When people learn that I travel in the Shinkansen (famous Japan Bullet Train) quite often they ask me how I do it, well is easier than you think. Disclaimer there are more shinkansen routes that are not cover in this blog, stay tune if you want to explore North Japan.
If you are a foreigner traveling to Japan you have different options: purchasing a Japan JR Pass, utilizing the phone app/website smartEX (for JR East Company Trains), purchasing in any of the JR lines shinkansen machine or at any of the main trains stations.
Depending in your origin and destination there are different fares and train lines. To travel to popular places such as Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe and others, you have three different options:
Nozomi Trains
Hikari Trains
Kodama Trains
The Nozomi Trains are rapid limited express trains which only stops at the main train stations such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and some others. This are the most expensive options but if you are in a hurry to arrive to this destination this is the best option. After the price increase in October 2023 to the JR Train Pass, you have to pay an extra fee if you want to ride in the Nozomi trains.
The Hikari trains are limited express trains which make stops in main train stations and additional stations as part of the specific route. This option is included in the JR Train Pass, it might take extra time but you do not have to pay an extra fee.
Lastly, the local train or the Kodama train, this bullet train stops at every station in the shinkansen route. This option is also included in the JR Train Pass and it might be ideal train to travel between small cities or late night routes.
Hope this helps to understand the different Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen route. Stay tune to learn more about the different cars such as Green Car, Reserved Car and Non-Reserved Car, also which seats, route and time you need to book to have the opportunity to see Fuji-san.
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