The iconic Tokaido Shinkansen began its service in October 1964 as Japan's very first bullet train. Renowned for its breathtaking views of the country's tallest peak of Mount Fuji, this high-speed rail option is still a favorite among travelers today. In this guide, we’ll share tips on making the most of your Tokaido Shinkansen experience, from scenic seat selection to booking tickets effortlessly through the budget-friendly “Shinkansen Online Reservation” system. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive limited-time offer for JCB cardholders!
Breathtaking scenery on the Tokaido Shinkansen: Marvel at Mount Fuji and Lake Hamana!
One of the greatest joys of traveling by Shinkansen is being able to admire Japan's majestic scenery through the train windows. Don’t let the journey slip away while scrolling on your phone - look outside and enjoy the view!
A sweeping view of the sea (Odawara Station - Atami Station)
About 30 minutes after leaving Tokyo Station, the cityscape fades into the breathtaking expanse of the open ocean as you travel between Odawara and Atami Station. For the best view, choose a window-side A seat in a three-seat row - perfectly positioned to face the sea, whether you're heading north or south.
Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan (Mishima Station - Shin-Fuji Station)
For a picture-perfect mountain view, book the window-side E seat in a two-seat row. About 45 minutes south of Tokyo Station, Mount Fuji will slowly come into view. On clear days, you might even hear the on-board announcement, "Mount Fuji is visible from the window now". After passing Atami Station, keep watch out the window to witness Fuji's majestic presence, whether framed with summer green or draped in winter snow.
Don’t miss the beauty of Lake Hamana! (Hamamatsu Station - Toyohashi Station)
Lake Hamana is a large brackish water lake where seawater and freshwater converge. As the train crosses a bridge towards the sea, the lake stretches out on both sides, creating the incredible sensation of gliding over the water. For the best experience of this majestic scene, choose the window-side A seat in a three-seat row.
Catch a glimpse of Kiyosu Castle's keep from the train window (Nagoya Station - Gifu-Hashima Station)
Shortly after departing Nagoya Station heading toward Osaka, the impressive keep of Kiyosu Castle comes into view. Known as the starting point for Oda Nobunaga's quest for dominance, the current keep was rebuilt in 1989. The red bridge in front of the castle is a popular photo spot, best viewed from the window-side E seat in a two-seat row.
Gourmet recommendations for the Tokaido Shinkansen, from ekiben to ice cream!
Ekiben: The ultimate highlight of any bullet train trip!
Ekiben are boxed lunches sold at stations for bullet train travelers, offering a variety of regional specialties and flavors. Travelers can find them at stores inside Shinkansen stations as well as on the train platforms.
*Some product details are subject to change
Tokaido Shinkansen's famous ice cream is a must-try!
Although in-train sales on the Tokaido Shinkansen have been discontinued (except for 'Nozomi' and 'Hikari' green cars between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka), their beloved Sujahta ice cream is still a popular specialty! Available in classic vanilla and limited-time flavors like melon, this tasty treat can be purchased from vending machines on the platforms at select stations: Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka.
Shizuoka, a recommended stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line
Shizuoka is a treasure trove of natural beauty, where mountains meet the sea in a mild, welcoming climate. The region offers stunning views and delicious local cuisine, with Mount Fuji as its main star. This majestic peak is stunning from all angles, with plenty of top sightseeing attractions spread around its base, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Miho no Matsubara, where the pine forests, white waves, and the Fuji view create a breathtaking scene, much like the ukiyo-e prints of Utagawa Hiroshige. Visitors can also take in the incredible view of Mount Fuji from the sea aboard the Suruga Bay Ferry, where they can snap a picture-perfect juxtaposition of lush tea fields against the the epic, snow-capped peak. Shizuoka is also known for its mouthwatering local dishes like sushi, eel, Shizuoka oden, and Fujinomiya yakisoba.
Just beyond Shizuoka, in Nagoya, visitors can immerse themselves in history and entertainment, from the Omotenashi Busho-tai performances at Nagoya Castle to the newly opened Japanese Sword Museum. With quick access - just 1 hour and 33 minutes from Tokyo Station and 55 minutes from Shin-Osaka - Shizuoka is an essential addition to any Japan itinerary.
How to use “Shinkansen Online Reservation"
For the best bullet train experience, we highly recommend using “Shinkansen Online Reservation”, the official online booking platform.
1. Easy booking with just your smartphone
Everything can be completed on your smartphone - from signing up to making reservations. Membership is free for those with a credit card, and you can select your seat directly from the seat map.
2. Boarding made simple with digital tickets
Tickets booked through “Shinkansen Online Reservation” come as QR codes, so all you need to do is scan your smartphone at the ticket gate. No need to wait in line for tickets or worry about losing paper tickets - simply relax and enjoy smooth and easy travel.
3. Free, unlimited reservation changes
With “Shinkansen Online Reservation”, you can modify your booking as many times as you need without incurring any fees - perfect for if you need to adjust your schedule or cancel a reservation to extend your sightseeing time.
4. Great value every time
When you book through “Shinkansen Online Reservation”, you’ll get a slightly better price than buying tickets at vending machines or station counters in Japan.
For more details, see “Shinkansen Online Reservation"： https://smart-ex.jp/en/lp/app/
JCB Member Exclusive! Special 'Imabari Towel with Shinkansen Embroidery' present!
During the campaign period, when you book a Shinkansen ticket priced at ¥5,000 (including tax) or more through "Shinkansen Online Reservation" and pay with a JCB card issued outside Japan, you'll receive a special 'Imabari Towel with Shinkansen Embroidery'.
How to redeem: Present the receipt from your "Shinkansen Online Reservation" purchase at the Ticket Office or Travel Support Desk in designated JR Tokai Tours stores (*1), or at the counter at Shibuya-san (Shibuya Fukuras 1F).
*1 Designated JR Tokai Tours branches: Tokyo, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Nagoya Hirokoji, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka.
Campaign period: December 13, 2024 - June 30, 2025
*The campaign will end once 1,000 towels have been distributed.
Important Notes：
- Only passengers whose Departure Date on the receipt falls within the campaign period are eligible.
- Only applicable to reservations that include the Tokaido Shinkansen in the travel segment (departure and arrival stations must be one of the following: Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Odawara, Atami, Mishima, Shin-Fuji, Shizuoka, Kakegawa, Hamamatsu, Toyohashi, Mikawa-Anjo, Nagoya, Gifu-Hashima, Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka).
Campaign details：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/jrtokai/82075/
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