The shinkansen is fast, punctual and easy once you know the basics. Here’s how a first-timer rides it without stress.
Tickets: what you actually need
For most shinkansen you need two things: a base fare ticket and a limited-express (shinkansen) ticket. In practice you’ll get them together when you buy. Your options:
- Station machines / counters — buy as you go.
- Online in advance — pick seats early for busy dates.
- A pass — a JR Pass or regional pass lets you ride without buying each ticket.
Reserved vs non-reserved
- Non-reserved cars: cheaper, just board with a valid ticket — fine off-peak.
- Reserved seats: guaranteed spot; worth it on weekends, holidays and long trips.
The luggage rule (don’t get caught out)
On the Tokaido / Sanyo / Kyushu shinkansen, bags whose total dimensions exceed 160 cm need a free oversized baggage seat reservation booked ahead. Smaller bags go on the overhead rack or at your feet.
On the platform
Find your car number marked on the platform, line up at the door marks, let passengers off first, and keep calls/voices low onboard. Trains leave exactly on time — be early.
Next
Decide whether a pass pays off in our JR Pass guide, and use an IC card for local trains.