🚄Shinkansen Bullet Train

Luggage limits, route timings, seat booking matrix, and etiquette.

⚠️ Oversized Baggage Rule

Luggage Size Limits

Do not get caught with oversized luggage without a reservation. JR Central/West/Kyushu operate strict policies on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.

No Reservation Needed

Sum of Dimensions ≤ 160 cm

Standard suitcases fit on overhead racks. No charges or special seats required.

Reservation Mandatory

Sum of Dimensions 161 cm – 250 cm

Must book the 'Seat with an Oversized Baggage Area' (back row). Fine of ¥1,000 JPY if missed.

⚡ Price Calculator

Select Route & Seat Class

Select Route

Seat Class

Est. Cost & Time

¥14,170 JPY➔ ~$94.47 USD

⏱ Transit Duration: 2h 15m

Book on SmartEX

🎫 Ticket Options

How to Buy Tickets

📱 SmartEX App

Book on your smartphone. Connects directly to registered credit cards. Tap with your digital IC card (Suica/PASMO) at gates.

🖥 Ticket Kiosk

Touchscreen kiosks at any JR station. Features full English interface. Supports cash or credit card payments.

🧑 JR Office (Midori)

In-person assistance counters. Safest option if you need complex itineraries, child card reductions, or oversized bags reservation.

Shinkansen Etiquette Checklist

Queue in line positions

Lines are marked on platforms specifying the car door entries. Queue cleanly and wait for arriving passengers to deboard first.

Ask before reclining seats

Always ask the person behind you ("Sumimasen, taoshitemo ii desu ka?") before reclining your seat.

Use phone calls in vestibules

Put phone in silent mode. If you must accept a call, go to the space between the train cars to talk.

🚊

Book Tickets

Need to secure seats or book Shinkansen (bullet trains) and regional JR tickets? Search and reserve routes instantly with our booking partner.

Search trains

🎫

Purchase Rail Pass

Ready to purchase your JR Pass? Secure nationwide or regional rail passes (like the Kansai Area Pass or JR East Tohoku Pass) in advance with our booking partner.

Purchase Rail Pass

...

FAQs

➕ What is the oversized baggage reservation rule?

Luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) between 160cm and 250cm requires a special seat reservation with a baggage area. If you bring it without a reservation, you will be charged a ¥1,000 fine at the gate and your bag will be moved.

➕ Can I buy Shinkansen tickets on the day of travel?

Yes. You can buy unreserved and reserved tickets at any JR ticket office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or touchscreen kiosk on the same day. However, for peak periods (Golden Week, Obon, New Year), advance booking is highly recommended.

➕ Which train should I take: Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama?

Nozomi is the fastest (makes the fewest stops) and is recommended. Hikari is slightly slower but is covered by the JR Pass. Kodama stops at every station and is the slowest.

➕ Is food and drink allowed on the Shinkansen?

Yes. It is customary to buy bento boxes (Ekiben) and drinks at the station before boarding and consume them at your seat. Avoid eating smelly foods, and be mindful of your neighbors.

➕ How early should I arrive at the station?

Trains are exceptionally punctual and leave down to the second. Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure to find your platform and queue up in the designated car position.