What is the Tohoku Shinkansen?

The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo with northern Japan, running all the way to Shin-Aomori. With a top speed of 320 km/h, it is the fastest railway in Japan. It connects directly with the Hokkaido Shinkansen.

  • Section: Tokyo 〜 Shin-Aomori (Approx. 714 km)
  • Top Speed: 320 km/h
  • Trains: E5 series / H5 series / E2 series
  • JR Pass: All trains accepted

👉 Conclusion:

  • Fastest → Hayabusa
  • Cheaper / Flexible → Yamabiko
  • Short distance → Nasuno

🚄 Compare Trains and Prices

Hayabusa

Fastest, non-stop between Omiya and Sendai (All reserved)

  • Time：Approx. 3 hrs 10 mins (Tokyo to Shin-Aomori)
  • Stops：Tokyo, Omiya, Sendai, Morioka, Shin-Aomori
Yamabiko

Balanced option (Tokyo to Sendai/Morioka)

  • Time：Approx. 1 hr 30 mins+ (Tokyo to Sendai)
  • Stops：Major + medium-sized stations
Nasuno

Short distance, stops at every station

  • Time：Approx. 1 hr 10 mins (Tokyo to Nasushiobara)
  • Stops：Stops at every station between Tokyo and Koriyama
Tokyo→Sendai
Approx. 1 hr 30 minsApprox. 11,090 JPY
Tokyo→Morioka
Approx. 2 hrs 10 minsApprox. 14,600 JPY
Tokyo→Shin-Aomori
Approx. 3 hrs 10 minsApprox. 17,340 JPY

Differences: Hayabusa, Yamabiko, and Nasuno

Hayabusa (The Fastest)

  • Non-stop between Omiya and Sendai.
  • All seats are reserved (No unreserved cars).
  • Operates at Japan’s top speed of 320 km/h.

👉 If you value time, this is the only choice.

Yamabiko (Balanced)

  • Operates mainly between Tokyo and Sendai/Morioka.
  • Has unreserved cars.
  • Often coupled with the “Tsubasa” train until Fukushima.

👉 Great if you are traveling to Sendai and want to use unreserved seats.

Nasuno (Commuter/Short Distance)

  • Local Shinkansen stopping at all stations up to Koriyama.
  • Operates mostly in the mornings and evenings.

Gran Class (First Class)

The Tohoku Shinkansen offers “Gran Class,” the ultimate luxury experience. It features reclining leather seats (1-2 configuration) and, on long-distance Hayabusa trains, includes dedicated attendant service with complimentary meals and unlimited drinks.

  • Zao Mountain Range (Fukushima 〜 Sendai): Majestic mountains on the west side. Book Seat A (Left side).
  • Mt. Iwate (Morioka 〜 Hachinohe): A beautiful standalone peak. Book Seat E (Right side).
  • Snowscapes (North of Sendai): In winter, the entire region is covered in a beautiful blanket of snow.

Power Outlets

  • E5 series (U29-U45) & H5 series: Outlets at every single seat.
  • E5 series (U1-U28): Outlets only at window seats, front row, and back row (All seats in Green Car and Gran Class).
  • E2 series: Limited or no outlets.