Complete Guide to Shinkansen for Foreign Travelers Visiting Japan
JR Companies and Shinkansen Network
Japan's Shinkansen is operated by six JR passenger companies across different regions. Each company is responsible for specific routes, so please familiarize yourself in advance to plan seamless transfers.
| Company | Region and Lines | 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 lines |
Tip: In-train announcements are primarily in Japanese and English; some trains also play Chinese and Korean.
Ticket Basics: Travel Ticket + Limited Express Ticket
Travel on the Shinkansen generally requires two types of tickets:
- Travel Ticket: Fare for the route.
- Limited Express Ticket: Additional fee for riding the Shinkansen and other limited express trains.
At the ticket gate, stack the two tickets and insert into the automatic ticket gate. Some trains and ticketing methods issue combined tickets with both pieces of information.
Reserved Seat / Non-Reserved Seat / Green Car
- Reserved Seat: Specific train, car, and seat number, suitable for busy periods or long-distance travel.
- Non-Reserved Seat: Available in non-reserved cars, first-come, first-served, suitable for short trips or off-peak times.
- Green Car: Equivalent to first class, with spacious and quiet seats, requiring a Green Car ticket.
Tip: The fastest trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, "Nozomi" and "Mizuho," do not have non-reserved cars.
IC Cards and Paperless Travel
IC Cards + Online Booking
- Shinkansen e-tickets (JR East): Book online, link with Suica or other IC cards, and show contactless at the gate.
- Smart EX (JR Central & West): Register an IC card for contactless travel without tickets, applicable on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen.
- Touch & Go! Shinkansen (JR East): For non-reserved seats only, no reservation needed within the area, contactless boarding.
After registration, no need to pick up tickets; just tap at the gate on the day of travel. Supports credit card payments, making cash unnecessary.
Online Reservation Guide
| Service | Applicable Lines | Features | Ticket Collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart EX | Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu | Supports English website / No annual fee / Purchase tickets temporarily | Ticket vending machines, counters, IC contactless |
| e5489 | Sanyo, Hokuriku, Kyushu, etc. | Mainly in Japanese / Supports non-member reservations | Reserved seat ticket machines, counters |
| JR East Train Reservation | Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku | Multilingual support / No handling fee | Reserved seat ticket machines, counters |
Reservations open 1 month before travel at 10:00 AM (Japan time). Changes and cancellations can also be made online, ensuring flexible travel plans.
Ticket Purchase at Stations
Ticket Vending Machines
- Tap the "English" button at the top right.
- Enter departure station, arrival station, date, and time.
- Select seat type (reserved / non-reserved / Green).
- Pay with cash or credit card.
Green Window (Staff Service)
Provide the following information for smoother service:
- Travel route (e.g., Tokyo to Kyoto)
- Date and time (e.g., May 20th, 10:00 AM)
- Number of passengers (e.g., 2 adults)
- Seat preferences (reserved seat, window seat)
During busy periods (Golden Week, Obon, New Year), tickets may sell out quickly; it's recommended to purchase in advance.
Large Luggage Regulations
| Route | 160cm to 250cm | Over 250cm |
|---|---|---|
| Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, West Kyushu | Reservation required: purchase "Large Luggage Space Seat" | Not allowed |
| Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Hokuriku | No reservation needed; can store in luggage area or at the rear of the car | Not allowed |
Tip: When reserving online, select "Luggage Reserved Seat" or inform staff at the window about large luggage.
Special Passes for Foreign Tourists
Japan Rail Pass (Nationwide)
- Valid for unlimited travel for 7, 14, or 21 days.
- Does not include "Nozomi" (can be used with extra fee) or "Mizuho".
- Purchase conditions: Short-term visitors with a temporary visitor visa.
- Purchase method: Buy online via official website or exchange vouchers through overseas travel agencies; exchange for tickets upon arrival.
Regional Passes (Examples)
| Pass | Region | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido Rail Pass | Entire 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 Pass | Entire Kyushu or North/South Kyushu | 3/5/7 days |
When traveling mainly within a specific region, regional passes are more cost-effective than the nationwide pass.
Conclusion
- Understand regional differences and JR companies to plan your itinerary.
- Basic tickets are travel + limited express; IC cards enable paperless travel.
- Book online to secure seats and enjoy quick contactless ticket verification.
- Remember to reserve large luggage space if needed.
- Use JR passes to significantly save on transportation costs.
Mastering these aspects will make traveling across Japan's transportation network easy and enjoyable, maximizing your limited time. Have a comfortable ride on the Shinkansen and immerse yourself in Japan's culture and scenery!