Japan's bullet train, called shinkansen, is the backbone of the country's long distance travel. Here is how the network works, what it costs and the smartest way to use it.
Top operating speed is 320 km per hour on the Tohoku line. The Tokaido line runs at 285 km per hour and the Hokuriku line at 260 km per hour.
Prices depend on distance. Tokyo to Kyoto is around 14,170 yen, Tokyo to Hiroshima around 19,760 yen. A 7 day Japan Rail Pass costs 53,000 yen and covers unlimited rides on nearly every bullet train, plus JR local lines.
Order a Japan Rail Pass from GetJRPass before you fly to Japan. We deliver the exchange voucher worldwide. You activate it in Japan, reserve seats for free and board any shinkansen included in the pass.
Quick answers to common questions.
Japan's shinkansen has carried billions of passengers since 1964 without a single passenger fatality from operations. It is one of the safest forms of transport in the world.
Standard suitcases fit in the overhead rack or behind the last row. Oversized luggage over 160 cm needs a free reservation in the oversized luggage area.
No. Signs, announcements and ticket machines all support English. A JR Pass removes the need to interact with ticket staff at all.
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