The Japanese Train Experience: Ride the Shinkansen Like a Local!

Being a tourist in Japan, one of the best things to enjoy is buying a JR Pass – a special passport that allows you to take almost any JR train throughout Japan without paying for your tickets. If you’re curious, don’t hesitate to visit our FAQ about the Japan Rail Pass.

Among those trains, one of the jewels of Japanese technology awaits you for your high-speed trips: the shinkansen, aka the bullet train. If you’ve already ridden a shinkansen, you must have noticed some routines practiced by the locals and we’re here to tell you everything about them!

Do Your Homework

Every city, every region, and every corner of Japan has its specialities, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without a list of foods, sightseeing, or traditions to enjoy once you get there. Before riding the train, checking articles or rankings about your destination will help you curate the perfect touring list (or we could do that for you instead!). Shinkansen rides are usually quite long, and you could also dedicate this time to creating your very own must-do list.

Book Your Seats!

If you’re equipped with a JR Pass, booking your seat is not mandatory. The shinkansen and rapid trains have a special system where you have to pay for 2 separate tickets: one to access the train lines, and one to book a seat. Using only your JR Pass, you could access the platform and pick any seat inside a no-reservation car – and that’s what most tourists do to avoid the fuss of booking a train and having to follow a tight schedule. But booking a seat is way better in our opinion.

First, of course, your seat will be guaranteed which is not always the case, especially on very busy rides. Secondly, it will smoothen out your trip by not having to look for the no-reservation car or trying to understand how this system works with all your luggage in tow. We have one last reason for you, let’s meet at #4 to dive into it – but before, it’s time to eat.

Don’t Forget to Pack Your Bento

As every region of Japan has its food speciality, it also has its bento selection – and we think it’s amazing. The content of these bento boxes is of course catered to suit the local specialities and can range from affordable to luxurious when it comes to prices. Explore the station, look for a bento shop and pick the one that appeals to you the most. They usually include Japanese rice and various bite-size portions (by the way, vegetarian options are getting more available by the day). When you buy a bento box, the cashier will pack it neatly in a plastic bag, and chopsticks and napkins can be found inside your lunch. The only thing you will need is a beverage! If you don’t have time to catch some snacks before riding the train, you can find convenience stores directly on the train platform inside the busiest stations or buy them inside your train (note that not all shinkansen offer in-ride snacks and/or beverages).

The Star of Your Trip: The Scenery

Some might say you will see Mount Fuji when riding the shinkansen only if you’re lucky, but you can work on these odds by carefully picking your seat on the shinkansen between Kyoto and Tokyo. Mount Fuji is not the only beautiful scenery you might enjoy while riding the train of course, and it will be a big part of your trip. All shinkansen ride through luscious nature and both traditional and modern cities. Taking the time to look by your window is a unique chance to discover even more facets of Japan during your trip. So why not enjoy your snacks while fully taking in the wonderful view?

Extra Tip (This Might Surprise You)

Ok, we’ve saved this one for the end of the article because it can be quite… startling. Shinkansen trip is a synonym for having a beer or a sour when the train leaves the station for many locals – whatever the time of the day. Depending on your culture, this can seem unusual but it’s common to ride a train at 8 in the morning and hear your neighbour opening a can and enjoying a fresh beer.

Don’t mistake us, we’re not encouraging you to do the same! But, depending on your schedule and how much faith you have in your stomach, you can try and adapt to the local customs by taking the first sip of a beer as soon as the shinkansen leaves the station… Cheers!