How the bullet train works, how to book tickets, and why it’s the best way to explore Japan
Traveling through Japan by Shinkansen is not just transportation — it’s part of the experience. Fast, quiet, incredibly punctual, and almost effortless, the Shinkansen is the backbone of long-distance travel in Japan. If you understand how it works, getting around the country suddenly feels easy, logical, and even enjoyable.
This is how it works in real life — not complicated, not stressful, and very Japanese.
What Is the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed bullet train network, connecting major cities across the country. Trains regularly reach speeds of over 300 km/h, yet feel incredibly smooth and stable. You don’t feel rushed or cramped — instead, the ride feels calm, efficient, and almost elegant.
The Shinkansen connects cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata (Fukuoka), Nagoya, and many more. If you’re traveling long distances in Japan, the Shinkansen is almost always the fastest and most comfortable option.
How Booking Shinkansen Tickets Works
You have three main ways to buy Shinkansen tickets, and all of them are straightforward.
Buying Tickets at the Station
This is the most common and easiest option. At major stations, you’ll find ticket counters and machines with English language options. You simply choose your route, departure time, and seat type. Staff are helpful, and the system is very clear.
Booking Online
You can also book Shinkansen tickets online through official railway websites or trusted platforms. This is useful if you’re traveling during busy periods like cherry blossom season or national holidays. Online booking lets you secure a seat in advance and plan your schedule calmly.
Using a Rail Pass
If you’re traveling long distances frequently, a rail pass may be worth considering. With a pass, you can use many Shinkansen routes without buying individual tickets each time. Seat reservations can still be made separately and easily.
Reserved Seats vs. Non-Reserved Seats
Reserved Seats
If you want certainty and comfort, reserve a seat. This guarantees your exact seat number and carriage. Reserved seats are strongly recommended during busy travel times, weekends, and holidays. You book them in advance at the station or online.
Non-Reserved Seats
Some Shinkansen cars are non-reserved. You don’t book a specific seat — you simply line up on the platform and sit wherever is available. This works well during quieter times, but there’s a chance you may have to stand if the train is full.
If it’s your first time using the Shinkansen, reserved seats remove all stress.
What It’s Like On Board
Boarding the Shinkansen feels almost ceremonial. Trains arrive exactly on time. You line up on marked spots on the platform. When the doors open, passengers exit first, then boarding happens quickly and calmly.
Inside, seats are spacious, clean, and comfortable. There’s plenty of legroom, space for luggage, and large windows. The ride is quiet — people talk softly, work, or simply look out the window. Food is allowed, and many people bring ekiben (train bento boxes) bought at the station.
Even long journeys feel relaxing.
Luggage on the Shinkansen
Small and medium suitcases fit easily above seats or behind the last row. For large suitcases, some trains require reserved luggage space, which you book together with your seat. This is clearly indicated during booking and avoids any confusion.
Japan takes luggage organisation seriously — and it shows.
Where You Can Go by Shinkansen
The Shinkansen network covers most of Japan’s main travel routes.
From Tokyo, you can easily reach:
• Kyoto and Osaka (classic first-time route)
• Nagoya (business and culture hub)
• Hiroshima (history and nature)
• Hakata / Fukuoka (southern Japan)
• Kanazawa (traditional charm)
• Sendai (northern Japan)
This makes traveling across the country fast and efficient. You can cross huge distances in just a few hours.
Understanding the Different Train Types
Not all Shinkansen trains stop at every station. Some are faster because they skip smaller stops. When booking, the system automatically shows you the best option, so you don’t need to overthink it.
If you’re unsure, station staff will always guide you. Japan makes sure you don’t feel lost.
How to Travel Japan Comfortably by Train
The biggest advantage of the Shinkansen is simplicity. You don’t deal with traffic, security checks, or long boarding times. You arrive, board, sit down, and go.
Trains are punctual to the minute. Connections are reliable. Signs are clear. English support is excellent. Even first-time visitors quickly feel confident navigating the system.
Traveling by Shinkansen turns long distances into relaxing moments instead of stressful transfers.
Japan Rail Pass: What It Is & Where to Buy It (Including Options From The Netherlands and Germany)
Traveling long distances in Japan using the Shinkansen is fast, smooth, and unforgettable — but depending on your itinerary, it can get expensive. That’s where the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) comes in: a prepaid rail pass that gives you unlimited travel on most JR trains, including many Shinkansen lines (with some exceptions). If you’re planning a multi-city trip, it’s often one of the biggest travel money-savers you can get.
Below is a clear, practical guide on how the JR Pass works, where you can buy it from Europe — especially from the Netherlands and Germany — and what options you have.
🇯🇵 What the Japan Rail Pass Is
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a special ticket available for tourists only. It lets you:
• Ride most Shinkansen lines (except the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho trains — but you can still take Hikari and Sakura services, which are nearly as fast)
• Use local JR trains
• Take certain JR buses and the JR ferry to Miyajima
• Travel long distances without buying individual tickets every time
It’s especially worth it if you plan long journeys — for example:
• Tokyo → Kyoto/Osaka
• Osaka → Hiroshima
• Kyoto → Kanazawa
• Tokyo → Hiroshima
• Tokyo → Hakata (Fukuoka)
If your trip is mostly in one region (e.g., only Tokyo and nearby cities), a JR Pass might not pay off. But if you’re crossing the country, it’s often a great investment.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is Tokyo at full volume, and the first time you arrive here it can feel overwhelming in the best possible way. This district never seems to sleep, and no matter the time of day, something is always happening. Skyscrapers rise above narrow streets, trains arrive every few minutes, and crowds flow in all directions. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s main transport hubs, which already tells you how important it is to the city’s rhythm.
During the day, Shinjuku feels businesslike and efficient. Office workers rush between buildings, department stores open their doors, and cafés fill up quickly.
You notice how organised everything is, even with so many people around. There is a sense of purpose in how people move. At the same time, green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen offer moments of calm just minutes away.
Where to Easily Buy a JR Pass (Including from NL & DE)
Where to Easily Buy a JR Pass (Including from NL & DE)
The standard JR Pass must usually be purchased before you travel to Japan. That means ordering it in advance while you’re still in Europe — and there are plenty of convenient options from both the Netherlands and Germany:
From the Netherlands
You can buy the JR Pass from:
• Official JR Pass partners
• Online travel agencies that ship activate-your-pass vouchers (exchange orders) to your home
• Major Japanese travel networks that deliver to NL addresses
From Germany
Similarly, there are multiple reputable sellers servicing Germany:
• Authorized JR Pass distributors that ship exchange vouchers to German addresses
• Local Japan travel agencies
• Online platforms with German language support
Most sellers operate across Europe, so whether you live in Amsterdam or Berlin, you can order the pass online and receive an exchange voucher by mail before departure.
📦 The key point: you don’t buy an active JR Pass before you travel — you buy an exchange order that you swap for the real pass in Japan.
How It Works in Practice
1. Order Online (in the Netherlands, Germany, or anywhere in Europe)
Choose the pass (7, 14, or 21 days) and have the exchange voucher delivered to your address.
2. Pack Your Exchange Order
Bring the exchange voucher to Japan with your passport.
3. Activate the Pass in Japan
At a major JR station (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc.) you exchange your voucher for the actual pass. You choose the start date (up to 30 days later).
4. Reserve Seats (Optional but Recommended)
Once you have the active pass, you can make seat reservations at ticket counters for free. This is highly recommended for Shinkansen, especially in busy seasons.
5. Travel Away!
Show your pass at ticket gates or to station staff — no need to buy single tickets for covered trains.
Which Pass to Choose
• 7-day JR Pass: Great if you’re on a one-week highlights route
• 14-day JR Pass: Ideal for multi-region exploration
• 21-day JR Pass: Best for longer trips, e.g., Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Kyushu → Back
If you’re visiting just one region (e.g. only Tokyo and surrounding prefectures), consider regional passes (like JR East Pass or JR West Pass) — sometimes cheaper and more targeted than the nationwide pass.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower may be smaller than the Skytree, but emotionally, it carries just as much weight. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower was built during Japan’s post-war reconstruction and became a symbol of hope and progress. Its red-and-white structure feels nostalgic, almost romantic, especially at night when it lights up against the dark sky.
Tips & Tricks
The JR Pass starts counting from the date you choose at activation — not when you buy the voucher
Seat reservations are free with the pass — do them early if you travel long distances
The pass includes bullet trains (except the fastest ones), local JR trains, and some ferries too
You must present your passport (with the tourist status stamp or card) to activate the pass
Why It’s Worth Buying from the Netherlands or Germany
Buying your JR Pass from your home country gives you:
• Peace of mind before travel
• A physical voucher to bring with you
• No language confusion at Japanese vending machines
• A clear itinerary plan knowing your rail travel is covered
Even if you only plan two long Shinkansen rides, the JR Pass often saves money compared to buying each ticket separately.
