Bullet Train Details

Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen) Guide for Indian Travelers

Japan’s high-speed bullet trains, known as Shinkansen (新幹線), offer the fastest and most convenient way to travel across the country. Operated by Japan Railways (JR), these trains connect major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Sapporo, making travel efficient, comfortable, and hassle-free for Indian travelers.

Why Choose the Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen)?

Super Fast – Reaches speeds of up to 320 km/h.
Punctual – Trains depart on time to the second.
Comfortable – Spacious, always forward-facing seats.
Safe – Zero fatal accidents in history.
Cost-Effective – Japan Rail Pass makes it budget-friendly.

Popular Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen) Routes for Indian Travelers

🚄 Tokaido Shinkansen (Most Popular Route)

📍 Tokyo → Nagoya → Kyoto → Osaka

Best for first-time travelers visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Connects Japan’s Golden Route – perfect for sightseeing.

🚄 Sanyo Shinkansen

📍 Osaka → Hiroshima → Fukuoka

Best for history lovers visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

🚄 Hokkaido Shinkansen

📍 Tokyo → Hakodate → Sapporo (Upcoming)

Ideal for snow lovers heading to Hokkaido.

🚄 Tohoku Shinkansen

📍 Tokyo → Sendai → Aomori

Best for travelers exploring northern Japan & cherry blossoms.

Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen) Tips for Indian Travelers

Buy a Japan Rail Pass – Best for unlimited travel (must buy before arriving in Japan).
Reserve Seats in Advance – Essential during peak seasons (Cherry Blossom & New Year).
Carry Light Luggage – Large suitcases need a reservation in designated compartments.
No Talking on the Phone – Japanese trains maintain silent travel etiquette.
Try a Ekiben (Train Bento Box) – Authentic Japanese meal experience onboard.

1. Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen) Network (Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka)

The Tokaido Shinkansen is Japan’s busiest and most well-connected high-speed rail line, linking Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. The journey from Tokyo to Osaka takes about 2.5 hours on the fastest trains. Three primary services operate along this route:

Nozomi: The fastest option, stopping only at major stations (not covered by the Japan Rail Pass).
Hikari: Slightly slower, making more stops but covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Kodama: Stops at all stations along the route, making it the slowest but most accessible service.

Seats and Classes:

Ordinary Class: Standard seats with comfortable legroom.
Green Car: First-class seating with wider, more spacious seats.
Gran Class: Luxury seating available on select trains, offering reclining seats, in-seat service, and additional amenities.

Reserved vs. Non-Reserved Cars:

Non-reserved cars (自由席, Jiyū-seki) allow passengers to board without a prior seat assignment, though seats are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserved cars (指定席, Shitei-seki) guarantee you a designated seat for the journey.

Are seat reservations recommended?

For peak travel seasons (Golden Week, Obon, New Year), reservations are essential to secure a seat.
Travellers with luggage or those seeking specific seats (window or aisle) should opt for reservations.
Japan Rail Pass holders can make free seat reservations at JR ticket counters.

2. Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen) Tickets

Fees that make up a Shinkansen ticket: Shinkansen ticket pricing consists of two main fees:

Base Fare: Standard train fare based on travel distance.
Shinkansen Surcharge: Additional fee depending on train type and seating class.

Buying a ticket at the ticket counter:

JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) are available at major train stations.
Specify departure/arrival stations, date, train type, and seating preference.
Staff assistance is available in English at major stations.

Buying a ticket at a ticket machine:

Multilingual machines allow quick and easy purchase of tickets.
Choose route, date, train type, and seat preference.
Payment is accepted via cash, credit card, or IC card.

Buying a ticket online:

JR East, JR Central, and JR West offer online reservations.
Tickets can be picked up at stations or used as e-tickets in some cases.

3. IC Cards

IC cards (e.g., Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA) are rechargeable smart cards used for public transportation, vending machines, and convenience stores. While they do not cover Shinkansen rides, they can be used for short-distance travel on certain Shinkansen lines under the IC fare system.

4. Rail Passes

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): Provides unlimited travel on JR trains, including most Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho trains). Available for foreign tourists.
Regional Passes: Tokaido, Kansai, and Hokkaido-specific rail passes are available for travellers exploring specific regions.

5. Other Discount Tickets

Discounted Shinkansen tickets include:

Platt Kodama: A cheaper alternative for Kodama trains between Tokyo and Osaka.
Smart EX App Discounts: Offers online booking discounts.
Early Bird Discounts: Available for bookings.

6. How to Use the Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

Arrive at the station 15–30 minutes before departure.
Use automated ticket gates by scanning tickets or IC cards.
Locate the correct platform and wait in designated boarding areas.
Line up in an orderly manner and board once passengers disembark.

7. Your Seat

Find seat details on your ticket (car number, seat number)
Overhead racks are available for carry-on luggage.
Adjustable seats recline for added comfort.

8. Amenities & Services

Wi-Fi: Available on most Shinkansen trains.
Restrooms: Found in multiple cars with Western-style facilities.
Food & Drink: Onboard trolley service sells bento boxes, snacks, and drinks.
Power Outlets: Available in Green Cars and near select seats in Ordinary Class.

9. Smoking

Smoking is not allowed inside Shinkansen cars.
Smoking rooms are available on select trains in designated cars.

10. Luggage

Small suitcases fit in overhead racks.
For larger luggage (over 160 cm in total dimensions), a reservation is required in a designated luggage area.
Coin lockers are available at stations for short-term storage.

11. Japan Bullet Train (Shinkansen) Manners

Speak quietly to maintain a peaceful environment.
Set phones to silent mode and avoid talking on calls inside train cars.
Keep luggage neatly stored without obstructing aisles.
Be mindful when reclining seats to avoid disturbing passengers behind you.