Riding the Shinkansen is a highlight of many trips. The system is easy once you know the routine.
1. Buy your ticket
You need a base fare ticket plus a limited express ticket — machines and apps sell them together. Options: station ticket machines (English available), staffed ticket offices, or online services like JR Central's smartEX for the Tokaido/Sanyo lines. JR Pass holders reserve seats for free.
2. Choose reserved or non-reserved
Non-reserved cars are slightly cheaper and fine off-peak. At weekends, holidays and on popular routes, reserve. Your ticket shows the car (号車) and seat number.
3. Go through the Shinkansen gates
At big stations, there are separate gates for the Shinkansen. Insert all your tickets together (they will pop back out — take them all) or tap your IC card/QR code if booked online.
4. Find your platform and car position
Departure boards show the train name, number, time and track. On the platform, floor markings and signs show where each car stops. Queue at your car's position.
5. Board quickly
Stops are short — sometimes around a minute at intermediate stations. Have your bags ready.
6. Luggage
Small bags go on the overhead racks. On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines, luggage over 160 cm total dimensions requires a reservation for a seat with an oversized baggage area. Otherwise, use luggage forwarding.
7. On board
Eating is fine — buy an ekiben (station bento) before boarding. Keep phone calls to the deck area between cars. Seats rotate so groups can face each other; ask nearby passengers before reclining.
8. Missed your train?
With a reserved ticket for the same day, you can often ride a later train's non-reserved car on the same day, subject to the operator's rules. Ask staff. Tickets booked online may have different change rules — check before travel.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: