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Japan Shinkansen Tickets
What is Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen, also known as the "bullet train," is a fast and reliable high-speed train system in Japan that's been around since 1964. If you're looking to travel between cities like Tokyo and Osaka at speeds up to 320 km/h, the Shinkansen is your go-to choice. Japanese bullet trains are famous for being on time, with average delays being just a few seconds. So, when you need to be on time, you can count on the Shinkansen to get you there quickly.
Once aboard the bullet train, you'll enjoy comfy, reclining seats with modern amenities like power outlets and free Wi-Fi. You can also choose from different seating options: Ordinary, Green Car, or even the luxurious Gran Class if you want to travel in style.
Popular route schedules and timetables
Things to know about the Shinkansen
Shinkansen routes and destinations
The major Shinkansen lines and where they go
Several Shinkansen lines zoom across Japan, reaching many of its cities and regions. The Tokaido Shinkansen line is the oldest, and it links Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka with some of the fastest Japan rail train services. It's also one of the busiest routes in the country.
From Osaka, you can continue your trip on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, which goes all the way to Fukuoka. Heading in the opposite direction, the Tohoku Shinkansen line runs from Tokyo to Sendai, and further up to Aomori.
If you want to explore southern Japan, the Kyushu Shinkansen line offers beautiful views as it connects Fukuoka with Kagoshima. Meanwhile, the Hokuriku Shinkansen line connects Tokyo to Kanazawa, a place known for its history and culture.
Book your Shinkansen tickets on Klook today!
There are different types of Shinkansen tickets. If you want a guaranteed seat, go for a reserved ticket. You can also get non-reserved tickets that let you board any train on the same route as long as it's on the same day. For a smooth experience, grab your tickets on Klook and enjoy your trip across Japan!
Map of the Shinkansen network
The 9 Shinkansen lines in Japan
If you're riding a Shinkansen in Japan, here's an overview of the nine Shinkansen lines and the areas they serve. The Tokaido Shinkansen lineconnects Tokyo and Osaka, making it the most popular Shinkansen route for tourists. The Sanyo Shinkansen, which continues from Osaka, runs west to Hakata Station in Fukuoka.
If you're heading north, the Tohoku Shinkansen offers a fast ride from Tokyo up to Aomori. In the beautiful Hokuriku region, you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen to travel between Tokyo and Kanazawa. In the southern part of Japan, the Kyushu Shinkansen links Fukuoka to Kagoshima.
There are also two mini Shinkansen, the Akita Shinkansen and Yamagata Shinkansen, which offer service to their namesake regions. Finally, the Hokkaido Shinkansen takes you through Japan's northernmost island.
Shinkansen ticket guide
Where to buy Shinkansen tickets
Booking your Shinkansen tickets is super easy, and there are a few ways to do it depending on what works best for you:
Online via Klook
The easiest way to buy your Shinkansen tickets online is through Klook! You can do it in just a few clicks, no need to worry about which company runs your route. Klook lets you choose your train, seat type, and travel date all in one place. Plus, you'll get a QR code you can scan at the station to pick up your tickets, which makes buying Shinkansen tickets super fast and convenient.
Online via JR websites
You can also buy Shinkansen tickets directly from official JR websites like JR East, JR West, or JR Kyushu, depending on where you're going. Just keep in mind that each site only covers the lines operated by that specific company.
So, if you're traveling on the popular Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen, such as between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima, you'll need to book your tickets through the SmartEX website instead.
At the Ticket Office
If you prefer the traditional way, head to a manned ticket counter at any JR station, where friendly staff can assist you in person. Once they confirm your preferred train and seat type, you can make your payment, whether by cash or credit card. After payment, your Shinkansen tickets will be printed on the spot!
Just keep in mind: during rush hour, lines can get long, so be prepared to wait a bit. It's a reliable option, but not always the fastest!
Using a Japan Rail Pass/n
You can also consider the Japan Rail Pass, which gives you unlimited rides across the JR network, perfect if you're exploring multiple cities on a single trip.
How to buy Shinkansen tickets on Klook
To get your Shinkansen tickets on Klook, follow these easy steps:
Go to Klook's website or app and head to the Transport section, then select Trains and choose "Japan trains."
Enter your departure and arrival stations, along with your travel date, then click search to see train options and prices.
Pick your preferred train schedule and seat type: Green Car, Ordinary Car, or unreserved seat.
Provide your details like name and email; the process is quick and easy!
After purchase, you'll receive a QR code. At the JR Station, scan this QR code at the ticket machine to get your Shinkansen tickets.
Shinkansen ticket prices
Shinkansen Base Fare and Express Ticket
The price of a standard Shinkansen ticket includes a base fare and a limited express fee (Shinkansen supplement). The cost of the base fare is based on how far you travel, with longer trips costing more. Plus, if you have reserved seat tickets, it will include a seat reservation charge and a Green Car fee.
Limited Express
The Limited Express Fee is the extra cost for boarding a Shinkansen bullet train. The fee goes up as your travel distance increases. Short trips cost about 800 yen, and longer distances can reach around 11,000 yen.
Ordinary Car (Non-reserved Seat)
Non-reserved seats in Ordinary Cars cost the same as the usual fare, plus a non-reserved limited express fare. A typical trip from Tokyo to Osaka is around 14,300 yen for a non-reserved seat in an Ordinary Car.
Ordinary Car (Reserved Seat)
The seat reservation fee applies to Ordinary Cars with reserved seats. It can range from 330 to 930 yen, based on the season and travel date. Trains like Mizuho, Hayabusa, and Komachi charge additional fees from 100 to 620 yen, depending on travel distance. A regular season ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs about 14,900 yen for a reserved Ordinary Car seat.
Green Car
Green Cars are like first class, offering more space and comfort but at a higher price. The Green Car fee increases with distance, often costing 30% to 50% more than ordinary cars. A regular season ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs 20,000 yen per adult for Green Car reserved seat tickets.
Gran Class
Gran Class is the most luxurious car on the Shinkansen, a step above Green Car tickets. JR East mainly offers this service, so you'll often see it on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, such as on the Hayabusa train. The Japan Rail Pass covers only the base fare for Gran Class, and you'll need to pay extra for the limited express charge and the Gran Class car surcharge.
The price of a Gran Class ticket on the Japanese Shinkansen varies depending on the route but typically ranges from 11,440 yen to 40,680 yen. For those traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, expect the prices for a Gran Class ticket to start at around 20,000 yen.
How much is a Shinkansen ticket?
Without a JR Pass, you can buy a Shinkansen ticket separately. The costs vary based on travel distance, seat preferences, and ticket class. While you can get Shinkansen paper tickets at the ticket machines, buying online through Klook lets you skip the long lines with a convenient QR code for easy access to your ticket.
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FantasticJR Central
The Central Japan Railway Company
If you're traveling to Japan, the Central Japan Railway, also known as JR Central, is a go-to choice. It's famous for its Shinkansen bullet trains that speed along the historic Tokaido route, allowing you to explore the lively cities of Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.
As you travel, you can hop on and off to tourist attractions like the historic sights of Kyoto, the vibrant streets of Nagoya, and the beautiful gardens of Shizuoka. You can enjoy all this while experiencing the comfort and punctuality that Japanese trains are famous for.
Tokaido Shinkansen
The Tokaido Shinkansen is JR Central's busiest train line that connects the largest metropolitan areas: Tokyo to Yokohama, Osaka to Kyoto, and Tokyo to Nagoya. It includes Nozomi Shinkansen, Hikari Shinkansen, and Kodama Shinkansen trains.
JR East
The East Japan Railway Company
The East Japan Railway Company, called JR East, is a leading railway in Japan that runs regional high-speed trains in the Kanto, Tohoku, and Koshin'etsu regions. It connects cities such as Tokyo, Sendai, and Niigata. As you ride along the track, you can visit the city of Nikko, walk through the streets of Shibuya, or relax in the hot springs of Echigo Yuzawa.
Japanese trains are known for being convenient and reliable, and the JR East trains add the thrilling speed of the Shinkansen.
Tohoku Shinkansen Line
The Tohoku Shinkansen is a high-speed train that connects Tokyo to Aomori, traveling over 675 kilometers (420 miles) across Japan's main island. You will find Hayabusa Shinkansen, Yamabiko Shinkansen, Nasuno Shinkansen, and Hayate Shinkansen on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line.
Joetsu Shinkansen Line
Operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the Joetsu Shinkansen is a high-speed rail line that connects Tokyo with the beautiful regions of Gunma and Niigata. Toki Shinkansen and Tanigawa Shinkansen are the two train services on the Joetsu Shinkansen.
Yamagata Shinkansen Line
The Yamagata Shinkansen is a branch line of the Tohoku Shinkansen, and it's the only way to travel by Shinkansen to the Yamagata Prefecture. You can take Tsubasa Shinkansen, Akita Shinkansen, and Komachi Shinkansen on Yamagata Shinkansen.
*Hokuriku Shinkansen Line
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is a high-speed bullet train line connecting Tokyo to Kanazawa in the Hokuriku region, with plans to extend further to Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture. The Hukuriku Shinkansen consists of Kagayaki Shinkansen, Hakutaka Shinkansen, and Asama Shinkansen trains.
JR West
The West Japan Railway Company
JR West, also known as West Japan Railway Company, covers the western half of Honshu, from the Kansai region to Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It provides fast and scenic trips to famous places like Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Miyajima.
With its rapid service trains, such as the Sanyo and Hokuriku Shinkansen, JR West is a good choice for exploring Western Japan's cultural and historical sites.
Sanyo Shinkansen Line
The Sanyo Shinkansen is a high-speed train traveling from Shin-Osaka to Hakata in Fukuoka. It connects major cities like Okayama, Himeji, and Hiroshima, making it easy to get around Western Japan. With the Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura bullet trains, you can travel at a speed of up to 285 km/h to your destination.
Hokuriku Shinkansen Line
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (previously known as Nagano Shinkansen) is a super-fast train that travels from Tokyo to Kanazawa and even stretches the line to Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture with the Hakutaka Shinkansen and Tsurugi Shinkansen trains.
JR Kyushu
The Kyushu Railway Company
If you're visiting the region of Kyushu, JR Kyushu is the train company you're going to want to know about. Known for its stunning landscapes and cultural sites, JR Kyushu runs the famous Kyushu Shinkansen trains, which take you between cities like Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima.
Traveling by train is the perfect way to see Kyushu, making it easy to visit places like the historic Kumamoto Castle or the hot springs in Beppu.
Kyushu Shinkansen
The Kyushu Shinkansen stops at 12 train stations and offers stunning views as it speeds through mountains with tunnels and steep tracks. With trains like the Tsubame Shinkansen, Mizuho Shinkansen, and Sakura Shinkansen, you will explore all the different landscapes and attractions of Japan's third-largest island!
JR Hokkaido
Hokkaido Railway Company
JR Hokkaido, operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company, serves Japan's northernmost island. It's known for the Hokkaido Shinkansen, which offers quick and comfy travel from Hakodate to Sapporo. The JR Hokkaido trains are great for visiting Hokkaido's famous snow festivals, hot springs, and national parks.
Hokkaido Shinkansen
The Hokkaido Shinkansen, consisting of the Hayate Shinkansen and Hayabusa Shinkansen, is a super-fast train that travels from Aomori on Honshu to Hakodate in Hokkaido. It goes through the amazing Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea tunnel in the world. It's also a comfy and quick way to head north, stopping at important places like Hakodate and Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station.
The fastest train in Japan
How fast is the Shinkansen?
Shinkansen, commonly known as the "bullet train", is the fastest train in Japan. These high-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph) on certain routes. The Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen services are among the fastest and most efficient options, connecting major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka in record time.
Other Shinkansen lines, like the Hayabusa and Hokuriku Shinkansen, also offer connections between different regions of Japan, making them a great choice if you're looking to reach your destinations quickly.
What are the ticket policies of the Shinkansen?
How can I cancel my Shinkansen express train tickets on Klook?
The ticket policies for the Shinkansen vary depending on the type of train, seat class, and booking conditions. Be sure to review the ticket cancellation and refund policy before completing your checkout to understand any applicable fees or conditions.
