Has anyone been on the bullet train from Tokyo?

Question

If so, do you have any advice, including about how to book tickets and how to enjoy it most as a foreigner

Answer 1

Not as exciting as a 142 between Wakefield and Pontefract.

Answer 2

Hi!
Yes, I took the bullet train a number of times while I was there. Likewise, I will recommend you to get the JR pass as it gives you unlimited rides in JR trains all over Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days, depending on which pass you buy. Pay for it in your country and use the exchange order to get the actual JR pass at Narita airport or Shinkansen stations. The pass also covers the main loop, Yamanote line in Tokyo. If you actually came out by the wrong station exit, the pass will be very very useful for going back into the train station and cutting through it, rather than spending much time making your way around. ;)
You can reserve bullet train seats (with your JR pass) or buy your tickets a day in advance at the "GREEN window" counters at any Shinkansen station. This is to make sure you get to sit or to prevent ending up in smoking carriages (I believe about half of the carriages are). If you are a non-smoker, that can be quite suffocating and ruin your ride.
The trains between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo are crowded at times, esp during public holidays and you may have to queue 20 mins before hand at the unreserved carriages to get a seat you want. Reserve early.
Train station bentos don't taste very good. Get your bento from departmental stores near the train stations.
Finally, if you are travelling down towards Osaka, sit on the right and enjoy your bento with a view of Mt Fuji.
Enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

I use it often for our listtle family vacations when we wanna get out of Tokyo. As a tourist you can get the JR Rail pass before you come to Japan. That allows you unlimited rides on all JR trains for the valid period of your pass. Basically you should forst study the different areas where you might want to visit. Or you can even plan a full bullet train excursion. When it comes time to book your tickets, it works best to have it all on paper. This helps the staff to undertsand your needs without any loss of communication. What I usually do, is write on paper the start and destination points, departure time window, return window, number of passengers and no-smoking preference. This helps to speed up the purchase process. There are two types of bullet train tickets, reserved and non reserved. I suggest you ask for reserved seating. Open seating could be difficult to get a seat and you might have to stand the whole way. I once took the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Okayama and had to stand the whole way while holding on to my snowboard and snowgear. It was tough, but now I laugh about it.

Answer 4

Best bet would be to check out the following web-site before you leave home. A Japan Rail Pass might be worth your time if you plan on doing some extensive travelling while you are here.

The web-site has all the information you will need to become familiar with the shinkansen (bullet train). Click on the 'Rail Pass' link to find information on getting your hands on a rail pass before you get here. The passes are not sold in Japan.

As an example, a quick search revealed the cost for a 7 day pass to be about US$240 (following the JAL link on the distributor page.) That's approximately the ticket price of a non-stop trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and back, when purchased at the ticket counter at the train station.

If you are going to be checking out a few cities in Japan, the rail pass could save you some green.

The trains are generally the most convenient and relaxing way to get around in Japan. I would recommend the shinkansen over flying when taking shorter trips (under 4 hours = 900km.) There is no need to deal with the delays associated with airports, getting to and from, waiting for the flight, etc. Once you get off the train, your right downtown.

Best of luck on your travels!

Answer 5

You can buy a ticket from the departing station on the day of travel for a reserved seat, where you will get your seat number or the slightly cheaper unreserved where you have to find your seat, for a litttle bit extra its better for a window seat, although i have met more people in the unreserved section, as you can choose who you sit next to, looking out for interesting looking people who you may be able to get some conversation out of, especially on the tokyo - osaka run (kansai people are very friendly).
Also there are smoking carriages on the train, you will know when you enter it, usually car 3,
As for experiencing it, a window seat (on the right I think) from Tokyo - Osaka should give you a good view of Mount Fuji (if you are lucky), drink some beers relax, buy the person next to you a beer....enjoy
http://thejapaneseeye.blogspot.com/

Answer 6

When you arrive at the airport, just go straight to the customer service counter, and they will help you book for the bullet train tickets.
Always arrive at least 30mins or 15 mins earlier than the train arrival timing, because their bullet train always arrive on time and latecomers will definitely miss their trains.

You can bring bento on board the train and eat it.
The bullet train moves very rapidly, so much that i felt a little motion sickness. So prepare yourself with medication if you have motion sickness.

There are no entertainment on board the train, so either bring a book or a magazine to read. I didn't dare to sleep for fear of missing my stop.

Hope it helps.

Answer 7

I've ridden it. Don't know about tickets but it was the most boring train ride I've been on. Most of it is underground. It's not really designed to be a tourist attraction as much as just great transportation. Concerning the speed, it's more like a plane than a train. Can't really feel the movement.

Answer 8

Go to the buffet car and check out the big speedometer on the bulkhead. Buy your beverage and bento before you get on-it's like 1000 yen for crappy sandwiches on the train.

Answer 9

tokyo to where?
its a essential japanese experience,its fast,clean,always a seat, comfortable always on time and the staff more than corteous. buy your ticket before you get to japan its cheaper that way.

Answer 10

Don't get to hyped up about it. it's really... boring.
shinkonsen しんこんせん
（bulit train）