The Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed rail system, is a convenient and comfortable way to travel. The Tokaido Shinkansen, in particular, serves as a major route connecting Tokyo to Nagoya and Osaka before continuing westward. It is widely used by tourists and business travelers alike. In this article, we will introduce the basics of the Shinkansen, major routes, and important travel tips.
１．What is the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed train, operating at speeds of approximately 250–320 km/h. It is renowned worldwide for its safety and punctuality, serving as a vital transportation link between major cities in Japan. The trains offer comfortable seating and a clean onboard environment, making them an excellent choice for international travelers.
２．Major Shinkansen Lines
Japan has multiple Shinkansen lines, each connecting different regions. The main routes include:
- Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka)
- Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka – Hakata)
- Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shin-Aomori)
- Hokkaido Shinkansen (Shin-Aomori – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto)
- Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo – Niigata)
- Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo – Kanazawa)
The Tokaido Shinkansen is the busiest and most frequently used line, connecting popular tourist destinations such as Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.
３．Major Cities and Travel Times on the Tokaido Shinkansen
Using the Tokaido Shinkansen, you can travel from Tokyo to the following cities in a short time:
- Nagoya (Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes)
- Kyoto (Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes)
- Shin-Osaka (Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Shin-Kobe (Approx. 2 hours 50 minutes)
- Hiroshima (Approx. 4 hours)
- Hakata (Approx. 5 hours)
While the Shinkansen is fast and convenient, I personally recommend taking a flight when traveling west of Osaka, especially to Hakata. Hakata Airport is close to the city center, making air travel a more convenient option.
４．Highlights of the Tokaido Shinkansen
One of the attractions of traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen is the scenic view from the train window.
Right side (Tokyo → Osaka): The mountain-side seats offer a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji.
Left side (Tokyo → Osaka): The ocean-side seats provide views of Sagami Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
I particularly love seeing Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The breathtaking view adds a uniquely Japanese touch to the journey.
５．Bringing Large Luggage on the Shinkansen
There are some rules regarding bringing large luggage on the Shinkansen.
Size Limit: Luggage with a total dimension (height + width + depth) exceeding 160 cm is classified as “oversized baggage” and requires prior reservation.
Reserved Oversized Baggage Seat: When booking a reserved seat, passengers can select a “reserved oversized baggage seat” to bring large luggage.
No Baggage Check-in Service: Unlike at airports, there is no baggage check-in service, so passengers must manage their luggage themselves.
If you have large luggage, I recommend making reservations in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
Here are the specific details. ➡ Reservations for Seats with an Oversized Baggage Area | Central Japan Railway Company
６．Congestion in Non-Reserved Seats
The Shinkansen offers both reserved and non-reserved seating, but non-reserved seats can become crowded depending on the time of day.
Weekday mornings and evenings: Particularly crowded due to commuter traffic.
Weekends and holidays: Increased tourist numbers make it harder to find a seat.
Peak seasons (Golden Week, Obon, New Year holidays): Finding a seat in the non-reserved section is almost impossible.
For long-distance travel, I always book a reserved seat. During peak hours, finding a seat in the non-reserved section is challenging, and standing for hours is not ideal.
７．Wi-Fi Service on the Shinkansen
Some Shinkansen trains and sections offer free Wi-Fi service. On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, Wi-Fi is available on “N700S” and “N700A” train models. However, due to the many tunnels along the route, the connection may be unstable at times. To use the service, passengers need to connect to a designated portal and complete a simple registration. Since the train moves at high speeds, the Wi-Fi is not ideal for streaming videos or large data transfers, but it is useful for light internet browsing.
The Shinkansen is an excellent transportation option for traveling within Japan. The Tokaido Shinkansen provides quick access from Tokyo to major cities like Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto. However, it’s important to be aware of luggage regulations and non-reserved seat congestion. Plan your trip carefully, book in advance, and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey!
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