The Shinkansen (新幹線) is a high speed train service that is operated by JR. It is one of the fastest trains in world and sometimes called “Bullet Train”. JR has this high speed train network throughout Japan. You can save lots of your trip time by taking this train system.
I would like to share a basic information about the Shinkansen train system in this post.
What is the difference between the Shinkansen and the regular trains?
The Shinkansen is completely different railway system from conventional trains that is called Zairaisen (在来線) in Japanese. The Shinkansen is completely separated from other train service and the Shinkansen has fewer stations than conventional lines because this is a long distance intercity train service.
e.g. the segment between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.
No stations on the Shinkansen
13 stations on the conventional line (JR Kyoto line)
The Shinkansen does not share the track with other conventional trains because of the train operation system. The rail gauge of Shinkansen (1,435 mm) is much wider than JR conventional line standard (1,067 mm). The Shinkansen cannot run on the conventional railway track basically.
And the different fare system is applied to the Shinkansen. When you change the trains between the Shinkansen and the conventional trains, you have to go through the Shinkansen transfer gate even though both trains are same JR trains.
When you change the trains between Shinkansen and other JR trains, please expect to spend at least 10 minutes to transfer and sometimes need more in the mega terminal station, like Tokyo, Shin-Osaka.
All Shinkansen routes
JR has now seven Shinkansen lines and another two “Mini” Shinkansen lines.
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You may find the detailed information
The Tokaido Shinkansen
The train names are Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama.
It runs between Tokyo (東京) and Shin-Osaka (新大阪). It is connected with the Sanyo Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka. Nozomi is not covered by Japan Rail Pass.
The Sanyo Shinkansen
The train names are Nozomi, Mizuho, Hikari, Sakura and Kodama.
It runs between Shin-Osaka (新大阪) and Hakata (博多). Since many trains go through from the Tokaido Shinkansen, we call Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. The Sanyo Shinkansen is connected with Kyushu Shinkansen at Hakata as well. Many direct train services, Mizuho and Sakura run between Shin-Osaka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo.
Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered by Japan Rail Pass.
The Kyushu Shinkansen
The train names are Mizuho, Sakura and Tsubame.
It runs between Hakata (博多) and Kagoshima-Chuo (鹿児島中央). All Mizuho and most of Sakura are operated between Shin-Osaka (新大阪) and Kumamoto or Kagoshima-Chuo. There is no direct train service from Tokyo (東京) to Kyushu. Mizuho cannot be used by Japan Rail Pass.
The Tohoku Shinkansen
The train names are Hayabusa, Hayate, Yamabiko and Nasuno.
It runs between Tokyo (東京) and Shin-Aomori (新青森). This Shinkansen line is connected with the Hokkaido Shinkansen at Shin-Aomori. Many trains run between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto on Hokkaido Shinkansen line.
Tohoku Shinkansen does not connect with Tokaido Shinkansen at Tokyo (東京). You have to transfer the train at Tokyo station.
The Hokkaido Shinkansen
The train names are Hayabusa and Hayate. This line runs between Shin-Aomori and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. But in the train operation, this is the extention part of Tohoku Shinkansen. All trains come from the Tohoku Shinkansen line.
The Joetsu Shinkansen
Train names are Toki and Tanigawa. Some trains are operated by by-level train set. These trains are called “Max Toki” or “Max Tanigawa”.
This Shinkansen line runs between Tokyo (東京) and Niigata (新潟). This Shinkansen share the track with the Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo (東京) and Omiya. In winter season, some Tanigawa run between Tokyo and Gala Yuzawa.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen
The train names are Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama and Tsurugi.
It runs between Tokyo (東京) and Kanazawa (金沢). This Shinkansen share the track with the Joetsu Shinkansen between Tokyo and Takasaki. This Shinkansen line is officially called Hokuriku Shinkansen.
The Yamagata Shinkansen
The train name is Tsubasa.
It runs between Tokyo (東京) and Shinjo (新庄) via Yamagata (山形). This Shinkansen train are coupled with Yamabiko on the Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Fukushima (福島). And it runs on the upgraded regular track. Shinkansen train is basically completely separated from other conventional trains. But Yamagata Shinkansen share the track with a local train between Fukushima and Shinjo. This is a reason why it is called “Mini” Shinkansen.
The Akita Shinkansen
The train name is Komachi.
This Shinkansen line runs between Tokyo (東京) and Akita (秋田). This Shinkansen trains are coupled with Hayabusa on the Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Morioka (盛岡). And it share the track with the local trains between Morioka and Akita, like Yamagata Shinkansen between Fukushima and Shinjo.
Comments
Hello Takeshi,
I’m Eniko from Hungary and we’re planning to visit Japan in May for 10 days. We will arrive to Kansai Airport afternoon around 6 PM and our hotel will be the Eco Cube in Osaka for 1 night. On the next day we will go to Kyoto where we stay for 3 nights and travel back to Osaka for another 5 nights.
I’m wandering whether to by a JP Rail pass for 7 days plus something or don’t buy jp rail pass at all. What do you recommend for us? On the last two days we want to go to Universal Studios but otherwise we want to see most of sights in Kyoto and Osaka as well and go for a one-day trip to Nara from Osaka, and a one-day trip to Mt. Koya.
I though we could go from the airport to Namba Nankai and something to the capsule hotel. We want to travel one time definately by shinkansen just for fun, just to try.
We are wondering about a one-day trip from Kyoto to go nearby Mt. Fuji just to see it, not for climb it.
So, I think, our plans are so complex. Could you recommend us something? Thanks!
Regards, Eniko
Hi Eniko,
Before choosing the deal, you have to decide whether you go to Fuji or not. Because Fuji is quite far from Tokyo and you need to have JR pass if you go there. Otherwise JR Pass is too expensive. If you are okay to see Mt. Fuji in the distance from the station, Mishima is the best place. But it’s just a station and not tourist spot. If you want to visit Fuji as tourist spot, you need to get either Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi. It takes at least 2 hours for one way to get Mishima. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
The following itinerary shows you the sample itinerary of Kyoto-Osaka and Osaka-Kyoto. You may refer these itinerary to build your plan other than Fuji.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-osaka-and-kyoto-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
I show some deals in the links above. But if you decide to get Fuji and using JR Pass, you need to rearrange to choose the pass.
Anyway at this point, Fuji is a key.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
How do I go about with this if I want to take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Akita? Where do I get the tickets from?
Hi Ellie,
You have to take two Shinkansen, Tokaido Shinakansen (Shin-Osaka to Tokyo) and Akita Shinkansen (Tokyo to Akita).
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/akita-shinkansen.html
You can book a ticket at “Midori no Madoguchi” that is reservation window. You can find it at most of JR station.
Fare and timetable can be found at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
I recommend you to use JR pass. Total fare is almost same as 7 days pass price.
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
I am senior citizen of India. I want to go japan in next September 2015.In this connection some trips from you.have senior citizen concession in japan railway.Name of the list Gaust house and address where I live chiefly.
Hi Rathindra,
Unfortunately most of railway companies do not have any senior discount. A few companies offer discount but you have to deal with them in Japanese and must register member in Japanese, not realistic.
There are too many accommodations in Japan and I’m sorry but I cannot tell it to you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
HI,
When checking route from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori on Hyperdia website, I seem to be taken via Akita? Do you know if JP rail pass allows direct train from Tokyo to Aomori without need to change.
Thanks
Hi Trevor,
Of course you can take direct train from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori. It’s covered by JR Pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
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Would u please help me to confirm that I can take the train from Aonori to Ueno 新幹線はやぶさ32号 no extra charge as long as I have JR pass? Thank u very much.
Hi Kathy,
Yes, you can. It’s fully covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
[…] Pour encore plus d’info, n’hésitez pas à consulter ce blog très bien fait et entièrement consacré aux transports en commun Japonais (si ça, ce n’est pas une niche !) – en anglais : https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/what-is-shinkansen.html […]
Hi JPrail. I will be in fukouka this sept 10 to 13. What is the best way to go to Osaka from Fukuoka? By plane or by bullet train? Thank you for your help!
Hi Elisa,
I think Shinkansen is better. In travel time, flight is much shorter than Shinkansen. But you will spend the time to get airport and check in. Total spending time for taking flight is almost same as Shinkansen trip time. Shinkansen can connect both downtown core of Osaka and Fukuoka. Taking Shinkansen makes you more convenient and less stress.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
[…] Pour encore plus d’info, n’hésitez pas à consulter ce blog très bien fait et entièrement consacré aux transports en commun Japonais (si ça, ce n’est pas une niche !) – en anglais : https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/what-is-shinkansen.html […]
Hi JPRail,
I wonder what is the luggage size permitted to carry in japan train?
I am thinking to bring a 28 inch suitcase.
Regard,s
Joane
Hi Joane,
They don’t have any restriction. You can carry any size of baggage. But most of trains do not have any luggage space except Narita Express, Haruka (Kansai airport express) and some of resort trains. So basically you can keep your baggage at your seat. I recommend you to minimize your luggage. Otherwise you have to leave your baggage at the entrance deck.
Takeshi / JP Rail