What is Shinkansen? The basic information about shinkansen.

What is Shinkansen?

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 network covers most of the big cities across Japan with 2,764 km (1,717 miles) of train tracks, from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The maximum speed of Shinkansen is 240 to 320 km/h (150 to 200 mph) depending on cars and lines.

Shinkansen is the most popular transportation to travel within Japan, such as from Tokyo to Kyoto and Shin-Osaka to Tokyo.

Train type

There are several train types for each line, depending on a number of stops. The fastest train stops only at major cities while others stop most or all stations.

For the most popular line, Tokaido Shinkansen, Nozomi train is the fastest one which stops at major stations, such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. Hikari train stops more stations and Kodama stops all stations.

Seat type

Shinkansen seats are available in four levels:

Unreserved seat
Reserved seat
Green Reserved seat
GranClass seat

Unreserved and Reserved seats are ordinary seats. Green Reserved seat is like business class seats which have more space. GranClass seat is available only for Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen. This seat is like first class seats.

More information about Shinkansen, please check here.

Seat guide

Shinkansen seats are available in four levels depending on the comfort and services your require.

Ordinary Seat

Regular seats used on Reserved cars and Unreserved cars of Shinkansen. Consider it as "economy class" seat.

Green Seat

Better seats with more space than ordinary seats. All Green Seats are reserved only. Consider it as "business class" seats.

Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)

Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets. Head to the station with a peace of mind.
Seats are the same as Ordinary Seat.

Green Reserved Seat

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

GranClass Seat

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

Unreserved Seat

You can take any open seats in unreserved cars of any train on the departure date. (No departure time will be indicated on your tickets.)
The best seat type if your priority is the cost and are traveling during less-crowded season/time.

For further information and photos, please visit official page at http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/types.html