Japanese bullet trains (Shinkansen) are fast and also very comfortable to ride. Follow the steps below to get to your destination efficiently.
Difficulty Level: easy Time Required: 30 min-
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. Usually, you need to go through another gate to get to the shinkansen platform, so keep your ticket on your hand.
- 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.
- 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.
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