All About Shinkansen, the Bullet Train

Published on March 27, 2016
Last updated on June 26, 2025

Shinkansen, the Bullet Train.

The Shinkansen is a national network of fast "bullet trains" run by Japan Railways. The name Shinkansen (新幹線) means "new trunk line" in Japanese.

Shinkansen has been built in 1964, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics, starting with Tokaido Shinkansen line. Now, the network covers most of the big cities across Japan with 2,764 km (1,717 miles) of train tracks. The maximum speed of Shinkansen is 240 to 320 km/h (150 to 200 mph) depending on cars and lines.

The world-famous bullet train is not just known for its speed, but also for its amazing safety record and punctuality. With careful design and precise Japanese system, the average delay from schedule per train is only 54 seconds. That number even includes delays by natural disasters! Shinkansen runs on their dedicated train tracks, which contributes to the incredible departure and arrival schedule. Even after more than 50 years in operation and 10 billion travelers on Shinkansen, there are no passenger deaths due to train accidents.

Shinkansen Lines

Tokaido Shinkansen

Tokaido Shinkansen is the most popular Shinkansen line that connects Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, the top two largest cities in Japan with major tourist destinations like Kyoto and Nagoya. 東海道 (Tokaido) means east coastal road in Japanese. 

Stations

Depending on the train type, Tokaido Shinkansen stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Odawara, Atami, Mishima, Shin-Fuji, Shizuoka, Kakegawa, Hamamatsu, Toyohashi, Mikawa-Anjo, Nagoya, Gifu-Hashima, Yonehara, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka.

Train Types

Nozomi: The fastest Tokaido Shinkansen which stops only at major stations.

Hikari and Kodama: Stops at more stations along the way.

Tohoku Shinkansen

Tohoku Shinkansen serves Northeastern area of Honshu island from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori with popular tourist destinations like Sendai. 東北 (Tohoku) means northeast in Japanese. 

Stations

Tohoku Shinkansen stops at Tokyo, Ueno, Omiya, Fukushima, Sendai, Morioka and Shin-Aomori with many stations along the way.

Train Types

Hayabusa: The fastest Tohoku Shinkansen which stops only at major stations. 

Hayate and Yamabiko: Stops at more stations along the way.

Hokuriku Shinkansen (formerly known as Nagano Shinkansen)

Hokuriku Shinkansen runs between Tokyo and Kanazawa with the popular tourist stops at Karuizawa, Nagano, and Toyama. 北陸 (Hokuriku) means northern land in Japanese. Hokuriku Shinkansen was originally called Nagano Shinkansen after the famous city of 長野 (Nagano) known for the Winter Olympics. After the line was extended to Kanazawa in 2015, the line has been renamed to Hokuriku Shinkansen. 

Stations

Nagano Shinkansen stops at Tokyo, Ueno, Omiya, Takasaki, Karuizawa, Nagano, Iiyama, Joetsumoko, Toyama, and Kanazawa with many stations along the way.

Train Types

Kagayaki: The fastest Hokuriku Shinkansen which stops only at major stations. 

Hakutaka and Asama: Stops at more stations along the way.

Other Shinkansen Lines

Joetsu Shinkansen

Hokkaido Shinkansen

Sanyo Shinkansen 

Kyushu Shinkansen 

Shinkansen Seat Types

Shinkansen seats are available in four levels depending on the comfort and services you require.
For further information and photos, please visit the official page.

Unreserved Seat

You can take any open seats in dedicated unreserved cars. The best seat type if your priority is the cost and is traveling during less-crowded season/time.

Reserved Seat

Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets. Head to the station with a peace of mind.

Green Reserved Seat

Better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business persons, executives and people who value comfortable travel. Consider it "business class" seats.

GranClass Seat

Know as "First Class" of Shinkansen seats. Only available on Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines. Gran Class seats come with airline-like amenities and meals. The most expensive of all.

Japan Rail Pass vs. Buying Single Shinkansen Tickets

Tourists visiting Japan can also purchase train passes while you are in your home country. Read our comparison to see which is better for you: Japan Rail Pass or single Shinkansen tickets. 

• Compare Japan Rail Pass and Single Shinkansen Ticket

Do you have a question regarding Shinkansen?

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