Shinkansen Tickets - Japan Bullet Train

While it's not mandatory to reserve a seat on all Shinkansen lines, it's highly recommended, especially during peak travel times or holidays. Reserved seats guarantee you a specific seat in designated cars, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. Non-reserved seats are available on many trains, but they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

First, book a "Reserved seat" ticket on Klook.

Second, select the "Seats with oversized luggage space" at the checkout page.

Please note: You may be asked by staff to pay JP¥1,000 if you bring an oversized luggage on board without reserving a "Seat with oversized luggage space".

Green Car: Enjoy a comfortable ride with extra legroom and a more luxurious seat. Green cars are usually divided into 2x2 or 2x1 seats. Prices are higher for Green cars

Ordinary Car: Offers a great travel experience at an affordable price. Ordinary cars are usually divided into 2x3 seats.

Free wifi is provided in both cars.

You can now board most routes directly with a QR code! No need to pick up physical tickets!

Exceptions:

• Departures from JR Hokkaido, JR East, and JR Hokuriku: Pick-up guide
• Narita Express train: Pick-up guide
• Fuji Excursion train: Pick-up guide

Before booking is confirmed: You can cancel your booking on Klook anytime before it's confirmed. Just open the Klook App → go to 'Account' → tap 'Bookings' → find your booking → tap 'Refund.'

After booking is confirmed: If your booking is already confirmed, make sure to cancel at least 2 hours before departure and before picking up your tickets.

After picking up your ticket: Once you’ve picked up your ticket, visit the ticket office before your departure time to cancel.

In general, if your luggage is approximately the size of a cabin-size suitcase, you should be able to bring it on. If you are bringing on a larger suitcase to will need to be chedcked in on an international flight, you'll likely need to reserve oversized baggage space. Refer to the image below for the size limits.

*If the total dimensions of your luggage exceeds 250cm, you may not be able to travel with It. *

Reserved seat: You can choose your seat preference and we will try our best to assign seats based on your preference. However, this is not guaranteed, and will depend on seat availability in your chosen trains.

Non-reserved seat: You will have more flexibility in taking any train on the specified date/route. However, seats are not guaranteed and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If your train is full, you might need to stand throughout the journey.

Reserved seat tickets: You can take the next train on the same day. However, you will have to sit in the non-reserved seats. If you wish to reserve a seat, please buy a new express train ticket at the station.

Non-reserved seat tickets: You can take the next train on the same day.

For Narita Express (N'EX), please refer to this FAQ.

Child tickets are for children aged 6-11.

Infants aged 5 or below can travel without a ticket, unless: 1) The infant needs their own seat, or 2) 1 adult accompanies 2 or more infants.

No. Please buy an adult ticket for children aged 6-11. Infants and toddlers under 6 can travel without a ticket, unless the infant needs their own seat, or if 1 adult is traveling with more than 2 children below 6.

Reading a physical train ticket can be confusing. Refer to these sample tickets for more details about what each section means:

Base fare ticket

Express ticket (for seat reservations)

Nozomi Shinkansen is one of the most popular Shinkansen trains because of its speed - it can run as fast as 300 km per hour. Nozomi runs between Tokyo and Hakata (Fukuoka) station and operates on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen train lines.

Since JR passes do not cover Nozomi trains, you'll need to get a separate ticket to ride on a Nozomi Shinkansen train.

Bookings are usually canceled as tickets have sold out. Don't worry, you'll receive a full refund, including the booking fee.

1. Make sure you are using the correct machine. Refer to the photos below dpending on your train and departure station

・For departure from JR Hokkaido, JR East, or JR Hokuriku stations, as well as the Narita Express Train and Fuji Excusion Express Train

・For departure from JR Tokaido stations:

2. Remember to turn off dark mode and maximize your screen brightness on your mobile device for fast and easy scanning.

To check if your luggage fits within the Shinkansen size limits, add the width, height, and depth of your suitcase. The total measurement should not exceed the allowed limit. You can measure your bag at home using a tape measure. If you're unsure, baggage size measurers are available at all Tokaido Shinkansen stations for a quick check.

Yes, you can bring large luggage on most Shinkansen trains. However, if your bag measures between 161 and 250 cm, you must reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area. Bags over 250 cm are not allowed on Shinkansen trains. Consider using a luggage delivery service for oversized items.

Oversized luggage storage is usually located at the back of certain reserved cars. If you book a seat in these areas, you can safely store your oversized baggage. The storage space is typically behind the last row of five seats in an Ordinary Car or four seats in a Green Car. Note that trains without reserved seats do not have oversized luggage areas, so plan accordingly when booking.

Shinkansen trains don’t usually have private compartments, but families or groups can book reserved seats together in Ordinary Cars to ensure they sit together. Advanced booking is recommended for a smooth travel experience.

Shinkansen trains don’t usually have private compartments, but families or groups can book reserved seats together in Ordinary Cars to ensure they sit together. Advanced booking is recommended for a smooth travel experience.

The Japan Rail Pass provides unlimited travel in Ordinary Cars on most Shinkansen lines. To travel in Green Cars or Gran Class, you’ll need to pay an additional fee or upgrade to a Green Pass. Note that the Japan Rail Pass does not cover Nozomi and Mizuho services, the fastest trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.

Although Shinkansen trains don’t typically have designated "Quiet Cars, Gran Class and Green Cars offer a quieter, more exclusive environment where passengers usually avoid loud conversations or phone use. Ordinary Cars can be noisier due to more passengers, so consider using headphones and keeping noise levels low.

The Shinkansen, or the "bullet train" in Japan, operates at speeds of up to around 320 km/h (200 mph). These high-speed trains connect major cities across Japan efficiently and are known for their punctuality, safety, and comfort. The impressive speed of the bullet train makes it a popular choice for both domestic and international travelers looking to explore the country quickly and conveniently.

The shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Osaka takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is the Nozomi train, which runs on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line.

The longest train journey in Japan is on the Tohoku Shinkansen, covering 674.9 km from Tokyo to Aomori. It’s the longest Shinkansen line and the longest continuous train ride in the country.

Here are five ways to minimize travel time on your Shinkansen journey:

1. Book tickets in advance: Secure your seat early, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays.
2. Check train schedules: Plan your trip by choosing trains with the most convenient departure and arrival times.
3. Arrive early: Be at the station at least 15-20 minutes before the departure time to avoid any last-minute rush or confusion.
4. Pack light and choose seats strategically: Sit near the exits for quick disembarking, and enjoy the scenery by choosing a seat with views of landmarks like Mt. Fuji.

The Nozomi Shinkansen offers a quicker journey between Tokyo and Osaka compared to the Hikari Shinkansen due to making fewer stops. The Nozomi trains are the fastest and most direct Shinkansen service between Tokyo and Osaka. A trip on the Nozomi Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The Hikari Shinkansen is the next fastest service after the Nozomi, making a few more stops along the route. Traveling from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station on the Hikari Shinkansen usually takes around 3 hours.

Seat selection is available only with reserved seat tickets on the Shinkansen. With Klook, you can choose your seat preference, including a window or aisle seat, a Mt. Fuji view seat, or a seat with oversized luggage space. Please note that Mt. Fuji views are only visible on routes passing through Shin-Fuji to Mishima (e.g. Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, or Hiroshima).

Shinkansen trains running between Tokyo to Kyushu (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu Shinkansen) offer seats with additional space for oversized luggage located in the last row of certain cars, whether ordinary or Green Car class. Please make sure that the total dimensions of your luggage do not exceed 160 cm (length + width + height) to be allowed onboard, where you can store it in the overhead compartment or by your feet.

When traveling on the Shinkansen, there are a few seat choices depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some tips on choosing the right seat:

• Reserved Seats: Guarantees a specific seat, ideal during peak travel times for a secure and comfortable journey.
• Window Seats: Perfect for enjoying scenic views, including Mt. Fuji, and taking in Japan’s beautiful landscapes.
• Aisle Seats: Offers easy access to move around or exit quickly - great for those who like to stretch their legs.
• Quiet Carriages: For a peaceful, noise-free environment, select a seat in a designated quiet carriage if available.
• Reserved Green Car Seats: For extra comfort and space, book a seat in the Green Car (first-class), which offers luxurious seating and a quieter atmosphere.

Yes, reserving a seat on trains like the Shinkansen usually comes with an additional cost. While all passengers are guaranteed a seat, opting for reserved seating or upgrading to a higher class, such as the Green Car (first-class), will typically incur extra charges. The cost of seat reservations varies based on factors like the train type, route, and class of service.

The closest Shinkansen station to Haneda Airport is Shinagawa Station. To get there, you can take the Keikyu Line from Haneda (either Terminal 1-2 Station or Terminal 3 Station) directly to Shinagawa Station. The ride takes about 15 minutes, making it a convenient option if you are heading to or from the airport.

Yes, you can buy a same-day ticket for the Shinkansen. However, during busy travel seasons like Christmas, New Year, and cherry blossom season, it’s recommended to book in advance. Trains can fill up quickly, so booking early ensures you get the seats and times you want without stress.

The Japan Rail Pass covers most Shinkansen trains on the JR network, including routes between major cities. But it doesn't cover the Nozomi and Mizuho trains on some lines. It’s a great deal for riding many JR trains as much as you want during the time your pass is valid.

You can use your Suica card to pay for the basic fare on the Shinkansen, but it won’t cover the express fee. For that, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket. To make your trip smoother, consider booking your Shinkansen tickets online in advance so everything is ready when you arrive at the station.

To catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. Sit on the right side of the train for the best views, especially between Shin-Yokohama and Shin-Fuji stations, weather permitting. Be sure to have your camera ready!

Yes, you can eat on the Shinkansen, and it’s quite common! Many passengers enjoy "ekiben" (lunch boxes) with delicious local foods. The trains are clean and comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy a meal. Just be sure to clean up after yourself to keep the space tidy for others.