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 covering specific regions. Knowing their areas is helpful 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: In-train announcements are in Japanese and English; some trains also broadcast in Chinese and Korean.
Basic Ticketing: Fare Ticket + Limited Express Ticket
Traveling on the Shinkansen typically requires two tickets:
- Fare Ticket: The basic fare for the section.
- Limited Express Ticket: Additional fee for riding the Shinkansen or other limited express trains.
At ticket gates, insert both tickets together into the automatic ticket gate. Some tickets are issued as a combined, one-piece ticket.
Reserved, Non-Reserved, and Green Car
- Reserved Seat: Specific train, car, and seat number. Recommended during busy seasons or for long-distance travel.
- Non-Reserved Seat: First-come, first-served seating in non-reserved cars. Suitable for short trips or off-peak times.
- Green Car: First-class equivalent with wider seats and a quieter environment. Requires a Green Car 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): Book online, link with Suica or similar IC cards, and tap to board.
- Smart EX (JR Central and West): Register IC cards for ticketless travel on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen.
- Touch and Go! Shinkansen (JR East): For non-reserved seats only, limited to certain areas, no reservation needed, just tap to board.
After registration, you can skip ticket pickup and just tap at the gate on travel day. Payments are made via credit card, eliminating the need for cash.
Using Online Reservation Services
| Service | Routes Supported | Features | Ticket Pickup Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart EX | Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu | English site available, no annual fee, purchase close to departure | Ticket gate, ticket machine, IC card tap |
| e5489 | Sanyo, Hokuriku, Kyushu | Mainly Japanese, non-member reservations possible | Reserved seat ticket machine, ticket window |
| JR EAST Train Reservation | Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku | Multilingual, free of charge | Reserved seat ticket machine, ticket window |
Reservations open 1 month before the travel date at 10:00 Japan time. Changes and cancellations can be handled online.
Buying Tickets at Stations
Ticket Vending Machines
- Tap "English" at the top right of the screen.
- Enter departure and arrival stations, date, and time.
- Select seat type (reserved, non-reserved, Green).
- Pay with cash or credit card.
Midori no Madoguchi (Staffed Ticket Counters)
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)
During busy periods like Golden Week, Obon, or New Year, it's advisable to purchase tickets early.
Large Baggage Rules
| Route | 160cm–250cm | Over 250cm |
|---|---|---|
| Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, West Kyushu | Reservation required: purchase "Large Baggage Space Seat" simultaneously. Unreserved: pay 1,000 yen onboard | Not allowed |
| Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku | No reservation needed; use designated baggage areas or last car space on a first-come basis | Not allowed |
Tip: When booking online, select "Large Baggage Seat" or inform staff at the counter.
Discount Passes for Foreign Travelers
Japan Rail Pass (Nationwide)
- Unlimited travel for 7, 14, or 21 days.
- No use of "Nozomi" or "Mizuho" trains (additional fee possible).
- Conditions: Short-term visitor with a temporary visa.
- Purchase: Online via official website or through travel agencies; exchange voucher obtained outside Japan, then exchanged 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 | All of 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 the nationwide pass.
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Summary
- Understand the area and JR companies to plan your itinerary.
- Basic tickets are fare + limited express; IC cards can simplify travel.
- Use online reservations for seat selection and tap to board.
- Reserve large baggage space if needed.
- Utilize JR passes to save on transportation costs.
By following these tips, traveling across Japan by Shinkansen becomes stress-free, allowing you to enjoy the country's culture and scenery to the fullest. Have a comfortable and enjoyable journey!