Shinkansen

Overview

The Shinkansen (新幹線) is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan, operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group. The first line, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen (東海道新幹線), opened in 1964, linking Tokyo and Osaka. Since then, the network has expanded to cover most of the Japanese archipelago, from Aomori in the north to Kagoshima in the south. The Shinkansen is renowned for its safety record, punctuality, and comfort, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Lines and Routes

The Shinkansen network consists of several lines, each with its own name and route. The most heavily used is the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, which runs between Tokyo and Osaka, with trains continuing on the Sanyō Shinkansen (山陽新幹線) to Fukuoka (Hakata). Other major lines include:

• Tōhoku Shinkansen (東北新幹線): from Tokyo to Aomori, with branches to Yamagata and Akita.
• Jōetsu Shinkansen (上越新幹線): from Tokyo to Niigata.
• Hokuriku Shinkansen (北陸新幹線): from Tokyo to Kanazawa, with extensions to Tsuruga.
• Kyūshū Shinkansen (九州新幹線): from Fukuoka to Kagoshima.
• Hokkaidō Shinkansen (北海道新幹線): from Aomori to Hakodate, with plans to extend to Sapporo.

Each line is color-coded and has its own train services, such as the Nozomi (のぞみ) on the Tōkaidō/Sanyō lines, which makes the fewest stops, and the Kodama (こだま), which stops at every station. The Hayabusa (はやぶさ) on the Tōhoku line is the fastest, reaching speeds of 320 km/h.

Buying Tickets

Tickets for the Shinkansen can be purchased at JR ticket offices (みどりの窓口, Midori no Madoguchi), ticket machines, or online via the JR websites. There are two main types of seats: reserved (指定席, shiteiseki) and non-reserved (自由席, jiyūseki). Non-reserved seats are cheaper but require queuing, and on busy routes, they may be full. Reserved seats guarantee a seat and are recommended during peak travel times.

For foreign visitors, the Japan Rail Pass (ジャパンレールパス) offers unlimited travel on most Shinkansen lines for a fixed period, but it must be purchased before arriving in Japan. Note that the pass does not cover the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho (みずほ) services on the Tōkaidō/Sanyō lines, so you may need to pay extra or use other services like Hikari (ひかり) or Sakura (さくら).

Ticket machines have an English language option, and many stations have staff who can assist. When buying a ticket, you need to know your destination and the type of seat you want. The fare consists of a base fare plus a supplement for the Shinkansen. If you have an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo), it can be used for local travel but not for the Shinkansen itself.

Using the Shinkansen

On the day of travel, arrive at the station a few minutes early. The Shinkansen platforms are usually separate from regular platforms. Follow the signs for the Shinkansen. If you have a reserved seat ticket, check the train number and car number on your ticket. The platform has signs indicating where each car will stop, so you can line up in the right place.

Boarding is straightforward: trains stop for only about one to two minutes, so be ready to board quickly. Inside, there are luggage racks above the seats, and for larger suitcases, you may need to reserve a space in advance on some services. The trains are clean and quiet; it is customary to keep conversations low and to set your phone to silent mode.

Food and drink can be purchased from trolley services on many trains, but you can also bring your own. Eating is allowed, but be mindful of odors. Toilets are available at the ends of cars.

Punctuality

The Shinkansen is famous for its punctuality. The average delay across all services is less than one minute, including delays due to weather or accidents. In 2017, the average delay was 0.6 minutes. This reliability is achieved through meticulous maintenance, advanced signaling systems, and a culture of precision. Trains are scheduled to the second, and any delay is taken seriously. If a train is delayed by more than an hour, passengers may be eligible for a refund of the express fee, though this is rare.

Practical Tips

• Consider purchasing a reserved seat for long journeys or during peak seasons like Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) or New Year.
• If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can reserve seats for free at ticket offices.
• The Shinkansen is not the cheapest option; domestic flights or buses may be cheaper, but the Shinkansen offers convenience and comfort.
• Learn a few phrases: 切符 (kippu) means ticket, ホーム (hōmu) is platform, and 出口 (deguchi) is exit.

For more vocabulary related to travel, see our vocabulary page. To practice reading station names in kanji, try the kanji list. If you're planning a trip, our daily lessons can help you prepare.