2024 Japan Shinkansen Guide: Price, Tickets & FAQs
On our Japan spring trip, we took the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo. Aside from seeing the cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji, it is also on our bucket list to ride Japan’s bullet train, which is one of the world’s fastest, running at a speed of 300-320kph.
If you want to hop on the Japan bullet train as you explore the Land of the Rising Sun, we’ve created this Shinkansen guide for you.
What is a Japan Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen is Japan’s world-renowned bullet train operated by Japan Railways (JR) Group. This high-speed train connects the major islands and cities of Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and many more destinations.
|
Tip: If you have your Japan Rail Pass, you can get unli rides on the Shinkansen as well as JR trains, buses, and ferries. Read our JR Pass guide to learn more. |
Shinkansen Train Lines
There are 9 Shinkansen lines in total, with each line having 3 types of train services:
- Fast trains – Stop at main stations
- Semi-fast trains – With more stops
- Local trains – Stop at all stations
| Shinkansen Line | Destinations | Regional JR Pass |
| Tōkaidō Shinkansen | Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka | JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass JR West Kansai Area Pass |
| Sanyo Shinkansen | Osaka, Fukuoka, Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima | JR Sanyo-San’in Area Pass |
| Tohoku Shinkansen | Tokyo, Aomori | JR East Tohoku Area Pass JR East – South Hokkaido Pass |
| Joetsu Shinkansen | Tokyo, Niigata, Ueno, Omiya, Nagaoka | JR East Nagano / Niigata Area Pass |
| Kyushu Shinkansen | Kyushu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima-Chuo, Kurume, Kumamoto, Sendai | All Kyushu Area Pass Northern Kyushu Area Pass Southern Kyushu Area Pass |
| Hokkaido Shinkansen | Aomori, Hakodate, Tokyo, Sapporo | JR East – South Hokkaido Pass |
| Hokuriku / Nagano Shinkansen | Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nagano, Toyama | JR Hokuriku Arch Pass |
| Akita Shinkansen | Tokyo, Akita | JR East Tohoku Area Pass |
| Yamagata Shinkansen | Tokyo, Fukushima, Yamagata, Shinjo | JR East Tohoku Area Pass |
*Visit the JR Pass official website for more detailed routes and stops of each Shinkansen line.
Shinkansen schedule and operating hours 2024
The Shinkansen operating hours depend on each line, but it usually runs from 6am to 12 midnight. To check the specific Shinkansen schedule for your route, visit the HyperDia website.
How much is the Shinkansen ticket?
The Shinkansen price depends on your route and ticket type. See Shinkansen ticket prices for some popular destinations:
Japan Shinkansen tickets 2024
| Route | Reserved Seats | Non-Reserved Seats | |
| Green Car | Ordinary Car | Ordinary Car | |
| Shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka | ¥19,390 | ¥14,520 | ¥13,870 |
| Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto | ¥18,840 | ¥13,970 | ¥13,320 |
| Shinkansen Tokyo to Nagoya | ¥14,760 | ¥11,100 | ¥10,560 |
*The Shinkansen prices above are accurate as of publication date. Check Klook or HyperDia for the most updated routes and fares.
|
Tip: You have the option to buy separate Shinkansen tickets or get the JR Pass on Klook to enjoy unlimited rides on the Shinkansen + JR trains, buses, and ferries. |
Where to buy Shinkansen tickets?
Option 1: Online booking platforms
Here are options to buy Shinkansen tickets online:
a) Klook: Shinkansen tickets
- Price:
- ¥13,870 (Bullet Train Tokyo to Osaka)
- ¥13,320 (Bullet Train Tokyo to Kyoto)
- ¥10,560 (Bullet Train Tokyo to Nagoya)
- Nice feature: Can choose specific destinations
b) Klook: JR Pass (Whole Japan)
- Price:
- ¥50,000 (7 days)
- ¥80,000 (14 days)
- ¥100,000 (21 days)
- Nice feature: Unlimited Shinkansen rides with different validity options
Option 2: Shinkansen ticket counters
If you failed to buy your Shinkansen ticket or JR Pass online, you may proceed to the Shinkansen ticket counters located at JR train stations in Japan.
Option 3: Ticket vending machines
You may also buy your Shinkansen tickets at ticket vending machines in JR train stations.
How to ride the Shinkansen in Japan?
- Step 1: Insert your ticket into the entry gate.
- Step 2: Pass through the gate and get your ticket. Be sure to keep your ticket since it might be inspected.
- Step 3: Locate your platform and wait for your train.
- Step 4: Upon arrival, insert the ticket again when exiting the gate.
*If you are using the JR Pass Shinkansen, you must pass through the manned gates and show your JR Pass.
Shinkansen Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Shinkansen 24 hours?
The Shinkansen does not operate in 24 hours, but it normally runs from 6am to 12am. See the HyperDia website for specific schedules and fares.
2. Can I ride the Shinkansen from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
The Shinkansen does not run from Narita Airport to Tokyo. As an alternative, you can either ride the Narita Express, which is also covered by the JR Pass, or take the Keisei Skyliner.
3. Is the Shinkansen covered by the JR Pass?
Yes, the JR Pass covers JR trains including the Shinkansen. However, there are specific train services that are excluded like the Sanyo Shinkansen’s Nozomi and Mizuho train services.
4. Can I use my Suica Card to ride the Shinkansen?
No, you can’t use your Suica Card to ride the Shinkansen. You must book single-journey Shinkansen tickets or the JR Pass.
5. Is Shinkansen free seating?
When you buy your Shinkansen tickets, you can select a reserved seating or non-reserved seating. If you have the JR Pass, you can reserve seats for free at any JR office or ticket windows at JR stations.
6. How do I reserve my seat on the Shinkansen?
If you have a JR Pass, you can reserve your seat for free. You just need to go to any JR office or ticket counters at JR stations. You may also use the JR-EAST train reservation for Hohoku and Hokkaido regions.
7. Can I bring food and eat on the Shinkansen?
Yes, you can bring food and eat on the Shinkansen. There are also food carts selling snacks and drinks on the train. Be sure to observe cleanliness at all times.
8. How much luggage can I bring on the bullet train?
You are only allowed a maximum of two luggages on the Shinkansen. Each luggage should weigh under 30kg and the sum of its dimension (height + width + length) must be under 250cm.
9. Is there WiFi on the trains?
Yes, most trains in Japan including the Shinkansen now have WiFi onboard. However, not all trains have free WiFi so it’s still best to secure your Japan SIM, eSIM, or pocket WiFi for your connectivity in the country.
10. When do the tickets expire?
Reserved seats expire after the departure time. Non-reserved seats expire after the specified travel dates, depending on when ticket counters close.
That’s basically everything to know about the Shinkansen. When will you ride this bullet train in Japan?
Planning your Japan trip soon? 🇯🇵Essentials:
Experiences & Inspiration:
Accommodation:
Visa Guides for Filipinos: |