round Japan
4. Tips on how to purchase tickets on the station
5. After getting the ticket?
6. Thoughtful providers on the Shinkansen
7. Ceaselessly requested questions
1. Sorts of Shinkansen
| Shinkansen | Ship title |
| Hokkaido Shinkansen (a part of the prepare is blue) | Hayabusa, Hayate |
| Tohoku Shinkansen (Yamagata, Akita Shinkansen, a part of the pink prepare) | Hayabusa, Hayate, Yamabiko, Nasuno, Komachi (Akita Shinkansen), Tsubasa (Yamagata Shinkansen) |
| Joetsu Shinkansen (a part of the pink prepare) | Toki, Tanigawa |
| Hokuriku Shinkansen (a part of the purple prepare) | Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama, Tsurugi |
| Tokaido Shinkansen (a part of the prepare is yellow-green) | Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama |
| Sanyo Shinkansen (a part of the inexperienced prepare) | Mizuho, Nozomi, Sakura, Hikari, Kodama |
| Kyushu Shinkansen (a part of the yellow prepare) | Mizuho, Sakura, Tsubame |
| Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (orange prepare part) | Kamome |
2. Sorts of Shinkansen seats
There are 4 varieties of seats on the Shinkansen: reserved seats, unreserved seats, Inexperienced seats, and Gran seats .
Assigned seating
Assigned seats assure a seat once you purchase a ticket, so you do not have to fret about not having a seat. If in case you have selected the date, time, and route, you can purchase a seat ticket to keep away from stress and fatigue.
Free seat
Relying on the Shinkansen, will probably be totally different, however often the primary 1 to three automobiles shall be non-reserved seats . In case you purchase a ticket for a non-reserved seat, you possibly can sit wherever in that automobile. The ticket worth for a non-reserved seat is often about 500 yen cheaper than a reserved seat.
Non-reserved seating tickets don’t assure a seat. Throughout peak durations similar to the tip of the yr, New Yr’s Day, or Golden Week, trains are sometimes absolutely booked, so you might have to face for all the journey.
Inexperienced Ticket
Relying on the Shinkansen, for instance the Tohoku Shinkansen that passes by means of the Tohoku space might not have unreserved seating, solely reserved seating, so it is best to verify your Shinkansen tickets for the routes you intend to soak up advance.
The variety of Inexperienced tickets could be very small, in comparison with the reserved seats, the ticket worth is a couple of thousand yen increased, however the seats are extra spacious than traditional, you possibly can sit extra comfortably and quietly.
Come on, huge one.
Gran Tickets are solely obtainable on the Tohoku Shinkansen, Hokkaido Shinkansen (E5, H5), Hokuriku Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen (E7, W7) traces, with high-class, luxurious interiors, glorious service and cozy tools. In comparison with Inexperienced seats, Gran seats are extra spacious, offering a snug feeling even when touring for a very long time.
Sorts of Shinkansen tickets
To make use of Shinkansen, you want 2 varieties of tickets: boarding ticket and categorical ticket .
Boarding tickets are used to journey from the boarding station to the alighting station, categorical tickets are used to board categorical trains.
In contrast to common journey tickets, when shopping for a one-way ticket for categorical trains like Shinkansen, you’ll obtain two varieties of tickets: a boarding ticket and an categorical ticket (in some circumstances, they’re mixed into one ticket). When the employees checks your boarding ticket, please current each the boarding ticket and the categorical ticket concurrently proven within the photograph.
Rules for bringing “giant baggage” on Shinkansen
From Could 2020, when utilizing Shinkansen trains, a reservation is required for baggage with a complete size, width and top of 160 to 250 cm (equal to worldwide checked baggage). There’s baggage area on the prepare (together with child strollers). If you don’t make a reservation, you’ll have to pay 1,000 yen. Baggage exceeding the desired dimension is not going to be allowed on the prepare.
When carrying giant baggage, please reserve a “seat with particular area for giant baggage” or “seat with particular angle for giant baggage”. You’ll be able to reserve a seat on-line or by means of the ticket machine on the station.
As well as, the “giant baggage nook” subsequent to the bathroom within the prepare automobile is situated removed from the seats, so it’s outfitted with a locking perform. To lock it, it’s good to use a contactless IC card like a site visitors IC card. Please examine the detailed info on the official web site.
※Reserved seat automobiles or some designated seat automobiles that shouldn’t have “seats with particular area for giant baggage” or “seats with particular corners for giant baggage” can’t carry “giant baggage”.
3. Tips on how to purchase Shinkansen prepare tickets: purchase on-line
Picture by Pixta
In Japan, throughout events similar to the tip of the yr and the start of the brand new yr, Golden Week, Obon in mid-August, or holidays, the Shinkansen could be very crowded. In lots of circumstances, the reserved seats are full, so it is best to e book your tickets early .
As well as, throughout Japan’s three main holidays (Golden Week, Obon, and New Yr), many trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen traces shouldn’t have unreserved seats. Please examine the data right here upfront.
After accessing the ticket reserving web page, please e book tickets within the following order on the pages. Typically, it would observe the order of “select Shinkansen” → “location, date and time to choose up ticket” → “select free ticket or assigned seat” → “select seat location, variety of individuals”.
In lots of circumstances, after reserving tickets, you want to choose up your tickets at “Midori no Madoguchi” or on the ticket machine . You must decide up your tickets upfront on the station or go early to have time to choose up your tickets.
As well as, relying on the area, the ticket reserving web site can be totally different. The article will introduce easy methods to e book JAPAN RAIL PASS tickets that may journey all through Japan . In case you go to Kanazawa, Sendai or Hokkaido, select the East Japan area. In case you go to Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, select the West Japan area .
In case the vacation spot is in Japanese Japan space
Excerpt from the article “Kanazawa Pattern Route by Rental Bicycle “Machinori”!”
The economical alternative when touring between Tokyo ⇔ Osaka is “Platt Kodama”. A reserved seat ticket on the common prepare of “Kodama” will be bought from 11,200 yen ~. You’ll be able to reserve tickets from 10 hours earlier than boarding one month (similar day of the earlier month). For Japanese individuals, make sure you test it out!
For different varieties of tickets, please examine the JR East homepage.
JR East Japan homepage :
https://www.eki-net.com/computer/private/yoyaku/wb/Widespread/ReserveTop/ReserveTop.aspx
※Consumer registration is required to buy tickets (free).
For vacationers coming to Japan, there shall be a free cross to economize when visiting the Tohoku, Hokuriku, Nagano, Niigata areas. The data is posted on the hyperlink under, please attempt to look it up.
If the vacation spot is Western Japan
Excerpt from “10 Issues You Need to Do in Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori!”
Much like East Japan, when touring between Tokyo ⇔ Osaka there may be additionally “Platt Kodama”, reserved seats for normal trains of “kodama” will be bought from 11,200 yen.
There’s additionally a handy software when reserving Shinkansen prepare tickets from Tokyo to Kagoshima heart known as “ Sensible EX ”. You’ll be able to set up this software to e book tickets, on the day of boarding, simply contact your smartphone to the ticket gate to board the prepare.
Sensible EX:
https://jr-central.co.jp/ex/good/
For different varieties of tickets, please examine the JR West Japan homepage.
JR West Japan homepage :
https://e5489.jr-odekake.web/e5489/cspc/CBTopMenuPC
Western Japan additionally has many free passes for vacationers coming to Japan, that are very appropriate for many who wish to go to Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and so forth. Please attempt wanting up the hyperlinks under!
In case of journey between East Japan and West Japan
Image courtesy of pixta
In case you are a vacationer touring to Japan from Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto and from Osaka, Kyoto again to Tokyo, it is best to use the 7-day JR Hokuriku Arch Move . From Kyoto, you’ll take the “Hayabusa” categorical prepare to Kanazawa, then from Kanazawa you’ll take the Hokuriku Shinkansen line again to Tokyo. In case you use this ticket, you possibly can journey a wider vary.
Case of touring round Japan
If you wish to journey round Japan, it is best to use the JAPAN RAIL PASS for vacationers to Japan. This can be a ticket that means that you can trip the Shinkansen and categorical trains for 7 days and prices 50,000 yen.
The Shinkansen fare from Tokyo ~ Osaka (reserved seat, a technique) is 14,450 yen. If in case you have a JR cross, the Shinkansen for lengthy distances will even save time and be very handy.
Nonetheless, it isn’t doable to board all Shinkansen trains with simply this ticket . For instance, when utilizing the quickest “Nozomi” prepare for the Tokyo ~ Hakata route, a separate boarding ticket and categorical prepare ticket are required. Due to this fact, it’s good to use “Hikari” or “Kodama”.
With the “Nozomi” prepare ticket, from October 1, 2023, “ Nozomi, Mizuho use tickets solely for Japan Rail Move ” shall be offered, permitting you to board “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” trains. You should buy extra use tickets to extend your alternative of prepare routes and construct a extra versatile journey plan.
JAPAN RAIL PASS is a ticket that it’s good to buy earlier than touring from designated ticket gross sales factors in your nation. After coming into Japan, you possibly can alternate it for a ticket on the ticket alternate counter. As well as, this ticket can be bought at main stations all through Japan or at airports. For extra info, please go to the homepage.
4. Tips on how to purchase tickets on the station
In case of shopping for Shinkansen tickets on the station, please use “ Midori no Madoguchi ” (Ticket Workplace) or ticket machine . In case of shopping for Shinkansen tickets after arriving in Japan, please discuss with this technique.
“Midori no Madoguchi” at Ueno Station
Shinkansen tickets will be bought straight at “ Midori no Madoguchi ” or computerized ticket machines.
Benefits : Really feel protected as a result of there are station employees to help.
Disadvantages : Lengthy queues, relying on the station, there might not be multilingual help.
In case you purchase tickets on the “Midori no Madoguchi” counter, skilled employees will help you. In case you are a foreigner who doesn’t know Japanese, it is best to notice down the details about the prepare station, departure time and the kind of seat you wish to purchase upfront. You simply want to point out the notice straight on the counter to simply purchase tickets.
In case you could have selected the boarding time and route, you can too purchase a ticket with assigned seats. You’ll not have to fret about preventing for seats or not having a seat when boarding the prepare.
In case you do not wish to queue at Midori no Madoguchi, you can too purchase tickets on the computerized ticket machine.
You’ll be able to select your language on the ticket machine.
You must notice down the route, boarding date and time, and the kind of ticket you wish to purchase upfront to make issues smoother.
First, register an account on the ticket reserving web site. Then choose the kind of Shinkansen you wish to take, select a non-reserved seat or a reserved seat, choose the seat location and variety of individuals.
One factor to notice is that most often, after reserving a ticket, it’s good to decide up your ticket at Midori no Madoguchi or a ticket machine . Reserving on-line is just not sufficient. In case you can’t decide up your ticket upfront, you possibly can go on to the station on the day of departure to choose up your ticket.
After getting tickets?
At Shinkansen departure and arrival stations, there are separate ticket gates for Shinkansen , totally different from the ticket gates for normal trains. The way in which to undergo the ticket gates is identical as for different trains, you simply want to point out the ticket you could have bought by means of the ticket gate.
The digital board shows the time and vacation spot of the trains. After confirming, please go to the platform to attend for the prepare. For non-reserved seats, please verify “which automobile has non-reserved seats?”, then line up and await the prepare to reach.
There are often foods and drinks outlets close to the ticket gates , so you can purchase some earlier than boarding. There are additionally foods and drinks providers on the Shinkansen.
5. Attentive service on the Shinkansen
On Shinkansen trains immediately there are various handy providers similar to meals counters, energy retailers, Wi-Fi, cabinets, and bogs with diaper altering tables.
Cellular Gross sales Service on Shinkansen
Presently, on some Shinkansen trains, there’s a cellular merchandising service utilizing carts. You should purchase sweets, snacks, drinks or Shinkansen merchandise.
Energy outlet
Most seats on the Shinkansen are outfitted with energy retailers. You should utilize the ability retailers subsequent to your seats to cost digital units similar to smartphones and laptops.
Wi-Fi
Image courtesy of PRTIMES
Once you activate the Wi-Fi perform in your digital gadget, you should utilize the Wi-Fi service known as “ Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi ”. You should utilize Wi-Fi without cost by merely registering an e mail handle. The Wi-Fi connection time will differ relying on the prepare automobile, however after connecting, the Wi-Fi service will mechanically disconnect after about half-hour to 1 hour, it’s good to reconnect once more if you wish to proceed utilizing it.
Bringing “giant baggage” on the Shinkansen
Presently, Shinkansen trains have arrange giant baggage assortment areas at the back and front of the prepare automobiles. In case you are carrying giant baggage, it is best to select a seat on the entrance or again of the prepare automobile.
Toilet with altering desk
Some prepare automobiles even have multi-function bogs that may change diapers for youngsters, making a extra handy atmosphere for vacationers with younger youngsters.
What number of Shinkansen trains are there in all of Japan?
There are 10 Shinkansen.
・Hokkaido Shinkansen (Shin Aomori ~ Shin Hakodate Hokuto)
・Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo ~ Shin Aomori)
・Akita Shinkansen (Morioka ~ Akita)
・Yamagata Shinkansen (Fukushima ~ Shin)
・Joetsu Shinkansen (Omiya ~ Niigata)
・Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo ~ Shin Osaka)
・Hokuriku Shinkansen (Takasaki ~ Kanazawa)
・Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin Osaka ~ Hakata)
・Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata ~ Kagoshima Chuo)
・Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo Onsen ~ Nagasaki)
What automobiles does the Shinkansen have?
・Gran Class: obtainable solely on Tohoku, Hokkaido Shinkansen (E5, H5), Hokuriku Shinkansen (E7, W7), Joetsu Shinkansen (E7). The best degree of service, guaranteeing spacious private area. Limitless seasonal snacks, drinks, and alcoholic drinks are served. Nonetheless, not all trains supply eating providers.
・Inexperienced Automotive: similar to Enterprise class, organized in “2×2”, extra spacious than common automobiles. Seats have energy retailers, small tables, and lights, creating snug situations for engaged on the prepare.
・Reserved seating: There’s often an extra payment to order a reserved seat.
・Reserved seats: no extra cost to order a chosen seat.
Tips on how to purchase Shinkansen tickets?
Tickets will be bought at Midori no Madoguchi at JR stations or at computerized ticket machines, and can be reserved on-line. To keep away from crowds throughout peak occasions similar to the tip of the yr, New Yr, Golden Week, Obon, and so forth., it is suggested to e book early. Weekends may be full.
The reserving web site varies relying on the area. Presently, you can too e book Shinkansen tickets by means of web sites similar to KLOOK. You must e book by means of this if you don’t want a JR Move for brief journeys.
Tips on how to purchase JR Move?
In case you are touring all through Japan, it is best to use the “JAPAN RAIL PASS”. This can be a ticket that means that you can use transportation together with the Shinkansen at a particular worth for a sure time period. From October 1, 2023, the value of the JAPAN RAIL PASS has been adjusted. The brand new worth begins at 50,000 yen to be used over a 7-day interval.
If you buy a “JAPAN RAIL PASS”, you’ll buy an alternate ticket at a chosen ticket gross sales level in your house nation earlier than touring, and you’ll obtain the JR Move on the alternate level after arriving in Japan. You can too buy it at main JR stations in Japan or at airports. Please examine the official web site for particulars.
As well as, you should purchase and e book Shinkansen tickets all through Japan through KLOOK.
Ought to I purchase a “JR Move” when touring to Tokyo?
When touring to Tokyo, in the event you solely go to locations within the 23 wards of Tokyo, it is best to use the “Tokyo Subway Ticket” or “Tokyo 1-Day Ticket (Tokyo free sightseeing ticket)”.
Nonetheless, if you’re touring throughout a large space by means of the prefectures, departing from Tokyo, you can purchase the “JR Tokyo Large Move”! You should utilize the Tohoku Shinkansen (in the direction of Utsunomiya), Joetsu Shinkansen (in the direction of Echigo Yuzawa), Hokuriku Shinkansen (in the direction of Karuizawa).
Authentic article writer: Miki Takeshita
This text is rewritten from the article posted on April 15, 2014.
