Tips for using the Shinkansen

First of all, it is important to know that the Shinkansen network is divided in 2 sectors: one that goes from Tokyo to Kagoshima (Kyushu), itself divided in 3 successive main lines, the Tokaido line, the San'yo line and the Kyushu Shinkansen line.

The second sector, which also starts from Tokyo, but goes north along the Tokyo-Shin-Hakodate axis, with branches that run inland, going as far as Nagano and Kanazawa, Niigata, Shinjo, Akita and Aomori.

On each Shinkansen line there are express, semi express and local trains. They all bear a different name. For example, the one linking Tokyo to Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen line is called the Nozomi (It's the fastest train, but keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass does not give access to it). On the same line, the Hikari stops at 1 to 4 train stations more than the Nozomi and is available for Japan Rail Pass holders, as is the Kodama which stops at all train stations.

It is a similar idea on the Shinkansen line that goes North to Shin-Hakodate. The Hayabusa leaves from Tokyo and only serves the following train stations : Omiya, Sendaï, Morioka, Shin-Aomori and Shin Hakodate. The Yamabiko, a slower train, goes as far as Morioka, and then the Nasuno, with an even shorter route ending at Koriyama. The Hayate trains operate one return service per day between Morioka and Shin Hakodate and one return service per day between Shin Aomori and Shin Hakodate. The Hokuriku Shinkansen has many types of train to reach Kanazawa.

What is the meaning behind these names? Do they help us understanding the destination and speed of the different trains? Yes and no.It does when the name conjures up the idea of speed. It is easy to understand that the Hayabusa (peregrine falcon) or the Hayate (gust of wind) are faster than the Yamabiko (moutain spirit).It also does when the name refers to a cultural element of the region crossed. For instance, the Komachi, that serves Akita, is named after a poetess who is said to have lived there.

When buying a Shinkansen ticket it is good to know that the total includes two elements : a basic fee depending on the destination and an extra 'express' fee that depends on the speed of the Shinkansen used.

The Japan Rail Pass holders can of course use all these Shinkansens except the Nozomi and the Mizuho that are the fastest express trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, and for which you will have to pay the integral fee.

The Japan Rail Pass entitles free reservation on all trains that are covered. You may find that having a specific seat is more convenient than looking for empty seats on unreserved cars.

All the JR lines are very practical but the Tokaido line, linking Tokyo and Kyoto, the new and the ancient capitals of Japan, is the line most frequently used by the Japan Rail Pass holders.