Japan's shinkansen network is the fastest and easiest way to travel between cities. This guide covers ticket prices, train types, booking options and when buying a Japan Rail Pass through GetJRPass is the cheaper choice.
A shinkansen ticket is actually two tickets combined: a base fare ticket for the distance travelled and a limited express surcharge for the high-speed train. Both are checked at the gate.
When you travel with a Japan Rail Pass you skip both. You simply show your pass at the manned gate or scan the QR code at the new automatic gates.
Two long shinkansen trips already cover the price of a 7 day ordinary Japan Rail Pass. Anything beyond that is essentially free travel for the rest of the week.
If your trip includes Tokyo plus one major city like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima or Sendai, a 7 day Japan Rail Pass almost always works out cheaper than buying tickets separately.
Order through GetJRPass and we ship the exchange voucher worldwide. You pick up the pass at any major station in Japan and start riding.
Quick answers to common questions.
It covers every Hikari, Sakura, Kodama and most other shinkansen. Nozomi and Mizuho services require a small extra fee that you can add when reserving.
Reservations are free with a Japan Rail Pass and recommended in peak seasons. Non reserved cars are also available on most trains.
No, the gate price is the same. The discount tourists get comes from the Japan Rail Pass, which is only available to short term visitors.
Keep exploring Japan Rail Pass topics relevant to your trip.