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  • What Is the Nozomi Shinkansen: Japan's Premier Bullet Train

    Kimberly Lai
    Kimberly Lai
    Last updated 11 Sep 2024
    Japan Train Nozomi Shinkansen Guide

    Most of us have limited, precious off days, which means there's no time to waste on your next trip to Japan!

    That's where the Nozomi Shinkansen comes in. It's one of Japan’s fastest trains, traveling up to 300 km/h. You can get from Tokyo to Osaka in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. That's 90 minutes faster than if you were to take the regular Kodama train!
    This Japan train guide explains everything you’ll need to know about the Nozomi Shinkansen – which Shinkansen lines it operates on, the train stations covered, and how to book your Nozomi train tickets.

    What is the Nozomi Shinkansen?

    This might be a little confusing at first, but Nozomi is not a train line. It's a type of bullet train, which operates on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.
    The Tokaido Shinkansen is Japan’s busiest train line, covering major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. The Sanyo Shinkansen line extends the high-speed network westward from Shin-Osaka, stopping at key stations like Okayama and Hiroshima.
    Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen Route Maps
    The Tokaido Line has three types of trains (Kodama, Hikari, and Nozomi), while the Sanyo Line offers five types (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura).
    The train services follow the same line but differ in the number of stops. That's why different train services have varying journey times!
    Japan Shinkansen Platform Display Screen
    Nozomi trains offer the fastest service on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, outpacing trains on the Kodama and Hikari trains with just 6 stops.
    For example, here are the travel times taken by each train service to get from Tokyo station to Shin-Osaka station:
    • Nozomi: 2 hours and 30 minutes
    • Hikari: 3 hours
    • Kodama: 4 hours
    Klook Tip: To get to Osaka via the Tokaido-Sanyo line, you'll need to stop at Shin-Osaka Station.

    Which stations are covered by the Nozomi Shinkansen?

    Zoom through Tokyo on the Nozomi. Credits to Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash
    Zoom through Tokyo on the Nozomi. Credits to Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash
    The Nozomi Shinkansen covers 12 stations across the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, namely:
    • Tokyo
    • Shinagawa
    • Shin-Yokohama
    • Nagoya
    • Kyoto
    • Shin-Osaka
    • Okayama
    • Hiroshima
    • Kokura
    • Hakata
    • Kumamoto
    • Kagoshima-Chuo
    Heading west from Tokyo station, the Nozomi Shinkansen departs every 10 minutes. Traveling east from Hakata, it leaves every 15 minutes or so.

    Does the JR Pass include Nozomi Trains?

    JR Pass鐵路周遊券|票券類型
    Unfortunately, the Nozomi Shinkansen is not covered by the JR Pass. You'll have to buy an additional ticket to take the Nozomi Shinkansen.
    This can be done at Shinkansen ticket machines or manned ticket counters at JR stations. Here are the additional ticket prices for common routes along the Tokaido-Sanyo lines:

    Route

    Additional Ticket Price

    Tokyo/Shinagawa – Nagoya

    ¥4,180

    Tokyo/Shinagawa – Kyoto

    ¥4,960

    Tokyo/Shinagawa – Shin-Osaka

    ¥4,960

    Tokyo/Shinagawa – Hiroshima

    ¥6,500

    Shin-Osaka – Hakata

    ¥4,960

    Hakata – Kagoshima-Chūō

    ¥4,500

    The same prices apply to Green Car tickets as well as Ordinary Car tickets (both reserved and non-reserved seats). You can find the full list of additional ticket prices for Nozomi trains here.

    Shinkansen Seat Classes: Ordinary Car vs Green Car

    Shinkansen Green Car vs Ordinary Car
    Most Shinkansens offer two train classes – Ordinary Car and Green Car.
    The Ordinary Car is essentially economy class on Japanese trains. It's a more affordable travel option, with seats in a three-by-two layout. In my opinion, the seats in an Ordinary Car are already pretty comfortable. You can choose between reserved and non-reserved seats in an Ordinary Car.
    But if you'd like more comfort and privacy, opt for the Green Car (first class) instead! The seats are typically in a two-by-two layout, and commuters enjoy wider seats that recline to a generous 40°. There's extra legroom and a more comfy headrest – the perfect ingredients for a solid nap. All seats in the Green Car must be reserved in advance.
    Both Ordinary Cars and Green Cars offer luggage storage space and free WiFi.

    Reserved and Non-Reserved Seating

    If you want extra legroom for your family, booking a green car might be the comfiest option
    When planning your journey on the Nozomi Shinkansen, you can choose between reserved and non-reserved seating for Ordinary Car tickets.
    Reserved seats guarantee you a specific seat on the train. It's a good idea to book these in advance, especially during peak travel times.
    Non-reserved seating, on the other hand, operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're traveling with non-reserved tickets, it's wise to arrive early at the station to increase your chances of finding a seat.
    Klook Tip: Download the Japan Travel by NAVITIME app to check train routes and timings. It also indicates which platform to go to!
    Osaka Airport JR Office
    Klook Tip: If you want to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji when traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen, take the seat on the right when traveling from Tokyo towards Osaka, and take a seat on the left when traveling from Osaka towards Tokyo.

    Shinkansen Luggage Storage

    Shinkansen Oversized Luggage How to Measure
    On the Nozomi Shinkansen, passengers can store smaller luggage in overhead compartments above their seats. For those traveling with larger suitcases, you'll need to reserve seats with more storage space.
    Here are some things to take note of:
    • Each passenger is allowed a maximum of two pieces of luggage, excluding small bags
    • The weight limit is 30kg each
    • The combined width, height, and depth limit must be less than 250cm
    • Passengers with oversized luggage (with dimensions totaling more than 160cm) are required to make a seat reservation for specific seats that offer nearby storage space
    Those traveling with oversized baggage without a reservation may be charged a baggage fee of ¥1,000 per oversized bag.

    Book your Nozomi Shinkansen tickets on Klook

    JR Station Shinkansen Ticket Gantry
    Securing a seat on Nozomi trains is a simple process. Tickets can be purchased in-person at train stations in Japan or online on Klook.
    We'd recommend purchasing your Shinkansen tickets online in advance. Then you won't have to worry about it during your vacation!

    How to book Shinkansen tickets on Klook

    guide on booking shinkansen tickets on the klook app
    To book your Shinkansen tickets through Klook, just follow these steps:
    1. Enter your start and end point
    2. Select your intended travel date
    3. Chose your preferred departure time
    4. Select your number of seats and seat preference - Window, Aisle, Seat with oversized luggage storage area
    Take note that the type of train (Nozomi, Kodama, and Hikari) is indicated at each departure option. You'll also see the different prices for the train classes - Ordinary Car (Non-reserved and Reserved) and Green Car.

    How to redeem your Shinkansen ticket

    How to board Shinkansen using QR Code
    After purchasing your ticket for the Nozomi train service, the process of using your ticket is pretty straightforward. Upon completing your booking, you’ll receive:
    1. A confirmation email from Klook
    2. The QR code, which you'll use to determine if you can board directly or will be required to collect physical tickets at the station

    Traveling between Tokyo and Osaka

    Klook Shinkansen QR Ticket direct entry at JR Station gantry
    Scan your QR Code on your Klook App to enter the JR Station and board your Shinkansen directly!
    Good news if you are traveling on a route between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, including Kyoto and Nagoya Stations, you can board the train directly via QR code after booking your tickets on Klook! There's no need to redeem a physical ticket at the train station.

    Traveling beyond Tokyo and Osaka

    JR Station Ticket Machine
    If you're traveling beyond the Tokyo and Osaka route, on the day of travel, head to the Shinkansen station a little earlier and follow these simple steps:
    1. Locate the SmartEx machines or the JR Tokai reserved ticket machines
    2. Click scan your QR code button and follow the instructions on the machine
    3. Retrieve your physical tickets - 2 tickets for each passenger
    4. Locate the right platform and enjoy your Shinkansen journey!

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