Complete Guide to Shinkansen for Foreign Travelers Visiting Japan
JR Companies and Shinkansen Network
Japan's Shinkansen is operated by six JR passenger companies, each managing specific regions. Knowing their coverage areas helps when planning transfers.
| Company | Area & Routes | Main Train Names |
|---|---|---|
| JR East | Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku (Nagano–Joetsu Myoko), Akita, Yamagata | Hayabusa, Komachi, Kagayaki, etc. |
| JR Central | Tokaido (Tokyo–Shin-Osaka) | Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama |
| JR West | Sanyo (Shin-Osaka–Hakata), Hokuriku (Joetsu Myoko–Tsuruga) | Sakura, Mizuho, Kagayaki |
| JR Kyushu | Kyushu (Hakata–Kagoshima-Chuo), West Kyushu (Takeo Onsen–Nagasaki) | Sakura, Tsubame, Kamome |
| JR Hokkaido | Hokkaido (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto–Sapporo, under construction) | Hayabusa |
| JR Shikoku | No Shinkansen routes |
Tip: Announcements onboard are in Japanese and English; some trains also broadcast in Chinese and Korean.
Basic Ticketing: Fare Ticket + Limited Express Ticket
To ride the Shinkansen, typically two tickets are needed:
- Fare Ticket: The basic fare for the section.
- Limited Express Ticket: Additional fee for the Shinkansen or other limited express trains.
Insert both tickets into the automatic ticket gate. Some trains issue a combined ticket with both fares printed on one.
Reserved, Non-Reserved, and Green Car Seats
- Reserved Seat: Specify train, car, and seat number. Recommended during busy seasons or for long trips.
- Non-Reserved Seat: First-come, first-served in unreserved cars. Suitable for short or off-peak travel.
- Green Car: First-class equivalent with wider seats and quieter environment. Requires a Green Ticket.
Note: The fastest trains on Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, "Nozomi" and "Mizuho," do not have non-reserved cars.
IC Cards and Ticketless Travel
Transit IC Cards + Online Reservations
- Shinkansen e Ticket (JR East): Link your Suica or similar IC card with online booking; tap to board.
- Smart EX (JR Central and West): Register your IC card for ticketless travel on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen.
- Touch and Go! Shinkansen (JR East): For reserved non-reserved seats only; tap to board in designated areas.
After registration, you can skip ticket pickup; just tap your IC card at the gate on travel day. Payments are made via credit card, eliminating cash handling.
Using Online Reservation Services
| Service | Routes | Features | Ticket Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart EX | Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu | English site available, no annual fee, purchase close to departure | Ticket gate, ticket window, IC card tap |
| e5489 | Sanyo, Hokuriku, Kyushu | Mainly Japanese, non-member reservations possible | Ticket machines, ticket window |
| JR EAST Train Reservation | Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku | Multilingual, free of charge | Ticket machines, ticket window |
Reservations open 1 month before travel at 10:00 JST. Changes and cancellations can be handled online.
Buying Tickets at Stations
Ticket Vending Machines
- Tap "English" at the top right.
- Enter departure and arrival stations, date, and time.
- Choose seat type (reserved, non-reserved, Green).
- Pay with cash or credit card.
Green Window (Staffed)
Provide the staff with:
- Travel section (e.g., Tokyo to Kyoto)
- Date and time (e.g., May 20, 10 a.m.)
- Number of passengers (e.g., 2 adults)
- Seat preference (reserved, window side)
Booking early during busy periods is recommended.
Large Baggage Rules
| Route | 160cm–250cm | Over 250cm |
|---|---|---|
| Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, West Kyushu | Reservation required: purchase "Large Baggage Seat" simultaneously. Unreserved: 1,000 yen onboard | Not allowed |
| Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku | No reservation needed; use designated baggage areas or last car space first-come, first-served | Not allowed |
Tip: When reserving online, select "Large Baggage Seat" or inform staff at the ticket window.
Discount Passes for Foreign Travelers
Japan Rail Pass (Nationwide)
- Valid for 7, 14, or 21 days.
- Cannot use Nozomi or Mizuho trains (additional fee available).
- Must hold a short-term tourist visa.
- Purchase online via official website or through travel agencies; exchange voucher required after arrival.
Regional Passes (Examples)
| Pass Name | Area | Valid Period |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido Rail Pass | All of Hokkaido | 5 or 7 days |
| JR East Pass | Kanto + Tohoku | Any 5 days |
| Hokuriku Arch Pass | Tokyo to Kansai (via Hokuriku) | 7 days |
| JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Entire Kyushu or North/South Kyushu | 3, 5, or 7 days |
If your trip is concentrated in one region, regional passes may be more economical than nationwide.
Summary
- Understand the area and JR companies to plan your itinerary.
- Basic fare tickets plus limited express tickets are standard, but IC card integration allows ticketless travel.
- Use online reservations for seat selection and tap-in at stations for smooth boarding.
- Reserve large baggage space in advance.
- Utilize JR passes to significantly reduce transportation costs.
By following these tips, you can enjoy stress-free travel across Japan, making the most of your limited time and experiencing the country's culture and scenery via comfortable Shinkansen journeys.