What is the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen (新幹線, literally 'new trunk line') is Japan's high-speed rail network, operated primarily by the JR Group (Japan Railways). Opened in 1964 between Tokyo and Osaka, it was the world's first commercial high-speed railway. Today, the network spans over 3,000 km with 9 active lines: Tokaido, Sanyo, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Joetsu, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Yamagata, and Akita Lines. Average delay across the entire Shinkansen network: under 1 minute per train.
Shinkansen Lines & Routes
Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Osaka–Hiroshima): Japan's busiest, carrying 150 million passengers per year. Tokyo–Osaka takes 2h 15m (Nozomi). Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo–Sendai–Morioka–Hokkaido): extends to Sapporo (via Hokkaido Shinkansen). Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo–Nagano–Kanazawa–Tsuruga): opens Osaka extension by 2024. Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata–Kagoshima): connects Fukuoka to southern Kyushu.
Train Types: Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama
Nozomi (fastest): Stops only at major cities. Tokyo–Osaka 2h 15m. NOT covered by JR Pass — requires a separate ticket. Hikari: Semi-fast, stops at major and some intermediate cities. Covered by JR Pass. Tokyo–Osaka ~2h 45m. Kodama: All-stations local. Covered by JR Pass. Much slower but useful for intermediate stops. Mizuho & Sakura: Kyushu Shinkansen express types. Hayabusa & Komachi: Tohoku Line's fastest services. Note: Nozomi and Mizuho are excluded from the JR Pass.
JR Pass — Is It Worth It?
The Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on most JR trains (including Shinkansen Hikari/Kodama but NOT Nozomi) for 7, 14, or 21 days. A 7-day pass costs approximately ¥50,000 (~$330 USD). A Tokyo–Kyoto round trip on Hikari costs around ¥28,000 in unreserved seats alone — so a 7-day pass pays for itself if you visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka within the week. For short trips or if visiting only Tokyo, the JR Pass may not be worthwhile — compare costs at jrpass.com.
Seating Classes
Ordinary (Green Equivalent) — 2nd class on most Shinkansen, 2+3 seating arrangement. Green Car — 1st class equivalent, 2+2 wider seats, quieter, costs ¥3,000–5,000 more per trip. Gran Class — exists on Tohoku/Hokkaido/Hokuriku lines only; ultra-premium 1+2 seating with full meal service and blankets — comparable to business class. Seats fold almost fully flat.
Booking & Tips
Reserve seats at JR ticket offices (midori-no-madoguchi), JR's official website, or Smart EX app. Non-reserved seating (jiyūseki) cars exist on Hikari and Kodama. Luggage over 160 cm total dimensions requires a special luggage space reservation (¥1,000 fee — book at least 3 days before). IC Card (Suica/Pasmo) can be used for payment at many JR stations. Shinkansen trains are extremely punctual — do not miss them. Eat before boarding as train food is limited (though Ekiben bento boxes from platforms are excellent).
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Shinkansen?
Current maximum commercial speed is 320 km/h (Tohoku Shinkansen H5/E5 series). The Tokaido Shinkansen N700S runs at 285 km/h commercially. Linear Maglev (SCMaglev) is under construction to eventually replace Tokaido at 500 km/h.
Is the JR Pass worth it for 1 week in Japan?
If visiting Tokyo, Kyoto/Osaka, and Hiroshima, a 7-day JR Pass ($330) is generally worth it. Calculate your actual route costs first at hyperdia.com. For purely Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto trips, individual tickets or regional passes may be cheaper.
Can I take a Shinkansen with a large suitcase?
From 2020, bags over 160 cm total (L+W+H) require an oversized luggage reservation (¥1,000) — book at least 3 days before. Smaller cabin bags are unrestricted. Failing to reserve can result in a ¥1,000 fine.
Can I use a Suica card on the Shinkansen?
Not for reserved seats on Shinkansen itself. Suica/Pasmo works for local JR trains and non-Shinkansen fare. You can use the Smart EX app with a Suica linked to your JR account for cashless Shinkansen booking.