Shinkansen Tips for First Time Travellers and Foreigners

Описание: Tip 1: Tickets are available in English at kiosk of most central stations. Platform attenders can also help.

Tip 1: Tickets are available in English at kiosk of most central stations. Platform attenders can also help.

Tip 2: JR rail pass is quite expensive. Do the math on if it’s worth it depending on your travel vs getting daily tickets.

Tip 3: There is plenty of storage for 1 or 2 bags per person on the Shinkansen but pack lightly to assist with getting through terminal.

Tip 4: Follow the signs and listen. There are many prompts over speaker and on boards.

Tip 5: Allow plenty of time. If you don’t need to rush don’t. As Tokyo Station can be so expansive it can be overwhelming. Time will allow you to make some mistakes and enjoy the process.

Tip 6: Many foreigners will be told to arrange a JR Rail pass which is a great option. It’s important to review costs if you are travelling as a group and potentially car rental. Being mindful that the Shinkansen is very fast vs the time that can be spent in Tokyo traffic.

Tip 7: Be courteous. As with all of Japan one of the great things is the friendly people. So many staff will help foreigners but it’s important to remain courteous.

Timestamps
0:00 - Train Station
0:08 - Tip 1
0:20 - Tip 2
0:39 - Train Arriving
0:44 - On the Train
0:49 - Disembarking the Train
1:02 - Moving Through the Train Station
1:09 - Limited Express Train
1:16 - Walking in the Train Station
1:21 - Vending Machines
1:32 - Walking to the Train
1:42 - Traveling to the Train Platform
1:49 - Train Schedule
2:02 - Crowded Train Station
2:09 - Train Platform
2:40 - Shinkansen
2:51 - Shinkansen Train Ticket
3:12 - Train Platforms
3:39 - Kiosk
3:45 - Boarding the Train
3:51 - Seats on the Train
3:58 - On the Shinkansen
4:02 - Riding on the Shinkansen
4:21 - Passing Another Train
4:29 - View from the Train
4:51 - Folding Table on the Train
4:58 - View from the Shinkansen


What is the Shinkansen? The Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan. It's famous for its punctuality, safety, and incredible speed, making it one of the best ways to travel between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

How fast is the Shinkansen? Shinkansen trains can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph) on some lines, making them among the fastest trains in the world.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for the Shinkansen? The Japan Rail (JR) Pass can be a great value if you plan on making multiple long-distance trips on the Shinkansen within a short period (e.g., 7, 14, or 21 days). However, if you're only making one or two trips, it's often cheaper to buy individual tickets.

How do I buy Shinkansen tickets? You can buy tickets in several ways: at ticket counters in any major JR station, from multilingual ticket machines (as shown in the video), or online through the official JR websites or authorized resellers.

Do I need to reserve a seat on the Shinkansen? Shinkansen trains have both reserved and non-reserved cars. While you can often find a seat in the non-reserved cars, it's highly recommended to reserve a seat, especially during peak travel times (like holidays or weekends), to guarantee a spot.

Can I bring luggage on the Shinkansen? Yes, you can. There is space for small to medium-sized luggage in the overhead racks. For oversized luggage (with total dimensions between 161-250 cm), you now need to make a reservation for a seat with an oversized baggage area.

Is there food available on the Shinkansen? Absolutely! Many travelers buy an "ekiben" (a high-quality bento box sold at train stations) to eat on their journey. Additionally, a food and drink cart service comes through the aisles on most long-distance trains, offering snacks, drinks, and ice cream.

Are there different classes on the Shinkansen? Yes. Most trains offer two classes: Ordinary Car (standard class, which is very comfortable) and Green Car (first class), which offers wider seats, more legroom, and a more luxurious experience.

How punctual is the Shinkansen? The Shinkansen is world-renowned for its punctuality. The average delay is typically measured in seconds, not minutes. If a train is delayed by more than five minutes, you can often get a delay certificate.

Can I use my JR Pass on all Shinkansen trains? You can use the JR Pass on most Shinkansen lines and train types (like the Hikari, Sakura, Kodama, and Tsubame). However, the pass is not valid for the fastest and most frequent train services, the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, unless you purchase a special supplementary ticket.
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