Shinkansen

PERFECT GUIDE v.1.0

Make Your Journey the Highlight of Your Trip

Shinkansen
Perfect Guide

Do you have any anxiety about riding the Shinkansen?
How to buy tickets? Where to put luggage? How to read signs? Read this, and you will become a "Shinkansen Master"!

The Heart of Japan: Pulsing Through the Golden Route.

The Tokaido Shinkansen is more than transport; it is the vital artery of Japan’s Golden Route. Since 1964, we have maintained a perfect safety record with on board passenger fatalities, uniting the nation’s economy and culture. Dedicated to safety, precision, and comfort, we ensure every guest enjoys a flawless journey. Let the Tokaido Shinkansen—where tradition meets innovation—become an unforgettable part of your story.

Why Choose Shinkansen?
Where Moving Becomes a Moving Memory

The Shinkansen is more than just a high-speed train; it is a space where Japanese culture and Omotenashi (hospitality) come together. We turn the time between cities into a highlight of your adventure, ensuring that the journey itself is as enriching as the destination. Discover how we elevate your travel experience.

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Direct City-to-City Access

Skip the airport transfers and long security lines. Travel from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka in just 2 hours 21 minutes. Since stations are in the city center, your sightseeing adventure begins the moment you arrive.

Unmatched Frequency & Punctuality

With "Nozomi" trains departing every few minutes during peak times, your schedule stays flexible. We respect your time with an incredible average delay of less than one minute, ensuring a seamless journey.

The Sustainable Choice

Travel responsibly. For a trip between Tokyo and Osaka, the Shinkansen consumes about 1/8th the energy and emits only 1/12th the CO2 per seat compared to airplanes. Enjoy your trip knowing you are making an eco-friendly choice.

Unparalleled Comfort & Space

Relax in spacious seats with far more legroom than economy flights, even with luggage. The ride is significantly quieter and smoother than flying, ensuring you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to explore.

Note: Designated spaces for oversized luggage are available (Reservation is required).

The Journey is the Destination

Gaze at the passing Japanese scenery while enjoying a delicious "Ekiben" (station bento). Relaxing in your seat isn't just transportation; it is a memorable part of your Japanese cultural experience.

How to Buy & Use Tickets

QR Ticket

Paper Ticket

Recommended When booking a QR ticket in advance

Book from anywhere using the app or website. Enjoy ticketless boarding with a QR code and change your reservation unlimited times for free before departure.

Book now

You can also reserve and purchase QR tickets using the official "Smart EX App". The app is currently available for download only in the following regions: United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand. If you reside outside these areas, please use the Smart EX website via your web browser instead.

Merits of Shinkansen Online Reservation

All on mobile

from booking online to getting on board

Use QR-Ticket

to make your travel smooth

Change

reservations easily

Save Your budget

anytime reasonable

At the Gate: Scan & Go

Find the gate with a QR code scanner. Display the QR code on your phone and hold it over the scanner.

Take the "Seat Information" Slip

When you scan/tap, a small slip of paper will pop out. This is NOT a ticket. It is just a reminder of your seat number. Keep it, but do not insert it into the gate when you exit.

Let's check the departure board to find your platform and car number.

Shinkansen display boards alternate between Japanese and English. From left to right, they show the train name (Yellow/Nozomi, Red/Hikari, Blue/Kodama), departure time, destination, and platform. For real-time updates on delays or seat info, you can wait for the English text on the board.

After Getting Off

Don't forget your ticket! You will need it to exit the station. Just like when you entered, please tap your QR ticket at the gate.

When buying a paper ticket locally

Machines at stations have multilingual menus (English, Chinese, etc.). This is a reliable backup if you cannot use your credit card on Smart EX.

At the Gate: The "Stack & Insert" Rule

This is the tricky part. Do not insert them one by one.

Stack both tickets together and insert them into the slot at the same time. The machine will process both tickets instantly.

Ticket Structure

To ride the Shinkansen, you need two things: a "Basic Fare Ticket" and a "Super Express Ticket." Sometimes these are combined into one physical ticket, or used digitally with an IC card.

Don't Forget to Grab Them!

Entering: The tickets will pop out at the other end of the gate. Take them! You need them to exit at your destination.

Exiting: Insert both tickets again. The machine will keep them this time. (If you want to keep them as a souvenir, go to the manned window and ask for a "invalid" stamp).

Let's check the departure board to find your platform and car number.

After Getting Off

Don't forget your ticket! You will need it to exit the station. Just like when you entered, please insert your ticket into the gate slot.

Japan Rail Pass

Popular for travelers touring all of Japan. Note that the pass alone does not cover the fastest "Nozomi" trains. To ride a Nozomi, you must purchase an additional "Nozomi Option Ticket" before boarding.

FAQ

I’m debating between the Shinkansen and other transport for the "Golden Route." Any advice?

With the Tokaido Shinkansen, you don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar traffic rules, getting stuck in congestion, or arriving at the airport two hours early. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a stress-free journey through the heart of Japan.

Can I eat and drink on the Shinkansen?

Absolutely! Feel free to sip a coffee or enjoy a local Ekiben (train bento) while watching the scenery fly by. Every seat is equipped with a fold-down table. Just be mindful of your neighbors, and enjoy your "restaurant with a view."

Can I buy food and drinks on board?

Food and drink sales are not available in Standard Class, so please purchase your refreshments before boarding. If you are traveling in Green Class (First Class) on the Nozomi or Hikari, you can order snacks and drinks from your smartphone, and a purser will deliver them right to your seat.

Is smoking allowed on the Shinkansen?

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the train. Please use the designated smoking rooms available at the stations.

Is there free Wi-Fi on the train?

Yes! Free Wi-Fi service is available on all Tokaido Shinkansen trains for your convenience.

Are there restrooms on the Shinkansen?

Restrooms are located in odd-numbered cars (Cars 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15). Car 11 also features a spacious, wheelchair-accessible multi-purpose restroom.

Which seat should I book to see Mount Fuji?

For the best view of Mt. Fuji, choose Seat E in Standard Class or Seat D in Green Class. We’ll be crossing our fingers for clear skies and good luck on your journey!

Can I charge my devices on board?

Yes, you can. Power outlets are available at every seat in Green Class. In Standard Class, outlets are located at window seats and the very front/back rows. On our newest train models, every single seat in Standard Class is equipped with a power outlet.

Can I use my mobile phone at my seat?

Browsing and texting are perfectly fine. However, out of respect for other passengers, please refrain from making voice calls or watching videos with the sound on. If you need to take a call, we recommend stepping into the deck area between the cars.

I missed my train! What should I do?

Don't worry. Whether you have a QR ticket or a paper ticket, you can board the Non-Reserved section of any subsequent train on the same day, as long as it is for the same route.

The Shinkansen seems to be delayed or stopped. What now?

First, please stay calm and check for updates. (Operations Status)

If you haven't boarded yet, you may be able to change your plans. Procedures vary depending on how you bought your ticket, so please check with your point of purchase. If you booked via the Shinkansen Online Reservation service, please log in to your account. If you are already at the station, keep an eye on the display boards and listen for English announcements.

Which trains can I board with a Non-Reserved ticket?

You can board the Non-Reserved section of any train on your scheduled travel date. Typical Non-Reserved car numbers:

Nozomi: Cars 1–2
Hikari: Cars 1–5
Kodama: Cars 1–6 & 13–16 (subject to change)

Please note that seats are first-come, first-served. If you want to guarantee a seat, we recommend booking a Reserved Seat in advance.

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Shinkansen Official Partners

Shinkansen QR Tickets are also available through the following agents.

Shinkansen PERFECT GUIDE v.1.0