Travel Insight

Complete Shinkansen Guide

Find out exactly which train to take in 2 minutes.
Everything you need to know about routes, tickets, seats, and riding the bullet train.

Tokaido Shinkansen N700 Series
The Tokaido Shinkansen N700 Series, one of the most popular bullet trains in Japan.

What do you want from your Shinkansen trip?

🚄 Fastest Route 🗻 Mt. Fuji View Seat E vs A + timing 💰 Cheap Tickets 🧭 First-Timer Guide ✨ Enjoy the Ride Seats, views, and time on board
🗻 See Mt. Fuji from this train Seat E vs A + exact timing guide

Which Shinkansen should I take?

Find the perfect route based on your destination and purpose.

🚄 Browse by Line Compare all 10 lines 🎯 Recommendations Best routes by purpose 📍 Search by Route e.g., Tokyo → Osaka

Special Feature: Shinkansen Castle Views

A curated feature on castles visible from the bullet train, including the best seats, timing, and photo tips.

Special Feature Shinkansen Castle Views — Best Bullet Train Castle Spots

1. Choose from 10 Shinkansen Lines

Compare lines by speed, scenery, and JR Pass compatibility.

Line Comparison 10 Shinkansen Lines Guide | Choose the Best High-Speed Rail

Japan has a vast network of bullet trains, each offering unique landscapes and experiences. Here are the major ones:

Mt. Fuji View Tokaido Shinkansen Tokyo ↔ Shin-Osaka Japan's busiest line. Connects major cities with views of Mt. Fuji. Mountain Scenery Hokuriku Shinkansen Tokyo ↔ Tsuruga Beautiful mountain ranges including Mt. Asama and the Japan Alps. Four Seasons Tohoku Shinkansen Tokyo ↔ Shin-Aomori Travel north from Tokyo to enjoy the seasonal landscapes of the Tohoku region. Volcanoes & Sea Kyushu Shinkansen Hakata ↔ Kagoshima-Chuo Enjoy volcanic scenery, coastal views, and the dramatic landscapes of southern Japan. Inland Sea Sanyo Shinkansen Shin-Osaka ↔ Hakata Himeji Castle, Seto Inland Sea, and industrial nightscapes. Mountain & Plain Joetsu Shinkansen Tokyo ↔ Niigata Enjoy mountain valleys, rice plains, and river views. Mountain Pass Akita Shinkansen Tokyo ↔ Akita Deep mountain valleys and winter scenery. Basin & Peaks Yamagata Shinkansen Tokyo ↔ Shinjo Quiet mountain pass scenery into the Yamagata basin. Bay & Tea Fields Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Takeo-Onsen ↔ Nagasaki Coastal bay views and lush tea country in western Kyushu.

2. Popular Travel Routes

If you're not sure where to go, start with these routes for scenery, seasons, and the feeling of traveling across Japan.

Most Popular Tokyo → Osaka Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins Tokyo → Kyoto Approx. 2 hrs 15 mins Tokyo → Nagoya Approx. 1 hr 40 mins Highland Trip Tokyo → Karuizawa Approx. 1 hr Tokyo → Kanazawa Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins Tokyo → Fukushima Approx. 1 hr 30 mins Tokyo → Morioka Approx. 2 hrs 10 mins To Hokkaido Tokyo → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Approx. 4 hrs Tokyo → Hiroshima Approx. 4 hrs Cross Japan Tokyo → Hakata Approx. 5 hrs

3. Fares & Cheap Tickets

How to Save on Tickets Tokyo〜Osaka Prices

4. Recommended Seats

Mt. Fuji View Seat E (Right Side) → How to actually see Mt. Fuji
Power Outlets Window Seats & Front Row
Maximum Comfort Green Car (First Class)

5. For First-Time Travelers

How to Ride Guide How to Buy Tickets What is the JR Pass?

6. FAQ

Q. Which Shinkansen should I ride?
It depends on your destination. For speed and major cities, choose Tokaido. For scenic mountain views, choose Hokuriku.
Q. Can I use the JR Pass?
Yes, but you cannot ride the fastest trains like the Nozomi or Mizuho.