Information to the Shinkansen, Japan’s Bullet Trains

Japan is understood for a lot of issues: historical temples, towering skyscrapers, sushi, and first-class rail service. I’ve had the pleasure of rushing by the Japanese countryside many instances, and on my most up-to-date journey this previous April, I used to be but once more reminded why Japan’s high-speed trains are world well-known. 

“The primary high-speed rail system, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, operated by Japan Railways (JR), started operations in Honshu in 1964. Because of the streamlined spitzer-shaped nostril cone of the locomotive, the system earned the English nickname ‘the bullet prepare’” explains Keigo Tachihara, senior concierge at 4 Seasons Resort Tokyo at Marunouchi, a five-star resort steps from Tokyo Station that provides a complimentary Shinkansen escort service for company. “Working at speeds of as much as 199 miles per hour, the Shinkansen companies Japan’s principal islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido and is famed for punctuality — most trains depart on time to the second — snug, quiet vehicles with forward-facing seats, security, and effectivity.” The vast majority of vacationers visiting Japan will arrive in Tokyo, however because of the bullet prepare, it’s tremendous straightforward and fast to hop round to fashionable spots reminiscent of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kanazawa. 

Planning a visit to the Land of the Rising Solar? Scroll on for every little thing it’s worthwhile to know in regards to the Shinkansen.

Common Bullet Practice Routes 

Probably the most traveled bullet prepare line within the nation, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto. The Sanyō Shinkansen connects Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) with Fukuoka (Hakata Station) on Kyushu and reaches speeds as much as 186 miles per hour. It was accomplished in 1975 because the second Shinkansen line. The Jōetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Niigata. It was opened in 1982 and is operated by the East Japan Railway Firm, generally often known as JR East. “It offers vacationers with entry to sizzling springs and ski resorts in Gunma and Niigata prefectures,” says Tachihara. Additionally operated by JR East, the Tōhoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo with Aomori on the northern tip of Honshu. “Sendai, Morioka, and Akita are the most well-liked stations,” per Tachihara. The Kyushu Shinkansen connects  Fukuoka and Kagoshima.

Tips on how to Purchase Tickets

Vacationers trying to journey the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen traces can purchase particular person tickets on-line with the SmartEX app (which is accessible in the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand) from one month prematurely proper as much as the departure time of your chosen prepare. Tachihara advises that the app does appear to have points with some foreign-issued bank cards. Costs differ relying on route and fare class.  

Should you’re planning to journey round Japan extensively, it’s value contemplating the Japan Rail Move (additionally generally known as JR Move), a nationwide rail move for prepare journey in Japan that can be utilized solely by international vacationers and gives limitless rides on JR trains. 

What to Know About Rail Passes 

Japan Rail Passes can be found in increments of seven, 14, or 21 days (the validity interval is for consecutive dates) and are available in two sorts: strange and inexperienced automotive. “The latter is legitimate on first-class vehicles, which supply extra spacious seats and upgraded facilities.” Passes may be bought by the Japan Rail Move prepare reservation web site and at ticket workplaces all through Japan. “Kindly be aware that Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen traces should not lined by the Japan Rail Move, so tickets must be bought individually for these,” says Tachihara.

What to Anticipate on Board  

Fare Courses

Strange vehicles, obtainable on all Shinkansen trains, provide snug seats organized in a three-by-two or two-by-two format, ample elbow room, and loads of baggage area. Each reserved and unreserved seating choices can be found. An improve to one of many inexperienced vehicles, the equal of first-class, gives even higher consolation with seats organized in a two-by-two format and extra space. All seats are reserved, for a extra streamlined, much less crowded expertise. Gran Class, which is accessible on sure trains, offers an expensive expertise with spacious leather-based seats organized in a two-by-one format. “Passengers obtain private consideration, an escort to their seat, and complimentary facilities like blankets, heat towels, slippers, and eye masks are handed out,” says Tachihara. “You can too get pleasure from limitless meals and drinks in the course of the journey on sure traces.”

Providers

“The Tokaido Shinkansen has a cellular meals order service for inexperienced automotive passengers that enables riders to buy snacks and drinks onboard by scanning a QR code. Objects are then delivered on to their seats by the onboard host/hostess,” explains Tachihara. 

There’s a refreshment wagon that carries snacks, bento, drinks, and souvenirs for strange automotive passengers on Jyoetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen.

All trains have free Wi-Fi for all passengers, and there are restrooms obtainable on board.

Suggestions for Touring on Japanese Bullet Trains

• Like we mentioned, these trains are well timed and environment friendly, they usually depart on the dot. Tachihara advises passengers to allocate ample time not solely to achieve the platform but in addition to get settled within the right automotive.
• Whereas meals is typically obtainable on board (on sure routes), vacationers with meals allergy symptoms or dietary restrictions should buy one thing on the station kiosks earlier than boarding.
• Be sure you test the bags necessities and limitations once you e-book; chances are you’ll must reserve a particular seat when you have outsized baggage. 
• Be conscious of different passengers. Keep away from speaking on the cellphone within the prepare vehicles, and hold your voice down when chatting with journey companions. 
• Touring on the Tokaido Shinkansen leaving Tokyo? Reserve a right-side window seat for views of Mt. Fuji.