There are several ways to travel around Japan, and the Shinkansen, or bullet train, is one convenient method. It consists of a high-speed train operated by Japan Railways companies, with the first one opened when Tokyo held the Olympics in 1964. The Shinkansen is punctual and safe, with no significant accidents happening since the year it started. Moreover, this bullet train runs at a speed higher than 200 kilometers per hour. However, it never reached or departed a station late and always reaches the destinations on time. The Shinkansen has several lines, including the Sanyo Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen, Tokaido Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Hokkaido Shinkansen, and Joetsu Shinkansen.
Moreover, each of those lines has several types. Here's a detailed guide that helps people understand more about the fascinating bullet trains of Japan.
Here's How To Get Tickets On Japan's Bullet Trains
Tickets for the Shinkansen in Japan can be bought from the ticket offices at Japan Railways. Those offices are known as Midori no Madoguchi. Additionally, the tickets can be purchased online by visiting the website www.jreast.co.jp.
Since the ticket system of the bullet train in Japan is complex, this guide will dive into the details and steps involved to get the tickets. For example, people must get two tickets instead of one to benefit from the Shinkansen service. The first is the basic fare ticket for all train travel, while the second is an express ticket for taking the Shinkansen. Sometimes, the basic fare and express tickets are integrated into one ticket.
Passing through the automatic ticket gates for the bullet train, people can get onto the Shinkansen. People will need to insert the two tickets together to pass the gate. Moreover, the ticket gate stamps the two tickets and releases them automatically. So, people should make sure to grab the tickets once released.
Japan Railways employees sometimes walk around the train to check the tickets during travel.
On the train, three kinds of seats can be found. Those include first-class or green seats, reserved seats, and unreserved seats. Unreserved seats are the cheapest. However, people are recommended to reserve seats ahead of the trip because they might end up with an overcrowded Shinkansen where they will find no place to sit. This is particularly true during the high season. Moreover, people who want to experience luxurious travel aboard the Shinkansen can book the green seats. They will enjoy a comfortable trip while paying a much higher price.
Here's How To Spend Time In The Shinkansen Cars
Depending on the type of bullet train, reserved and unreserved car arrangements may vary. Cars number 1 to number 3 have the most unreserved seats aboard Shinkansen trains. Still, those can be found sometimes in cars number 1 to number 5 on some other Shinkansen trains. Furthermore, other trains may include more cars with unreserved seats.
- Recommended: People who wish to recharge their electronic devices on a Shinkansen train have to secure a window seat, where electrical outlets are set.
- Cons: WiFi is not available on all Shinkansen trains, and wherever it's found, people must not expect too much because the communication capacity is slow.
People who want to make a telephone call or smoke must consider moving to the decks between the train cars so that other commuters are not bothered. Smokers can head specifically to the decks featuring rooms for smokers with ashtrays. However, people must note that smoking in the toilets aboard a Shinkansen is banned.
Those Unique Services Are Offered Exclusively On Japan's Shinkansen
Tourists flocking to Japan from other countries should consider buying the convenient and economical Japan Rail Pass, which allows them to take all the Japan Railways trains. These include the Shinkansen trains, local trains, and other special trains. The Japan Rail Pass can be bought from outside Japan or online by visiting the following website: www.japan-rail-pass.com.
- Cost: One Japan Rail Pass costs around $258 for seven days, $410 for 14 days, and $525 for 21 days.
Commuters on the Shinkansen enjoy a handful of unique services, including the Ekiben, served at train stations. It consists of a lunchbox filled with regional specialties, such as fresh seafood and salmon. Every station offers its unique Ekiben. The latter can be bought at the station or during travel. Moreover, many people enjoy going to the station early to experience shopping for various Ekiben types.
The front and back of Shinkansen cars feature luggage storage, toilets, and garbage cans. Moreover, surfboards, skis, and snowboards can be housed in the luggage storage of the bullet train in Japan. Additionally, above each seat of the Shinkansen, people can find luggage racks.
Another feature of the Shinkansen is that it includes rotating seats for groups to enjoy the travel experience.