Japanese bullet trains (Shinkansen) are fast and also very comfortable to ride. Follow the steps below to get to your destination efficiently.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15
Here's How:
- Go to the major Japan Railway (JR) stations such as Tokyo, Ueno, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata, and more.
- Go to a JR ticket counter called Midori-no-mado-guchi which can be recognized by a green sign.
- Purchase the ticket to your destination. You need to pay bullet train express fares in addition to the regular fare for the distance.
- If you want to reserve your seat, ask at this time. You can do this for a small additional fee.
- Check the departure time and the number of platform of your train on the display board.
- Go to the correct JR Shinkansen gate and hand your ticket to the officer or insert your ticket in the automatic gate.
- When you get to the platform, go to under the number plate of the car indicated on your ticket, if you reserved a seat.
- If you don't reserve a seat in advance, go under the number plates of self-seating areas called Ji-yu-seki.
- Line up behind the white line and wait for the train.
- Get in the train and find your seat.
- Seat numbers are indicated below the baggage rack above the window.
- If you didn't reserve a seat and also couldn't find any empty seats, you might have to stand in the hallway or entrance area until someone gets off the train.
- When the person who sells food, drinks and souvenirs comes near your seat, get her attention and buy whatever you want from the cart.
Tips:
- There are ordinary cars and green cars(first class). You need to pay extra to sit in the green cars.
- Each station offers special boxed meals which are sold on the train. Enjoy Japanese regional food in your seat.
- The Shinkansen tend to be full, so it's highly recommended to reserve your seat in advance.
