The Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, essential for travel within Japan, offer three main services: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Each varies in terms of speed and stops, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your travel needs.

*Please note that the stops may vary depending on the specific train service, so be sure to check the stops for your scheduled train.

Additionally, there are also direct trains from the Sanyo Shinkansen to the Kyushu Shinkansen, such as Mizuho and Sakura.

When using the Shinkansen, you will generally need to pay the following fees:

If you purchase a reserved seat ticket, you will need to pay an additional reserved seat fee. There is also the option of a "Green Car" reserved seat, which offers more space and comfort at a higher price.

Tickets without a reserved seat fee are for non-reserved seating. With these, you line up on the platform and take any available seat. The price difference between reserved and non-reserved seats varies depending on the season but is typically a few hundred yen.

If no seats are available in non-reserved areas, you may need to stand in the aisle or deck. It's important to note that standing in reserved or Green Car areas is not allowed.

Reserved seat tickets for the Shinkansen can be purchased through various JR online services, station ticket counters, and ticket vending machines. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM exactly one month before the travel date.

With JR's "SmartEX" service, reservations for reserved seats can be made up to one year in advance for certain trains. For more details, please check the official website.

You can also reserve Shinkansen tickets through LIVE JAPAN's services.

As mentioned earlier, Nozomi, the fastest Shinkansen that stops only at major cities, experiences special rules during peak travel periods like the "Big 3 Peak Seasons" (New Year holidays, Golden Week from late April to early May, and Obon in mid-August). For the 2024–2025 New Year holidays, it has been announced that from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Nozomi will operate as "reserved seat only."

This policy, which began during the 2023 year-end season, has proven effective in reducing congestion on station platforms. If you're planning to use Nozomi for fast travel during Japan's busy New Year period, be sure to reserve your seat well in advance.

Japan, during the New Year, offers a unique, traditional atmosphere that can only be experienced at this time of year. If you're planning to visit, here are three tips to help make your Shinkansen journey more comfortable during the holiday season.

During the New Year season, Shinkansen reserved seat fees vary based on peak periods. By planning your travel during off-peak times, you can not only avoid crowds but also save on costs. Refer to the following seasonal pricing guide:

・December 23–25: Off-peak (-200 yen)
・December 26: Regular price
・December 27: Busy season (+200 yen)
・December 28–29: Peak season (+400 yen)
・December 30–31: Busy season (+200 yen)
・January 1: Regular price
・January 2–3: Busy season (+200 yen)
・January 4–5: Peak season (+400 yen)
・January 6–9: Off-peak (-200 yen)

(Price adjustments are compared to regular season fares and are per adult, one-way.)

For more details and the latest information, please check the official website below.

While Nozomi will be all reserved seats from December 27 to January 5, Hikari and Kodama trains will continue to offer non-reserved seating as usual. If you prefer more flexibility and don't want to be tied to a specific departure time, consider using these services.

The Japan Rail Pass, available to foreign travelers, offers unlimited rides on JR Shinkansen, limited express, regular trains, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for a set period. While the pass cannot be used on Nozomi trains, it is valid for Hikari and Kodama, and you can reserve seats on these trains. This pass is a great value for those planning to visit multiple cities during their trip to Japan.

The New Year holiday is a busy travel season in Japan, with both domestic and international tourists, as well as locals returning home, causing congestion on public transportation like the Shinkansen. Plan early and secure your reservations to ensure a stress-free and comfortable journey.