SHINKANSEN
3:45 PM
RIDING THE SHINKANSEN
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| Seat on ordinary class Sanyo-Tokkaido Shinkansen |
A trip to Japan doesn't seem to be complete
without at least one ride on the Shinkansen. When aboard these trains, you don't feel as much the high speed
you’re traveling. But standing by the platform as one zips by or when seated by
the window as a passes on the next track. On long distance trips a refreshment
car is also on board. Make sure to ride the right car of the Shinkansen. There
are reserved and non-reserved cars. You can also catch the majestic Mt Fuji
from your window seat on the Tokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo towards Osaka. Make
sure to reserve Seat E (same seat in either direction). There is an app you can
use to let you know at what time when Mt. Fuji is visible on your trip.
JR Pass is valid on the Shinkansen except
the Nozomi & Mizuho. You can just ride the Non-Reserved cars if you were
not able to make seat reservations for the train or missed your train. You can
reserve your seats as soon as you change your JR Pass vouchers. There are also
other passes that includes the Shinkansen. You can check the JR West, JR East,
JR Central, or JR Hokkaido sites for the particular area you’ll be traveling in
for the available passes offered.
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| on the Shinagawa Shinkansen Platform |
Tip: 1. Getting on the Shinkansen is easier from the Shinagawa Shinkansen Platforms
because the station is smaller than Tokyo Station. Tokyo Station is a really
big station and can be confusing with a lot of people. Especially if you’ve got
luggages or are part of a big group, it’s easier to transfer from the trains to
the shinkansen platforms.
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| Traveling with medium & large size luggage |
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| A ledge on the sides of the train car for smaller bags. Small Carry-on luggages can fit. |
2. If traveling with luggage, try to get the 1st or last row of the car. The first row has a more legroom and there is space in the back of the back row for luggage. You can also place smaller bags on the shelf on top. Carry on bags can fit on the ledge. Bigger bags would have to be placed in front of you - taking some of your legroom. There is no dedicated luggage area like airport express trains.
*Selfie
Sticks are not allowed on Shinkansen Platforms.
For more information on riding trains in Japan please see my previous post on the topic : http://coffeecakesandsuitcases.blogspot.com/2015/11/japan-trainguide-extensive-railway-in.html
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