Japan’s famous bullet trains, or Shinkansen
When you think of Japan, riding the Japan bullet train, or Shinkansen, is often one of the first experiences that comes to mind, especially if you want to travel quickly and comfortably between major cities.
And if it’s your first Japan trip, sorting your Shinkansen seat reservation before you go can make your whole trip feel much easier. Book ahead, and you can skip the ticket queues, secure your preferred seat, and even try for a window spot with a view of Mt Fuji on certain routes.
It’s especially worth planning ahead if you’re travelling with large suitcases. On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, luggage with total dimensions of over 160cm and up to 250cm needs an oversized baggage reservation, usually linked to specific seats with luggage space.
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The Japan Rail Pass, often called the JR Pass, can be a cost-effective option if you’re planning several long-distance journeys. It’s available exclusively to foreign tourists and offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including many Shinkansen services, for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.
Note: The JR Pass is usually issued as a physical paper, so it needs to be delivered before your trip. It’s handy if you like having things sorted in advance, but you’ll need to allow time for delivery and keep it safe until you exchange it for your rail pass in Japan.
Not using a JR Pass? No worries! In this guide, we’ll cover how to reserve a Shinkansen seat and buy bullet train tickets in Japan, whether you’re travelling with a rail pass or booking individual journeys as you go.
Let's start with your options for Japan’s bullet trains.
What are the different Japan bullet train options?
Experience convenience and style on Shinkansen trains! | Henry Perks on Unsplash
Japan's shinkansen trains are the peak of speed and convenience, running at up to 320 km/h and known for punctuality, efficiency, safety, and comfort.
Locals use them constantly, and a huge network of station facilities connects them. You'll rarely wait more than a few minutes for one, whether you're travelling within Tokyo or heading to another prefecture entirely.
There are nine Shinkansen lines running across major cities and stations in Japan:
Except for the Akita and Yamagata lines, every Shinkansen runs on tracks built exclusively for high-speed trains. If you want the fastest ride available, look for the Hayabusa, which tops out at 320 km/h.
Reserved vs unreserved seats: The real cheat code
Your ticket to exploring Japan the easy way | @jpnstation on Instagram
Before you start comparing Green Car and Ordinary Car, there’s a simpler choice to make: reserved seats, known as 'shiteiseki', or unreserved seats, known as 'jiyūseki'.
Unreserved seats work on a first-come, first-served basis. You don’t need to choose an exact seat in advance, and they’re usually a little cheaper than reserved seats, making them a good option if your plans are flexible. However, you’re only allowed to sit in the unreserved cars, and if they’re full, you may have to stand until a seat becomes available.
Reserved seats give you an assigned seat on a specific train, at a specific time, in a specific car. This is the option to go for if you’re travelling during busy periods such as Golden Week, heading off with a group, or carrying luggage you don’t fancy dragging through a crowded carriage.
What's the difference between the seats on Green Car vs. Ordinary Car?
If it's your first time on the Shinkansen, it helps to know there are two classes of car: Ordinary Car and Green Car.
The Green Cars are the first-class seats on a Shinkansen train. This is a step up in luxury from the Ordinary Car and must be reserved before boarding.
Even if you only buy an Ordinary Pass, all amenities aboard the Shinkansen trains are already a cut above the rest throughout the country. Some of these amenities include electrical outlets for charging, overhead storage, and coat hooks. The Ordinary seats are also reversible, so you can swing around and face your group instead of looking behind manually.
As a Green Car passenger, you can access other luxuries such as extra storage space, leg space, a reading light, complimentary drinks and snacks, and a wider, more comfortable seat with deeper reclining functions.
But of course, with extra service and amenities come an extra price. A Green Pass is about 30% pricier than the base price. But if you ask us, it's totally worth it!
How and where do I reserve seats on bullet trains?
There are many options to reserve seats on any Shinkansen train, and here are some ways:
1. Online
As an authorised Shinkansen booking partner, Klook makes reserving your ticket online one of the easiest ways to sort your seat before you even land in Japan, which is especially handy if you want to guarantee your spot without queuing.
If you'd rather book once you're in the country, there's no single English platform covering the whole network; instead, several systems each cover specific lines. Except for the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, these systems don't generate e-tickets, so you'll need to collect a physical ticket from a machine before boarding. Ticket pickup is also limited to the region each system covers.
The main systems are:
- JR East Reservation System: This covers the Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen. Passengers should pick up their tickets in eastern Japan.
- Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Online Reservation Service: This system covers the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen. Passengers have more options with this service since you can use an IC card, QR code ticket, or physical tickets picked up from machines along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen and in central Japan.
- JR West Reservation System: This covers the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, Hokuriku, and Joetsu Shinkansen. It also includes the Tohoku Shinkansen as far as Nasu-Shiobara. Passengers can pick up their tickets in western Japan, including Kyushu.
- JR Kyushu Reservation System: Finally, this system covers the Kyushu, Nishikyushu, Sanyo, and Tokaido Shinkansen. Tickets are exclusively picked up in Kyushu. It’s also important to remember that each system covers select limited express trains in their respective regions.
2. At a ticket counter
Shinkansen tickets are available at numerous major and minor stations across Japan. Most ticket offices accept credit cards. Be sure to have the following details available when buying a ticket:
- Number of Passengers
- Travel Date
- Departure Station
- Destination Station
- Ordinary or Green Car Preference
- Train Name and Train Number
- Departure Time
If you’re not fluent in Japanese, we advise passengers to jot down the information on paper and present it to the salesperson in charge for smoother transactions.
3. At a ticket machine
Japan train ticket machines | Christian Chen on Unsplash
You can also use designated ticket machines to purchase and reserve Japan bullet train tickets. Many of these machines also come equipped with English menus. It’s important to note that some machines exclusively provide non-reserved seats, so we recommend you choose those that offer seat reservation options!
While these machines can be incredibly handy once you’re familiar with their operation, buying the tickets isn’t always a straightforward process. Not to mention, some machines might not accept credit cards issued outside Japan.
If you’re confused, here’s how to read your Shinkansen ticket to find your reserved seat.
How to reserve a seat with a view of Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji in Japan
Securing a seat with a view of Mt. Fuji is easier than you'd think, and it works just like booking any other Shinkansen seat.
You'll get the best chance of a view on routes heading from Tokyo towards Osaka, Nagoya, or Kyoto when you sit on the right-hand side of the train travelling that direction. Here's how to book it on Klook:
- Open the Klook app and go to the transport menu on the home page.
- Search your route and select your train.
- At the seat selection step, look for the "Mt Fuji view" option; it'll appear automatically if it's available on your chosen train.
- Confirm your seat and complete your booking.
Klook Tip: Mt Fuji view seats aren't available on every train or every route, so it's worth booking a few days ahead during peak travel season, like cherry blossom season or Golden Week.
How to reserve a seat with luggage storage?
If you're travelling with oversized luggage, it's worth reading up on the luggage policies before you book. Here's a quick breakdown of what applies to your bag:
Luggage size (L+W+H) | Reservation needed? | Notes |
Under 160cm | No | Standard overhead rack or space beside/behind your seat |
160cm–250cm | Yes (oversized baggage reservation) | Free to book, but space is limited, so reserve alongside your seat |
Over 250cm | Not permitted | Consider a luggage forwarding or delivery service instead |
And here's how to reserve a spot for it on Klook:
- Open the Klook app and select your Shinkansen route.
- At checkout, look for the oversized baggage reservation option.
- Confirm the dimensions of your luggage, as anything over 160cm needs a reservation.
- Complete your booking to lock in both your seat and your luggage space.
Klook Tip: Things like sports equipment and strollers that measure more than 160cm will also require a reservation should you wish to store them in an oversized baggage area.
What about the Japan Rail Pass?
Your ticket to exploring Japan the easy way!
If you're still thinking about the JR Pass and if the price hike doesn't bother you, you can read more about it here:
Designed exclusively for foreign tourists, this pass grants unlimited rides on JR trains for up to three weeks! Passengers can also use this pass on all Shinkansen trains except for Nozomi and Mizuho, which run on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
As a rule of thumb: if you're taking three or more long-distance journeys, the pass usually works out cheaper than point-to-point tickets. If you're mostly staying in one region or making one or two trips, booking individual Shinkansen seats directly is often the better value.
Time to book your Shinkansen seat!
Whether you're chasing a Mt Fuji view, weighing up the JR Pass, or just want your seat locked in before you land, booking ahead on Klook is the easiest way to do it. Reserve your Shinkansen seat now and skip the queues when you arrive!
FAQs about Japan Shinkansen
How early do I need to book shinkansen reserved seats?
You can easily book reserved seats on the Shinkansen on Klook one month before right up to the departure time of your chosen train. However, during peak national holidays such as the Golden Week, New Year, or Obon, we recommend booking 3-4 days in advance.
For those travelling in a group, we suggest booking early on in your trip. It’s better to plan your schedules strategically and have a general knowledge of which trains you’re taking and which train stations you should go to for a seamless adventure.
Do I need to reserve a seat on the Shinkansen?
No, but it's worth it. Unreserved seats are available on most trains and are cheaper, but you're not guaranteed a spot during busy periods. Reserving your Shinkansen seat in advance guarantees you a place, which is especially handy during peak travel dates or if you're travelling with your family.
How do I claim my JR/Shinkansen tickets?
You can now board most routes directly with a QR code, which means you don’t need to pick up physical tickets. However, some exceptions require ticket pickup. Please check the “How to Use” section on the checkout page for more details.
What are the luggage rules on the Shinkansen?
You can bring up to two bags per passenger as long as the combined dimensions (length + width + height) don't exceed 250cm and each bag weighs no more than 30kg. Anything between 160cm and 250cm counts as oversized and needs a seat reservation in the oversized baggage area, which is free but limited, so book it alongside your Shinkansen seat rather than leaving it to the day of travel.
What happens if my luggage doesn't fit or I didn't reserve oversized baggage space?
Staff can ask you to move to a different car or, in some cases, charge a fee for unreserved oversized luggage. It's a lot less hassle to sort your reservation in advance through Klook, especially if you're travelling with a big suitcase, golf bag, or stroller.
Can I change or cancel my Shinkansen seat reservation after booking on Klook?
Before booking is confirmed: Cancel directly on the Klook app: Go to "Account" → "Bookings" → Select your booking → Select "Refund" to cancel. (Note: If your ticket is being issued or has already been issued, cancellation won’t be possible.)
After booking is confirmed: On the Klook App: Go to "Account" → "Bookings" → Select your booking → Select "Change" to modify or "Refund" to cancel.
Less than 1 hour before departure, after scanning the QR code, or after ticket pick-up: Changes and cancellations are no longer allowed.
*Currently, the change function is only available for Shinkansen, Narita Express, and Fuji Excursion tickets.
How fast is the Japan bullet train?
The Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, can reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour on certain lines, making it one of the fastest trains in the world. You'll barely feel the speed, though, since it runs so smoothly!
How much does it cost for the bullet train in Japan?
Shinkansen ticket prices depend on your route and seat type. One of the most popular routes for tourists, Tokyo to Osaka, typically costs around 14,000 to 15,000 Japanese yen (roughly £75-£80) for a standard reserved seat, though exchange rates do fluctuate.
What is the safety record for the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen is famous for its safety record. With earthquake detection systems, automatic braking, and meticulous maintenance, it's one of the safest ways to travel in Japan.
How long is the longest bullet train ride in Japan?
The longest Shinkansen journey is the Tohoku-Hokkaido line, running from Tokyo all the way to Hakodate in Hokkaido. The trip takes around 4 to 4.5 hours and covers nearly 820 kilometres.
Related reads for your trip to Japan!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
