Q: What destination can I reach from Tokyo by Shinkansen?
A: Tokyo Station is connected to major cities including Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagano, Kanazawa, Sendai, and many more.
Q: What is the fastest Shinkansen from Tokyo?
A: Nozomi Shinkansen is the fastest service on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Hakata.
Kagayaki Shinkansen is the fastest service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, connecting Tokyo with Nagano, Toyama, and Kanazawa.
Hayabusa Shinkansen is the fastest service on the Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen line, connecting Tokyo with Sendai, Morioka, Shin-Aomori, and Hokkaido (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto).
Q: Is Shinagawa Station the same as Tokyo Station?
A: No. Shinagawa Station and Tokyo Station are different Shinkansen stations in Tokyo. Both are served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, including Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama trains. Depending on your hotel location, airport transfer, and destination, one station may be more convenient than the other.
Q: Which station should I use: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station?
A: Both Tokyo and Shinagawa Station are major Shinkansen stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
Tokyo Station is the starting point for most Shinkansen services and offers the widest range of train connections, while Shinagawa Station is often more convenient for travelers staying in southern Tokyo or arriving from Haneda Airport.
To learn which station is better for your trip, see our guide:
Tokyo Station vs. Shinagawa Station: Which Is Closer?
Q: Can I buy same-day Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo?
A: Yes. Buy same-day or next-day ticket instantly. Availability may vary depending on the route, departure time, and seat demand.
Q: Is the Shinkansen the same as a bullet train?
A: Yes. This Shinkansen is Japan's high-speed rail network, commonly referred as the "bullet train" in English.
Q: Can tourists reserve Shinkansen tickets before arriving in Japan?
A: Yes. International visitors can book Shinkansen tickets online before arriving in Japan, helping secure seats during busy travel periods.