Yes you can. There are special purpose rooms you maybe able to book which is essentially a private room. On certain Shinkansen to the north where all seats are reserved people can even buy standing tickets when all seats are sold out.
Do you have to book a seat on the Shinkansen?
A seat may become free during your journey.Shinkansen have frequent schedules that often run under full capacity. Passengers without seat reservations line up for each train where the non-reserved cars stop. At low and regular season you'll probably be able to find a seat.
What does Shinkansen mean?
Shinkansen: The Japanese bullet trains. Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest way to discover Japan. Discover more about the high-speed trains and the 9 rail lines they cover. Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive and the trains reach a top speed ...
Why do people stand in lines on the Shinkansen?
Shinkansen have both reserved and non-reserved cars. For both types of cars, people form a line. It's more complex than you might imagine to even find your line. If you can find it (don't be shy to ask) — stand in it. Japanese society is orderly — lines are taken seriously.
Can you stand on the shinkansen Hayabusa?
For Shinkansen Hayabusa, Hayate or Komachi, standing tickets might be issued regardless of running directions, because these Shinkansen trains do not have non-reservation seats. they allow us to stand inside the car while it is full of passenger? even when the car is not full.
Can you talk on the Shinkansen?
Don't talk too loudly. Use headphones when listening to music or videos. Don't talk on your phone in your seat. Use the space in-between cars to make phone calls.
Can you eat inside the Shinkansen?
Eating and drinking on the shinkansen is a yes!
Is it rude to talk on the train in Japan?
People generally sit or stand in silence while on the trains as being too loud and disturbing other passengers is considered rude. This includes talking on your phone or having loud conversations. If you need to chat to your travel companion, do so in low voices.
What is the safety record of the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen, which is Japan's bullet train rail network, has never had an accident in its 57-year history.
Why are trains quiet in Japan?
2. Not Being Noisy on the Train is an Iron Rule. Generally it is quiet in the train cars in Japan, so loud noises are very conspicuous. Almost all people listen to music using earphones and turn the sound off on their smartphones.
Can you drink on bullet train?
Can I eat or drink something at my seat of Shinkansen? Yes, you can. You can bring food and drink on Shinkansen. At Shinkansen station, you will find KIOSK selling drink, food, and books/magazines.
Is it rude to hug in Japan?
Best not greet a Japanese person by kissing or hugging them (unless you know them extremely well). While Westerners often kiss on the cheek by way of greeting, the Japanese are far more comfortable bowing or shaking hands. In addition, public displays of affection are not good manners.
Can I wear jeans in Japan?
Shorts, jeans, and even camisoles are perfectly fine to wear. However, jeans are not generally popular with locals beyond their 20's. For jean lovers, we suggest packing black jeans as an alternative to blue denim. Darker denim is also more versatile because it is easier to dress up.
Is it OK to eat on a train in Japan?
People don't usually eat or drink anything other than water while on the train. When riding the Shinkansen or on a long train ride in a green car (reserved seating) you are allowed to eat and drink. The seats actually have tables and cup holders. There are also food, drinks, and snacks being sold in these train cars.
Has a bullet train ever wrecked?
In 2011, a high-speed bullet train crashed near the south-eastern city of Wenzhou in Zhejiang province, killing 40 people. The Chinese government later admitted that the crash was caused by design flaws and sloppy management.
Has there ever been an accident on the Shinkansen?
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it is the second derailment of a bullet train carrying passengers since October 2004 when an earthquake derailed a Joetsu Shinkansen in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo.
Has the Japanese bullet train ever had an accident?
AN East Japan Railway (JR East) high-speed train derailed between Shiroishi-Zao and Fukushima in central Japan following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake off the country's eastern coast at 23.36 on March 16. While 16 of the 17 coaches derailed, none of the 75 passengers and three crew were injured during the accident.
Is it okay to eat in trains in Japan?
People don't usually eat or drink anything other than water while on the train. When riding the Shinkansen or on a long train ride in a green car (reserved seating) you are allowed to eat and drink. The seats actually have tables and cup holders. There are also food, drinks, and snacks being sold in these train cars.
Can you eat on limited express trains in Japan?
On the limited express and express trains it is perfectly okay to eat.
Do Shinkansen have toilets?
All shinkansen are equipped with multiple toilets, which are sometimes separated by gender. The toilets are Western-style except on some older train sets.
Can I drink on a train in Japan?
In Japan you can drink in public. This doesn't mean you can use the street as an izakaya or nightclub, but you can enjoy a can of beer on the street or on a train. You may be allowed to do this, but it is often something that may be looked down on by some in Japanese society.
How many seats are there in the Shinkansen?
Shinkansen seats rotate to 6 seat and 4 seat configurations.Be aware of your environment. If you're on a morning train full of business people preparing for their day — it's not a good time to be loud. There's safety in numbers. If you're just two people it's not cool to be loud.
How punctual are Shinkansen?
Shinkansen are incredibly punctual (within 6 seconds of schedule). Stops at rural stations are fairly short. It's just enough time for passengers to comfortably get off and on. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing for the door when people are already boarding.
What makes you look dumb on a shinkansen?
7 Things That Make You Look Dumb On A Shinkansen. Japan is a densely populated country that relies on manners and etiquette to make life more comfortable and fair. Japanese people follow customs of etiquette religiously. Nowhere are manners more important than in crowded situations such as bullet trains ( shinkansen ).
What to do if you have a reserved seat?
If you have a reserved seat be sure to find the correct seat. If you don't — look for a seat in a non-reserved car. Your ticket will be checked. Being in the wrong car will prove embarrassing (you'll have to move or pay up).
How to be rude in Japan?
3. Talking on the phone. In Japan, it's considered rude to talk on the phone in public areas such as trains. You should also keep your phone on vibrate (manner mode). If you must talk on the phone go to the area between cars.
Do you have to check behind you before recline in Japan?
It's a custom in Japan to check behind you before reclining a seat. Give the person a heads up that you plan to recline.If the person behind you is eating, jammed with luggage or working on something — consider not reclining your seat.
Do Shinkansen have reserved cars?
Shinkansen have both reserved and non-reserved cars. For both types of cars, people form a line. It's more complex than you might imagine to even find your line. If you can find it (don't be shy to ask) — stand in it. Japanese society is orderly — lines are taken seriously.
Where can I go on a Shinkansen train?
These bullet trains are notoriously fast and can take you anywhere from the former Japanese capital of Kyoto to Hiroshima (360km) or Tokyo to the ski slopes of Yamagata (348km) within the duration of a ‘Lord of the Rings’ film.
How long is the Shinkansen train delayed?
Everyone knows that Japan’s train companies pride themselves on punctuality, where a shinkansen departing the platform 24 seconds earlier than scheduled will make national headlines. But even on the rare occasions when they don’t show up on time, you’re not likely to notice the delay. According to the 2020 annual report released by Japan Railways, the average delay time for the Tokaido Shinkansen in 2019 was just 12 seconds.
How fast can a bullet train go?
Over in China, bullet trains can now run at a maximum speed of 350km per hour. Meanwhile in the United States, Elon Musk is looking to develop a freight transport system that would allow travellers to go at a speed of 700 miles (1,127km) per hour.
How far can a Shinkansen train travel?
The Shinkansen can travel many hundreds of kilometres in any one journey, but if a train arrives more than one minute late to its destination, the driver will have to give a formal explanation.
How long does it take for the Shinkansen to run?
1. The Shinkansen always run on time. The average delay of the nation's fleet of bullet train, known locally as the Shinkansen, is less than 60 seconds (eat your heart out Metro Trains). Believe or not, this statistic also includes unavoidable, major delays such as typhoons and earthquakes.
How high does a levitation train go?
For most of its journey, the magnetic levitation train does make contact with the ground, but hovers 10 centimetres above as it's propelled through the air with electrically-charged magnets on either side of the track. Just like a plane, its wheels go up when it gets up enough speed.
Is the Shinkansen a machine?
No one who visits Japan , especially from a primitive train nation such as Australia, would dispute that the Shinkansen are impressive machines. If you're lucky enough to witness a long-nosed Shinkansen roaring through a station at full speed, you will experience the monstrous roar it makes that rattles you to the bones, and can only evoke comparisons to some sort of mythical being.
Do Shinkansen drivers bark?
In a requirement that Australians would probably consider – well, embarrassing – Shinkansen drivers are trained to talk to themselves throughout their journey, continually logging how they are performing to schedule. "Ten seconds of delay departure," they will bark out loud, to no one in particular, also pointing with white-gloved hands to a traditional pocket watch that is propped up on the dash.
How Do I Get a Shinkansen Ticket?
To purchase a Shinkansen ticket, you will need to book a reservation at the station or in advance. It’s recommended that you book in advance if you plan to travel during the Japanese holidays.
What Is the Difference Between the 3 Classes of Seats On the Shinkansen?
The higher the class, the better the seats and experience. Higher classed Shinkansen seats usually provide much more comfort and are less crowded.
How Do I Get a JR Pass In Japan?
You have the option to buy the Japan Rail Pass in person when you visit Japan or online. If you want to buy the JR Pass in Japan, it is available at a higher price at a handful of train stations and airports. It may be only available for a limited time, and it may not be possible to buy it in person if all seats are sold.
How Much Does It Cost to Ride a Shinkansen?
The prices for the Shinkansen will vary depending on the 3 types of seats. The regular non-reserved seat is the cheapest. The next level is the regular reserved seats. The most expensive ones are the Green Car reserved seats.
How Do You Ride Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?
If you want to ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, it can be quickly done with a Japan Rail Pass. You need to take the Shinkansen Hikari train from either Shinagawa station or Tokyo station and arrive at Kyoto station.
What Happens If You Miss Shinkansen?
If you miss a booked seat on the Shinkansen, nothing will happen to your seat, and it simply goes unused. If you don’t have a JR pass, it’s a loss on your side, but you can get on the unreserved section of the next available Shinkansen.
Can I Take Luggage On Shinkansen?
You should face no problem in bringing up to two pieces of luggage on the Shinkansen, and it will be free of any charge. The condition is that the height, length, and weight of luggage should be a total of 250 centimeters (98.43 inches). The total length of the luggage cannot exceed 2 meters (6.5 feet) and should not weigh more than 30 kilograms (66 lbs).
Non-reserved ( jiyuseki, 自由席)
In addition to your base fare it's optional to pay a seat reservation fee to book a seat on a reserved car. These fees vary by season and train (approximately 300 to 1000 yen).If you don't reserve a seat you must sit in a non-reserved car where seats are first come, first serve.
Reserved (shiteiseki, 指定席)
Reserved seats sell out quickly in high seasons such as golden week. The rest of the time it's usually possible to purchase a seat reservation.Reserved cars tend to be quieter with less competition for luggage space. If you're in a large group you can book seats together. Seats turn around to form 6 and 4 seat configurations that face each other.
Green
Green cars are in 2x2 configurations and have wider seats. They're also more likely to have electrical outlets and heated seats.Services such as food carts are the same in green class. The cuisine of business class (or even first class) international air travel is easy to match with an ekiben.
Gran Class
In 2011, JR East introduced a new first class service they call Gran Class on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Seats in gran class are comparable to first class seats on a international flight. They're laid out in a 2x1 configuration.
Where is the Shinkansen line in Japan?
The Sanyo Shinkansen line connects Osaka with Fukuoka and, from there, the Kyushu Shinkansen line runs through the island of Kyushu from north to south. The other six lines either take you north or inland from Tokyo. These are the Akita, Hokkaido, Hokuriku, Joetsu, Tokoku, and Yamagata Shinkansen lines.
What is the Shinkansen railway?
The Shinkansen railway network includes several lines that cover most of Japan and connect all the main cities. Thanks to this great railway system you can travel quickly and comfortably throughout the country without too much of a second thought.
What is the fastest train in Japan?
There are 5 train categories that run on this line: Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura. The fastest train is Nozomi which reaches an operating speed of 300 km/h (185mph). The Nozomi and Mizuho trains are not covered by the JR Pass.
What is the Tokaido Shinkansen line?
The Tokaido Shinkansen line is Japan’s busiest and most popular shinkansen line. It connects the three biggest metropolitan areas of the country: Tokyo to Yokohama, Osaka to Kyoto, and Nagoya. It is also famous for being Japan’s first high-speed railway, opening in 1964 for the Japan Olympic Games.
What trains can you use with a Japan Rail Pass?
Using the Japan Rail Pass. The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all Shinkansen bullet trains except the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen, which run on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
What are the three types of trains that connect Fukuoka to Fukuoka?
There are three types of trains which operate on the Kyushu Shinkansen line connectiong Fukuoka with Kagoshima-Chuo: Tsubame, Sakura, and Mizuho. The Tsubame and Sakura trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Mizuho trains are not.
What is the Tohoku line?
The Tohoku Shinkansen line connects Tokyo with Aomori. There are two branch lines - the Akita and Yamagata lines which go to the Akita and Yamagata prefectures. There are six different train categories, which run on the Tohoku line: Hayabusa, Komachi, Hayate, Yamabiko, Nasuno, Tsubasa.
What is the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen (新幹線) is Japan’s famous high speed train also known as bull et train. Japan was the first country to start building the railway lines for high speed travel and the name Shinkansen was chosen because is it Japanese for ‘new trunk line’ or ‘new main line’. The first line connected Japan’s two largest cities of Tokyo and Osaka. Nowadays the Shinkansen network reaches from Hokkaido all the way down to Kagoshima, so it is a great way to take some weekend trips and discover Japan conveniently. But what makes this train to so special?
Where is the Shinkansen located?
In addition, the network of the Shinkansen covers most of Japan, connecting Hokkaido in the north, to Kyushu in the south. So when you are travelling through Japan, the Shinkansen is great to discover all the beautiful places Japan has to offer. Let’s have a look at why riding a Shinkansen in Japan is a must and all the great experiences you can ...
What time does Hello Kitty Shinkansen depart?
The Hello Kitty Shinkansen (ハローキティ新幹線 ) is a regular Kodama service that runs from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Shin-Osaka departing at 6.32 am and arriving at 11.12 am. It does a return trip, departing from Shin-Osaka at 11.32 am and arriving in Hakata at 4.11 pm.
How long to see Mount Fuji with bullet train?
Travelling with the Bullet Train is very relaxing and you might become sleepy, but don’t fall asleep or you’ll miss the sight of Mount Fuji. Or set the alarm, just to be sure. You will get to see the view of Mt. Fuji after 40 minutes from Tokyo Station, and it will be visible for about 10 minutes! On the way to Tokyo, the mountain will be visible about 85 minutes from Kyoto station. Pay attention though, this time you can only see it for 3 minutes!
Why is Doctor Yellow Shinkansen called Doctor Yellow Shinkansen?
The Doctor Yellow Shinkansen (ドクターイエロー) is so named because it literally diagnoses any problems with the track and overhead wires as it speeds along the tracks. The schedule for Doctor Yellow is not made public so sighting is based purely on luck.
How fast is the Shinkansen train?
The shinkansen high-speed trains are the fastest way to discover all of Japan, reaching a maximum speed of 320 km/h (199 mph)! You can travel the ~500 km between Kyoto and Tokyo in 2-2.5 hrs, depending on which train you take. Comfortable. The train is very quiet and comfortable, with the seats being quite spacious so you can relax ...
What is the best way to travel in Japan?
When you travel in Japan between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka, or any other long distance we recommend you to take the bullet train. Rid ing a Shinkansen is a fun and unique experience, moreover the bullet train is fast, reliable, and comfortable. In addition, the network of the Shinkansen covers most of Japan, connecting Hokkaido in the north, to Kyushu in the south. So when you are travelling through Japan, the Shinkansen is great to discover all the beautiful places Japan has to offer. Let’s have a look at why riding a Shinkansen in Japan is a must and all the great experiences you can have while riding the train!
What are the seats with oversized baggage area on Shinkansen?
What are seats with oversized baggage area? Those who do plan on bringing large pieces of luggage with them when traveling on Shinkansen are required to sit in seats with oversized baggage area. In standard cars, the seats with oversized baggage area are the 5 seats in the last row. In Green cars, the 4 seats in the last row.
How many pieces of luggage can you carry on a Shinkansen line?
Nevertheless, on most Shinkansen lines, there is a limit of 2 pieces of luggage. This does not include personal effects such as handbags, umbrellas, or walking sticks.
How deep is a Shinkansen luggage rack?
Baggage with total dimensions of no more than 160 cm (30cm x 50cm x 80cm) can generally be stored overhead, as the depth of Shinkansen luggage racks is approximately 42 cm.
How many reserved seats are there in a green car?
In a standard car, this space is shared by the passengers in the 5 reserved seats of the back row, while in first class/green cars, the space is shared between 4 reserved seats.
Where to put luggage on a train?
Travelers who only have one bag or suitcase around the size of hand luggage allowed on aircrafts should not have a problem finding a place to place their baggage in the storage rack located above the seats on the train.
Can you take a wheelchair on Shinkansen?
Wheelchairs may be transported on Shinkansen even if they exceed the oversized baggage dimensions, as long as they are under 70 cm in breadth and under 120 cm in length and height. Only four-wheeled electric wheelchairs are allowed on board.
Do Shinkansen have oversized luggage?
Sanyo Shinkansen. Kyushu Shinkansen. Passengers who do not have oversized luggage are still able to reserve a seat with oversized baggage area use. However, travelers are asked to reserve other seats where possible due to limited ...
