The Shinkansen is the high speed train and the speed of the Shinkansen save your trip time. There are many Shinkansen lines in Japan now. In this post, I will explain you the Tokaido Shinkansen which is the first Shinkansen line in Japan. And also I will explain you the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen too. Because these two Shinkansen lines are connected with the Tokaido Shinkansen.
- Overview
- Train operation
- Types of train
- Timetable
- Photo gallery
- The coverage by the rail passes
- The summary
Overview
The Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kagoshima-Chuo is one train line but this line is divided by three different segments. Because three JR companies own this Shinkansen line and the name of the line is the different by the segment.
The first segment is called the Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.
It is the first ever Shinkansen line in Japan. And this is known as the busiest Shinkansen line and one of the busiest train line in all Japan railway lines. The Tokaido Shinkansen is owned by JR Central.
The Sanyo Shinkansen is operated between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata (Fukuoka) which is owned by JR West.
And the Kyushu Shinkansen runs between Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo that is owned by JR Kyushu.
But in the train operation, many trains cross the border and run on two segments.
Train operation
Shin-Osaka and Hakata are the border station but you may not be able to find the difference and the border. Please see the operation map below:
Many trains, such as Nozomi, Mizuho cross the border and run through two Shinkansen lines, such as Tokyo to Hakata by Nozomi, Shin-Osaka to Kagoshima-Chuo by Mizuho.
Types of train
There are six types of trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen.
Nozomi
Nozomi is the fastest train on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. Nozomi runs every 10 minutes during daytime between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and run every 30 minutes between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima or Hakata.
All Nozomi stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura and Hakata. Some Nozomi stops Nishi-Akashi, Himeji, Fukuyama, Tokuyama and Shin-Yamaguchi. Nozomi does not go further than Hakata. Mizuho and Sakura run between Shin-Osaka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. I will explain about these trains later.
JR Pass is NOT valid for Nozomi. If you want to take Nozomi, you have to pay the full fare. There is no deals available to cover Nozomi between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka other than the travel package by some travel agents.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Nozomi
Tokyo |
1 hour 40 minutes |
Nagoya |
35 minute |
Kyoto |
15 minute |
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Nozomi train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | G | G | G | R | R | R | R | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Hikari
Hikari is the second fastest train on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. If you travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka by JR Pass, Hikari is your choice because Nozomi is not covered as I explained above.
Most of Hikari runs between Tokyo, Shin-Osaka and Okayama. Hikari which goes to Hiroshima and Hakata is very few. I will explain about other train, Sakura later which is covered by JR pass on the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen.
All Hikari stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Shin-Shimonoseki, Kokura and Hakata. Many Hikari stop at Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Nishi-Akashi and Aioi. Some Hikari also stop at Odawara, Atami, Mishima and Toyohashi.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Hikari
Tokyo |
1 hour |
Shizuoka |
45 minute |
Nagoya |
40 minute |
Kyoto |
15 minute |
Shin-Osaka |
40 minute |
Himeji |
30 minutes |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Hikari train formation
Most Hikari are operated by the following 16 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | G | G | G | R | R | R | R | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
However very few Hikari which run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | R |
Hotels in Fukuoka
Hotels in Hiroshima
Hotels in Nagoya
Kodama
Kodama is the slowest train and stops at all stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. At this point, only Kodama stops at the following stations:
- Shin-Fuji
- Kakegawa
- Mikawa-Anjo
- Asa
This is covered by JR Pass. But the trip time is significantly longer than Hikari and Sakura. If you need to access one of these above stations, you have to take Kodama. Otherwise try to take Hikari or Sakura to save your trip time.
Kodama runs all part of the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen. But there is no Kodama which goes through from Tokyo to Hakata. Kodama run between Tokyo and Nagoya, Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, Shin-Osaka and Hakata. But many Kodama run on the short distance, such as Tokyo to Mishima.
Kodama train formation
All Kodama on the Tokaido Shinkansen are operated by the following 16 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | G | G | G | R | R | NR | NR | NR | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
All Kodama which run between Shin-Osaka and Hakata are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | NR | NR |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Platt Kodama, Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto-Osaka deal
Kodama is covered by JR Pass. But if you want to travel one way from Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka or versa, Platt Kodama is a good deal. JR Pass is too much for just one way trip between Tokyo and Osaka or Kyoto. Please refer the post below to find the detailed information:
Mizuho
Mizuho is the fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. This train runs about 6 to 8 round trips a day. The number of trips are varied by the season.
All Mizuho stops at Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima and Kokura, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. Some Mizuho stops Himeji, Kurume and Sendai.
JR Pass is NOT valid for Mizuho. If you want to take Mizuho, you have to pay the full fare. But if you use JR West deals and JR Kyushu deals, such as Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass, Kyushu Rail Pass and some more deals, you can take Mizuho.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Mizuho
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
35 minutes |
Kumamoto |
45 minutes |
Kagoshima-Chuo |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Mizuho train formation
All Mizuho are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Nozomi and Hikari provide exactly same accommodation in both the reserved ordinary class and the non reserved ordinary class. But Mizuho and Sakura offers better seat in the reserved ordinary class. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata, Mizuho and Sakura are better choice than Nozomi and Hikari. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Sakura
Sakura is the second fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo by JR Pass, Sakura is your choice because Nozomi and Mizuho is not covered as I explained above. You can take Hikari as well between Shin-Osaka and Hakata but Sakura has better seat in reserved ordinary class. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Most of Sakura runs between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. All Sakura stops at Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Kokura, Hakata, Shin-Tosu, Kurume, Kumamoto, Sendai and Kagoshima-Chuo. Many Sakura stops at Fukuyama, Shin-Yatsushiro, Shin-Minamata and Izumi. Some Sakura also stop at Himeji, Tokuyama, Shin-Yamaguchi, Shin-Shimonoseki, Chikugo-Funagoya, Shin-Omuta and Shin-Tamana.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Sakura
Shin-Osaka |
50 minute |
Okayama |
40 minutes |
Hiroshima |
1 hour 5 minutes |
Hakata |
40 minutes |
Kumamoto |
50 minutes |
Kagoshima-Chuo |
*The trip tims may be varied by the train, the departure time and the season.
Sakura train formation
Most Sakura are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
A few Sakura are operated by the following 6 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R |
Nozomi and Hikari provide exactly same accommodation in both the reserved ordinary class and the non reserved ordinary class. But Mizuho and Sakura offers better seat in the reserved ordinary class. If you travel between Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata, Mizuho and Sakura are better choice than Nozomi and Hikari. I will show you the photos later in this post.
Tsubame
Tsubame is the slowest train and stops at all stations on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. But in the day time, Tsubame mostly runs between Hakata and Kumamoto. Sakura covers the segment between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. This train is covered by JR Pass.
Tsubame train formation
All Tsubame are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R |
A few Tsubame are operated by the following 8 cars formation.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R /G | R | R |
R – Ordinary class reserved seat
NR – Ordinary class non-reserved seat
G – Reserved Green class
Timetable
You may find the timetables in JR Central and JR Kyushu official sites in the links below:
JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable
JR Kyushu official site – The route map and the timetable of JR Kyushu trains
Photo gallery
The accommodation is a bit different from the fleets. There are several kinds of the fleet to be used for the Shinkansen trains.
N700 and 700 series (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama)
All Nozomi and most Hikari are operated by these train sets. And also these train sets are also used for Kodama 16 cars formation on the Tokaido Shinkansen. N700 and 700 almost same in these two train sets.
Green class seat
Ordinary class seat (reserved and non reserved)
The interior is exactly same in both the reserved and non reserved ordinary class seats.
Sanitary facility
Smoking space
N700-7000/8000 series (Mizuho, Sakura)
All Mizuho, most Sakura and very few Tsubame are operated by this fleet.
Green class seat
Reserved ordinary class seats
N700-7000 offers better accommodation in the reserved ordinary class seat than other Shinkansen fleets. This is the reason why I recommend you to take Mizuho or Sakura more than Nozomi and Hikari.
Non reserved ordinary class
Non reserved ordinary class is same accommodation as other ordinary class seat.
Sanitary facility
Other facilities
500 series (Kodama on the Sanyo Shinkansen)
This fleet was used for Nozomi before. The style of this fleet is still very updated and cool. Now this fleet is used for Kodama on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. This train set does not provide Green class seat. But the reserved ordinary seat is better than non reserved seat.
Reserved ordinary class seat
Non reserved ordinary class seat
Other facilities
800 series (Tsubame and a few Sakura)
This train set is used for Tsubame on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. It is also used for a few Sakura which runs in Kyushu only. This train set does not run on the Sanyo Shinkansen segment.
This train set provide only one class seat which is the ordinary class. There is no difference between reserved and non reserved. But this ordinary class is much wider than other ordinary class seat. And this is made of lots of wood material. The atmosphere is totally different from other Shinkansen fleets.
Ordinary class seat
Other facilities
The coverage by the rail passes
There are many rail passes available. You may be confused which Shinkansen train and class are covered by the pass. Please see the table below:
Type of pass | Coverage |
---|---|
JR Pass Green | All seats on all Shinkansen trains other than Nozomi and Mizuho |
JR Pass Ordinary | Both reserved and non reserved on all Shinkansen trains other than Nozomi and Mizuho |
JR West Kansai Area Pass | This pass does not cover any Shinkansen trains |
JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Shin-Osaka and Okayama |
JR West Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima |
JR West Sanyo Sanin Area Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata |
JR West Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Hiroshima and Hakata |
JR West Hiroshima Okayama Yamaguchi Area Pass | Only non reserved ordinary seat of all Shinkansen trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen trains between Okayama and Hakata |
All Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo |
Northern Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto |
Southern Kyushu Rail Pass | Both reserved and non reserved seats of all Shinkansen trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo |
Kyushu Rail Pass Fukuoka Wide | This pass does not cover any Shinkansen trains. |
The summary
If you take the Shinkansen by JR Pass, Hikari is the choice for your travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. But if you travel to the west from Shin-Osaka, Sakura has better interior as you saw. Sakura is more recommended.
If you use JR West passes, you can use any trains. But most JR West deals cover only non reserved seat. You cannot get a benefit of better seat in the reserved car.
If you travel in Kyushu by Kyushu Rail Pass, 800 series is very interesting train set. Tsubame is slow train but this is operated by this series. You may take this train too.
I hope this Shinkansen ride guide gives you many ideas. And I am glad if you use this guide to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hello,
We are holding ordinary JR Pass.
Can we reserve seats from Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka Station in Hikari train mountainside to view Mount Fuji on the way?
If yes, is this at an extra charge and please advise how do we do it and if it can be done in advance on our arrival at Narita Airport terminal 2 on April 18 and our travel date from Tokyo to Osaka will only be on April 20?
Thank you for the advice!
Hi Anne,
You can book when you exchange your JR pass. You can exchange it at Narita airport even if you start using JR pass on 20th. Once you get an actual pass, you can book right away.
You can book any side of seats by JR pass without extra charge. Shinkansen seat layout is 3+2 and Seat A, B, C (isle) and D, E. Mt. Fuji side is seat D and E. So try to book this side. Fuji side is always D and E even if you go back to Tokyo from Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi-san for replying!
I do have a few more queries. Hoping that we get some more advices (being first timers to Japan)
-When taking Narita Express from Narita Airport, does it stop at ShinOkubo station or we need to stop at Shinjuku station then change train going to ShinOkubo station?
-in going from Tokyo to Osaka: Coming from ShinOkubo Station, I believe we need to go to Shinagawa Station to change to Hikari Shinkansen going to Shin-Osaka Station? Kindly reconfirm if this is correct and if all these routes are covered by JR Pass?
-please advice as well what would be our route covered by JR if going back to Tokyo then Narita Station if we are coming from Shin-Osaka
Thanks very much again for your time and helpful information!
Hi Anne,
-When taking Narita Express from Narita Airport, does it stop at ShinOkubo station or we need to stop at Shinjuku station then change train going to ShinOkubo station?
You need to change the trains at Shinjuku because Narita Express does not stop at Shin-Okubo. All trips are covered by JR pass
-in going from Tokyo to Osaka: Coming from ShinOkubo Station, I believe we need to go to Shinagawa Station to change to Hikari Shinkansen going to Shin-Osaka Station? Kindly reconfirm if this is correct and if all these routes are covered by JR Pass?.
Correct.
-please advice as well what would be our route covered by JR if going back to Tokyo then Narita Station if we are coming from Shin-Osaka
Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen) Shinagawa (Narita Express) Narita airport
You can change the trains at Tokyo instead of Shinagawa. But Shinagawa is smaller than Tokyo and much easier to change trains. You will take Shinkansen from Shinagawa for Shin-Osaka. You will be familiar with Shinagawa more than Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shinagawa-station-guide-transfer-among-shinkansen-keihin-kyuko-to-haneda-narita-express.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Is there a JR route from Kyoto Station going back to Tokyo then Tokyo to Narita Station?
Will the duration be longer to Narita Station if coming from Kyoto or Shin-Osaka?
We’re still deciding if it’s more feasible to be coming from Kyoto or Osaka before we head back to the Narita Airport.
Thanks for your advice on the train route!
Hi Anne,
You can take Shinaksnen from Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to Shinagawa. And then take Narita Express to Narita airport from Shinagawa.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
You can change from Shinkansen to Narita Express at Tokyo but Shinagawa is easier because it’s smaller than Tokyo station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/shinagawa-station-guide-transfer-among-shinkansen-keihin-kyuko-to-haneda-narita-express.html
It takes at least 4 hours to get Narita from Kyoto or Shin-Osaka. You can find the timetable in the links below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_nex_d/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank You very much, Takeshi-san!
Alternatively, if from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto for a day trip what would be our route that’s covered by JR if going from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Station and back?
Can we take a 6am train from Shin Osaka to Kyoto Station and back late in the evening around 7pm?
I also have read that going around within Kyoto by buses will not be anymore covered by JR.
Hi Anne san,
If you intend to use JR pass, you can take Shinkansen. And if not, you can take Special rapid.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/special-rapid-service.html
It takes 10 minutes by Shinkansen. And Special rapid is sort of commute train but it takes only 30 minutes.
You can make 6am to 7pm trip by either train easily.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-san!
Our first sightseeing will be to Arashiyama.
Is there also a Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Arashiyama Station by JR or we need to stop at Kyoto Station?
Which Shinkansen will this be and how long will it take us to reach there?
Hi Anne san,
Shinkansen does not go to Arashiyama. You have to change the trains at Kyoto from Shinkansen to local train. It takes another 15 minutes to get Arashiyama from Kyoto by local train.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/kyoto-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your patience in addressing my queries Takeshi san.
As we will be coming from Osaka Station, pls advice what do you think of the below, if we decide not to take Shinkansen:
Osaka Station – Kyoto Station by Special Rapid Service
From Kyoto Station we’ll change local train to Arashiyama Station
As we are holding ordinary 7 day JR pass, does it cover the above?
Will our route back to Osaka Station from Kyoto Station be the same via Special Rapid Service?
Hello Takeshi san
Let me know if correct and if all are accessible by our JR Pass:
If we decide to take Shinkansen to Kyoto from Osaka, from Osaka we go first to Shin-Osaka Station then take Shinkansen Hikari to Kyoto Station.
From Kyoto Station we then change to local JR train to Arashiyama Station.
Going back, if we’ll be coming from Kyoto station, we take again the Hikari Shinkansen going to Shin-Osaka station. At Shin-Osaka we change train and head to Osaka station.
Hi Anne,
You’re right. You can choose whichever you like, Shinkansen or Special rapid.
Shinkansen is faster than special rapid. But you will need to change trains at Shin-Osaka and spend 10 minutes to transfer. So Special rapid goes to Kyoto directly from Osaka and it may be faster.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi san!
Also one more thing, we’re coming from Osaka on Saturday and have a departure Int’l flight the next day, Sunday at 12noon.
What is the earliest JR train in the morning to depart from:
Osaka – Shin Osaka, then Shin-Osaka to Shinagawa by Hikari Shinkansen then Shinagawa – Narita Airport Terminal 2 by Narita Express for us to catch our Int’l flight. We need to be at the airport at least 2hrs, I think? Around 10am.
Do you think we have enough time or better to go to Narita on Saturday afternoon to spend the night before our departure the next day?
Thanks for the advice.
Hi Anne san,
It will be very very tough to get Narita. I usually go to the airport 3 hours before departure time. You can do it 2 hours before.
The earliest schedule is like this:
Osaka to Shin-Osaka by local train
It runs every 5-10 minutes. And you should have 10 minutes to transfer at Shin-Osaka.
Shin-Osaka 6:00 (Nozomi 200) 8:16 Shinagawa 8:49 (Narita Express) 09:55 Narita airprot T2
This is only available schedule. If you miss one train, you cannot reach Narita 2 hours before. I think it’s too risky. And also if you intend to use JR Pass, you cannot take Nozomi and you cannot get Narita by 2 hours before.
I recommend you to stay in Tokyo on Saturday.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
We have decided to stay overnight in Narita before our flight the next day.
I was checking the Narita Express Route from Shinagawa and it only seems to stop at Narita Airport Terminals. Does it go next to Narita Station as we need to stay in a nearby hotel for the night.
Thanks!
Hi Anne san,
You need to take Rapid Narita.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/rapid-train-on-yokosuka-sobu-line-airport-narita.html
You can take this from Narita airport to go back to Narita or take this train from Shinagawa to Narita.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi san!
Is there a particular number of the Rapid Narita we will take from Shinagawa to Narita?
Also, will it be a different Narita Express that we’ll be taking coming from Narita Terminal 2 going to Shinjuku during arrival?
Hi Anne san,
You can take any rapid trains which goes to Narita airport.
Narita Express to Shinjuku is same. In most of Narita Express, two train sets are coupled between Narita airport and Tokyo. At Tokyo station, two trains sets are uncoupled and one goes to Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and other one goes to Yokohama, Ofuna. Before you take Narita Express, you need to book a seat. Your seat will be assigned in the train which goes to Shinjuku. So don’t worry to take wrong one.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi san!
How soon and where do we book a seat to take Narita Express from Airport Terminal 2 going to Shinjuku on arrival and Shinagawa going to Narita Station on departure?
Do we also need to book in advance our seats in Shinkansen Hikari from Shinagawa to Osaka and back?
Hi Anne san,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
We just arrived back home after a week long vacation in your beautiful country!
I would like to thank you for all your advices and tips in utilizing our JR Passes during our planning stages.
JR Trains are very reliable throughout our travel in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Narita. Each station, JR team were very helpful in guiding us. We were not scared to get lost – it was even an adventure for us The trains are always on time and even on rush hours, it was not that difficult to commute.
We will definitely be using JR on our next visit to Japan!
Regards,
Anne
Hi Anne san,
I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Japan!
I hope you will go back there to visit many other places.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san!
In fact we’re planning for our next trip and would love to explore more in Tokyo for 4-5 days in Autumn.
Is there a JR Pass valid within Tokyo? Or will it be more economical if we purchase the tickets per JR station as we still want to use JR trains.
Hi Anne san,
JR pass covers local train in Tokyo too. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
But there are many deals available. Before choosing the deal, please build your detailed plan. And then you can think about the deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
Firstly, we are looking at one way shinkansen travel from Shin-Osaka to Shinagawa and I noticed on Hyperdia.com the prices, Hikari is 14140 YEN and Nozomi is 14450 YEN – only 310 YEN the difference, correct? So that doesn’t seem to much extra for 30 minutes or so faster in trip.
My second trip will be one way later on from Odawara to Kyoto. On this trip there is only Hikari, without having to change train, correct? I found the price of 12080 YEN.
My question is, I am looking at around 26530 YEN in costs for shinkansen travel, which seems quite reasonable for my budget and I would prefer the shinkansen for faster travel, but is there any type of ticket, pass or offer for shinkansen travel we could take advantage? A 7-day JR rail pass is of no use, as the time between these two trips is 9 days: we do Shin-Osaka to Shinagawa on 6th June and then Odawara to Kyoto on 14th June.
Thanking you for your advice.
Hi Michael san,
Single ticket is the best choice. There is no other deals for your trip. As you think, 7 days is too short and 14 days is too expensive. But JR pass is more expensive than single ticket. So use single ticket and it’s the best choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you again Takeshi san, I very much appreciate it.
Cheers.
No worries, Michael san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
We plan to travel from Takamatsu to Kochi and return. What is the best train we can take and the last train back to Takamatsu with JR railway pass.
Thanks
Lee
Hi Lee,
You can take limited express Shimanto. Please see the link below.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-nanpu-shimanto.html
You can find the timetable in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I will be in Osaka later this year and want to go to a jazz club in Yokohama to see a performer there. What time does the last train depart from Yokohama to Osaka to enable me to return and not have to book a hotel?
Regards,
Shane
Hi Shane,
Please find the timetable in the links below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
Shin-Yokohama is the nearest station to Yokohama. Local trains run between Yokohama and Shin-Yokohama very frequently. You don’t need to worry about local train to get Shin-Yokohama. Just check the schedule of Shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am planning to arrive in Narita in the morning of January 08 and travel to Himeji. Will travel back to Shinagawa on January 11.
What is the best train connections for me?
Hi Sarath,
You can take Narita Express from Narita to Shinagawa, and then take Shinkansen to get Himeji.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html
You can change the trains at Tokyo instead of Shinagawa. But Shinagawa is easier than Tokyo. You can find the train timetable in the links below:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
JR pass 7 days is recommended deal for your trip. JR Pass is cheaper than regular fare.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi!
I am to depart through Narita and my colleague has to go through Haneda. Will you recommend Shinagawa Prince Hotel for the last night of our stay?
Sarath
Hi Sarath,
Shinagawa is the best place for both Narita and Haneda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi
Now the final question. Can we book seats from Shinagawa to Himeji and return tickets from Himeji to Shinagawa before arriving in Japan?
Sarath.
Hi Sarath,
Unfortunately online is basically not available. You have to book after arrival in Japan. But you can book and purchase at same time for both way. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am planning to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo Shibuya on 9 Jan 2017. Pls advise which bullet train to take as we have luggage.
Do I have to book online in advance as 9 Jan is public holiday but I realise bullet train has high frequency. Thanks.
Hi Mike,
Basically you cannot book it online. Unfortunately only Japanese site is available to book Shinkansen ticket. But it’s not hard to book. Shinkansen trains run very frequently. You can book it even if you do it after you arrive in Japan.
Please see the link below to find the info about luggage.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for prompt response. Which stations do the bullet train stop at in Tokyo? I’m trying g to find the easiest way to transfer to Shibuya.
Hi Mike,
Tokyo and Shinagawa are stations in Tokyo. Shinagawa is more accessible station from Shibiuya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I am going to buy KANSAI HIROSHIMA PASS and I’m planing to ride Nozomi from Kyoto to Hiroshima.
The pass covers only Nozomi (Sanyo) from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, so I am imagining that if I pay the Shinkansen fare (~1400¥) for the Nozomi from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka, I can travel without transfering train?
The confusing thing is, Nozomi from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka is from Tokaido, not from Sanyo. But the train is the same, right? Is it like, when I get on the Nozomi from Kyoto it is still “Tokaido Nozomi” and I have to pay 1400¥ because it is not Sanyo, then when I reach Shin-Osaka, ONLY ITS NAME changes to “Sanyo Nozomi” and my KANSAI HIROSHIMA pass covers it. Is it right?
Thank you very much.
Hi Truc,
Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines are operated as one Shinkansen line. Tokaido Shinkansen belongs to JR Central and Sanyo Shinkansen belongs to JR West. But in train operation, it’s same. You don’t need to care about this. But this is reason why Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass does not cover Shinkansen line between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.
If you pay 1400 yen (base fare + non reserved seat fee), you can use same train from Kyoto to Hiroshima.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much indeed, Takeshi!
I’ve been worring about it for such a long time!
That helps me a lot.
No worries, Truc.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will travel from Tokyo to Kyoto in 1st of Jan 2017 and wanna take Nozomi Shinkansen. I have been searchig if there is any way to make online reservation because I am quite worried if trains will be fully booked since its high season.
Do you know any website for online reservation (English or Japanese)? It will be very helpful.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Shin,
Please see the link below to find the info about online.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Actually Jan 1 is not such a busy day. I’m very optimistic to book a seat for this day. The day before/after New Years days are super busy, such as Dec 30 and Jan 3.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, we are tourist currently staying in nippori, Ueno. We want to go to Osaka via bullet train. We are using suico pass. Is there a need for early ticket reservation for the bullet train? Or we can buy upon arrival to the terminal? Thank you!
Hi Veronica,
You don’t need to but it’s recommended. You can book at Ueno or Nippori station. There is a reservation window that is called “Midori no Madoguchi”. You can book and purchase a ticket there.
You cannot use Suica to be board on bullet train. You need to purchase both base fare ticket and seat fee ticket. It costs around 15000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
i will be in Japan for 8 days. i will arrive in Narita Airport then proceed to Osaka then Kyoto then back to Tokyo. Can i use my JRPass going to Osaka/Kyoto? i’ve read that i can use my jrpass in narita express going to Shinagawa Station. from there what’s next? jrpass is not valid for Nozomi right?
thanks
Hi Red,
You can use JR pass to take Narita Express and Shinkansen. Nozomi is not covered by JR pass, but you can take Hikari from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka or Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com