Last checked: October 2026 · Part of our Japan train guide
Riding the Shinkansen is one of the highlights of any trip to Japan: up to 285 km/h on the Tokaido line, spotless cars, and Mt. Fuji outside the window if you pick the right seat. The system is easy once you know three things: which ticket you need, where to stand on the platform, and what to do with big suitcases. This guide walks through all of it, using the busy Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route as the example.
- Book online with smartEX (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Hiroshima–Fukuoka) or JR-EAST Train Reservation (Tohoku, Hokuriku, Hokkaido lines). Both accept foreign credit cards.
- Tokyo → Kyoto on the Nozomi takes about 2 hr 15 min and costs about ¥14,000 one way with a reserved seat.
- For Mt. Fuji, sit in seat E (right side) going from Tokyo toward Kyoto, or seat A coming back.
- Suitcases over 160 cm (length + width + height) need a seat with an oversized-baggage area, reserved in advance. It is free if you book it; boarding without one means a ¥1,000 fee.
- Paper tickets: put both tickets (base fare + express) into the gate together and take them back.
Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?
| Train | Stops | Tokyo → Kyoto | JR Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozomi | Fewest stops (fastest) | about 2 hr 15 min | Needs extra supplement ticket |
| Hikari | A few more stops | about 2 hr 40 min | Covered |
| Kodama | Every station | about 3 hr 40 min | Covered |
Tokaido Shinkansen, October 2026. Other lines use different names: Hayabusa (Tohoku/Hokkaido), Kagayaki (Hokuriku), Mizuho and Sakura (Sanyo/Kyushu).
If you don’t have a JR Pass, just take the next Nozomi. If you do, compare the Hikari timetable with the supplement price in our JR Pass guide.
How to buy Shinkansen tickets
smartEX app
Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. Register a foreign card, pick seats on a seat map and board with your IC card or a QR ticket.
JR-EAST Train Reservation
Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata, Akita and Hokkaido Shinkansen. English site, foreign cards accepted, pick up tickets at machines or use an IC card.
Ticket machines
Shinkansen ticket machines have an English mode and take cash and most credit cards.
Ticket office
Look for the JR ticket office (みどりの窓口). Useful for complicated trips, but lines can be long.
Book a few days ahead on weekends, and as early as possible for cherry blossom season, Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year. On ordinary weekdays you can usually buy on the day.
A normal Shinkansen ride uses two tickets: the base fare (乗車券) and the express ticket (特急券) that includes your seat. Machines usually issue both at once.
Reserved vs non-reserved seats
指定席 shiteiseki
Your car and seat number are printed on the ticket. Recommended for first-timers, groups and anyone with luggage.
自由席 jiyūseki
Cars 1–3 on most Tokaido Nozomi trains. Slightly cheaper, first come, first served. Some peak-season Nozomi trains are all-reserved.
Green Car
Wider seats with more legroom. Cars 8–10 on Tokaido trains.
Gran Class
Available on some Tohoku, Hokuriku and Hokkaido trains. Airline-style seats and snacks.
Luggage rules: the 160 cm and 250 cm limits
| Bag size (L + W + H) | What to do |
|---|---|
| Up to 160 cm | No reservation needed. Overhead rack or by your feet. Most carry-on and medium suitcases. |
| 160 cm – 250 cm | Reserve a “seat with oversized baggage area” (free when booking). Without one, you pay a ¥1,000 fee and staff tell you where to put it. |
| Over 250 cm | Not allowed onboard. Use a luggage delivery service (takkyubin). |
Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen rules. Other lines have their own rules; check when booking.
Many travelers skip the problem entirely by sending big suitcases ahead to their next hotel with a luggage delivery service, available at hotels and at most convenience stores. Our konbini guide shows how.
Boarding step by step
- Go through the Shinkansen gatesBig stations have separate Shinkansen gates inside or next to the JR area. Insert both paper tickets together, or tap the IC card linked to your online booking.
- Find your platform and car numberDeparture boards alternate Japanese and English. Floor markings show where each car stops, and lines form at the markings.
- Wait for the doors to open for boardingAt terminal stations, trains are cleaned between runs. Let arriving passengers off first.
- Turn your seat if you wantIn a group of 3–4, rotate a row to face the one behind it with the pedal at the base of the seat. Turn it back before you get off.
- Watch the screens for your stopAnnouncements are in English. Trains stop for only about a minute at intermediate stations, so be at the door with your bags.
On-board etiquette and tips
- Eating is normal. Buy an ekiben (station bento) and drinks before boarding; onboard sales are limited.
- Take phone calls in the area between cars, and keep your voice down.
- Ask before reclining your seat, especially if someone is eating behind you.
- Power outlets are at most seats on newer trains. Free Wi-Fi is available but unencrypted (see our free Wi-Fi safety guide).
- Take your rubbish with you, or use the bins at the station.
Stay steps from the station
Catch the first train without stress
Hotels next to the main Shinkansen stations let you roll your suitcase to the platform in minutes. Compare station-area hotels on Booking.com.
Hotels near Tokyo Station →Near Kyoto Station →Near Shin-Osaka →
Affiliate link — if you book through Booking.com, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
How much is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?
About ¥14,000 one way for an adult reserved seat on the Nozomi in October 2026. Non-reserved seats are a little cheaper, and early-bird fares on smartEX can be lower.
Can I book Shinkansen tickets online with a US credit card?
Yes. smartEX (Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines) and JR-EAST Train Reservation (eastern and northern lines) both accept major foreign credit cards and have English sites.
Which side is Mt. Fuji on the Shinkansen?
From Tokyo toward Kyoto and Osaka, Mt. Fuji is on the right side: book seat E. Coming back toward Tokyo, book seat A.
Do I need to reserve a seat for a big suitcase?
Yes, on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, if the total of length, width and height is over 160 cm (up to 250 cm). Reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area; it is free when booked.
Can I eat on the Shinkansen?
Yes. Eating and drinking are normal on the Shinkansen. Buying an ekiben (station bento) before boarding is part of the experience.
