What you need to know before catching a bullet train in Japan - International Travel

Oct 31, 2022

Tips and tricks for catching a bullet train like a local.

A trip on a high-speed Shinkansen train is, for many people, one of the must-do experiences in Japan. Here is our beginners’ guide to doing it right:

Booking your ticket

Different shinkansen are operated by different local rail companies. Depending on which region you are travelling through you can buy your tickets on the website of JR East, JR Central, JR West or JR Kyushu. Most shinkansen have both reserved and unreserved seating but as trains can sell out, particularly at peak time, booking a reserved seat in advance is recommended.

You can also buy tickets at the railway station, either from a machine or at the counter. Your ticket will be divided into three components: the base fare, the Shinkansen supplement (called the limited express fee) and your seat reservation fee.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, travel is free on almost all shinkansen trains. (The most important exception is the express Nozomi service between Tokyo and Osaka, and between Osaka and Fukuoka/Hakata.) Get a free seat reservation at a ticket machine or ticket office.

Selecting a seat

You can book a seat either in standard class or in the Green Car, the Shinkansen’s version of business class. The carriages are similar, although green cars have larger seats with more leg room. Some shinkansen also offer a premium option called Gran Class, where attendants will bring you little luxuries such as blankets, slippers and warm towels. No matter which class you are travelling, most shinkansen have wi-fi and USB charge points.

A word about luggage

You will rarely see Japanese travellers clutching anything larger than a carry-on bag, and storage space on board the Shinkansen is tailored accordingly. If you do have a larger suitcase (160cm or above), you will need to buy an oversized luggage ticket, which comes with extra storage space.

Eating onboard

If you are used to long-distance travel in western Europe, you may be surprised to learn that most shinkansen do not have a dining car. Do as the Japanese do and pick up a bento box at the station to enjoy while you are on the train. There are always plenty to choose from, including ones featuring local specialties.

The exception is if you are travelling in Gran Class where in some cases – not all – your ticket includes complimentary snacks, drinks and bento boxes. And in case you are wondering, there are no rules against drinking alcohol on trains – in fact, you will see plenty of salarymen cracking open a beer as soon as they sit down.

Consider the alternatives

If you need to get somewhere in a hurry, the shinkansen is always your best choice. If you have more time up your sleeve, however, you might want to consider taking the scenic route. Japan has some magnificent sightseeing trains designed to showcase the best of the country’s landscapes. On Kyushu, for instance, the Yufuin No Mori takes you from Hakata station in the hub of Fukuoka to the lovely hot springs town of Yufuin, travelling through forested valleys and mountains along the way.

There are also themed train trips such as the Koshino Shu*Kura in Niigata Prefecture, an area famous for its sake. The interiors of the Koshino Shu*Kura are designed to resemble a sake brewery, complete with casks, and guests can enjoy free sake tastings as well as jazz performances.