Deciphering the Shinkansen (bullet train) lines and trains in Japan – 7 hints on train travel
Japan has nine Shinkansen lines in operation at the moment and they are constantly growing allowing fast and safe train travel across the entire country.
The JR Pass is the golden ticket that allows foreigners access to the world class Shinkansen train. The pass comes in three different options – one week, two or three week pass. You can elect to purchase the Green Car Pass (business class travel) reservations are mandatory, or the Ordinary Pass, where you can travel on unreserved tickets or reserve you seat at no extra charge.
1. What train does the pass allow me to travel on?
Tokaido and Sanyo Lines:
The JR Pass allows you to travel on all JR lines and trains, with the exception of the Nozomi and Mizuho trains. These trains operate on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines and are express between major cities with fewer stops. The Mizuho also travels through to Kagoshima on the Yamagata line.
The Hikari train is also an express train with limited stops and not that much slower than the Nozomi or Mizuho, however the JR Pass does allow you to travel on this express train.
The Kodama train stops at all stations and is also covered by the JR Pass.
2. How do I identify the train type on the timetable platform screen?
On the Takaido line, the Nozomi is shown in yellow, the Hikari is red and the Kodama is blue. This does change to English intermittently.
3. How do I know where to stand on the platform?
If you do not reserve your seats you can line up at one of the non-reserved carriages 自由席. This will depend on the type of Shinkansen and how many carriages the train has. For example: The Hikari train can be set with 16 or 8 carriages. The 16 carriage train will have non-reserved seating in carriages 1 – 5 whereas the 8 carriage set will be carriages 1-3. The Sakura Train also can be set with 8 or 6 carriages with non-reserved seating also.
** Note that the Komachi train (Akita line), is the only train where reserved seating is mandatory.
It costs no extra to reserve your seats if you purchase the JR Pass and in some cases you get a much more comfortable ride. For instance, the Sakura train reserved seating comes in rows of 2 x 2 (and is as comfortable as the green car) whereas the non-reserved seating comes in rows of 3 x 2 with less room.
Just make sure that you are lined up at the correct entrance to your carriage by checking the train name and how many carriages it has.
4. There is no room for my luggage!
At the very end of each carriage larger bags can be stacked behind the last row of seating. However, you must advise the conductor that these are your bags.
5. Are there toilets on the train?
Yes, there are and they are western style. The toilets are modern and clean and are situated at one end of the carriage.
6. Be ready to alight the train
Announcements are made in Japanese and English. Music is played just before you arrive at the station, giving you time to collect your belongings and make your way to the exit doors. The announcement includes the name of the station and which side the doors will open. Lights also indicate which side the doors will open.
7. How do I find the right exit?
As you alight the train on the platform you will see large yellow signs that give directions to each of the exits.
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