Japan Shinkansen Guide 2026: Route Map, Lines & Tickets
The Shinkansen is Japan's bullet train network. Use the Tokaido line for Tokyo, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka; the Sanyo line for Hiroshima and Hakata; and the Tohoku, Hokuriku and Joetsu lines for journeys north and northwest of Tokyo. Before booking, check the actual station, stopping pattern and any transfer. A city name on a map does not mean every train stops there.
This guide explains the network and how to choose a ticket. For a specific trip, use the Tokyo to Kyoto ticket guide or Tokyo to Shin-Osaka guide, then compare the departures offered for your travel date.
Japan Shinkansen route map: official maps to use
Start with the official JAPAN RAIL PASS nationwide railway map (PDF). It shows Shinkansen lines alongside other railways and hotel locations: use the line legend to distinguish them. The version checked on 10 October 2026 includes the Hokuriku line to Tsuruga and the Nishi Kyushu line between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki.
For station-level planning, also check JR East's Tohoku and connecting northern routes and Hokuriku route information. These maps explain geography; the timetable for your selected train determines its stops and connections.
Major Shinkansen lines and railway operators
The table lists useful journey corridors, with selected major stations rather than every stop. Tokyo departures on northern routes share part of the Tohoku corridor; the line names and a through train's full journey are not always identical.
| Line | Main corridor or branch | Operator | Planning point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokaido | Tokyo - Shinagawa - Shin-Yokohama - Nagoya - Kyoto - Shin-Osaka | JR Central | Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama have different stopping patterns. |
| Sanyo | Shin-Osaka - Okayama - Hiroshima - Kokura - Hakata | JR West | Some trains run through from the Tokaido line or onto the Kyushu line; others require a change. |
| Kyushu | Hakata - Kumamoto - Kagoshima-Chuo | JR Kyushu | Hakata is the main Shinkansen station for Fukuoka. |
| Nishi Kyushu | Takeo-Onsen - Ureshino-Onsen - Shin-Omura - Isahaya - Nagasaki | JR Kyushu | From Hakata, take a connecting limited express and change at Takeo-Onsen. |
| Tohoku | Tokyo - Omiya - Sendai - Morioka - Shin-Aomori | JR East | Selected trains continue onto the Hokkaido line; check the destination and stops. |
| Hokkaido | Shin-Aomori - Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto | JR Hokkaido | The operating Shinkansen does not yet reach Sapporo. Hakodate city requires an onward connection. |
| Hokuriku | Tokyo - Nagano - Toyama - Kanazawa - Fukui - Tsuruga | JR East / JR West | For Kyoto or Osaka via this corridor, check the onward limited express connection at Tsuruga. |
| Joetsu | Tokyo - Takasaki - Echigo-Yuzawa - Nagaoka - Niigata | JR East | Choose the train's actual destination; not every departure runs to Niigata. |
| Yamagata | Fukushima - Yamagata - Shinjo, with through services from Tokyo | JR East | A mini-Shinkansen branch uses converted conventional tracks beyond Fukushima. |
| Akita | Morioka - Akita, with through services from Tokyo | JR East | A mini-Shinkansen branch uses converted conventional tracks beyond Morioka. |
Check the station name and transfer before booking
- Osaka: book the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka. Osaka Station is a separate station reached by a local connection.
- Yokohama: the Tokaido Shinkansen uses Shin-Yokohama, not Yokohama Station.
- Fukuoka: the Shinkansen uses Hakata. Do not confuse it with Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin).
- Hakodate: the Shinkansen uses Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto; allow for onward travel to Hakodate city.
- Nagasaki: JR Kyushu's Relay Kamome limited express connects Hakata and Takeo-Onsen. Change there for the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome; this is not a continuous Shinkansen ride from Hakata.
If boarding in southern Tokyo, use the Shinagawa station guide to plan the local leg and identify the correct Shinkansen gates.
Train names and seat classes: check the actual departure
A line is a railway corridor; a train name describes a service on it. On the Tokaido line, Nozomi generally makes fewer stops than Hikari or Kodama. That does not create one fixed journey time or hourly frequency for the entire year. Read the departure and arrival times for the selected train, including transfers.
Ordinary and Green Car are regular Tokaido seat categories. Reserved and non-reserved Ordinary seats are different ticket choices where offered. Layouts, facilities and non-reserved seating vary by train and product: do not assume every Ordinary car has the same layout or every departure offers non-reserved seats.
GranClass is available on selected Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hokuriku and Joetsu trains. It is not a Tokaido Shinkansen seat class. JR East offers products with and without beverages and light meals; its GranClass service information explains the distinction. JR Central's Supreme Class private cabins are a separate product with their own reservation conditions. Do not treat them as GranClass or assume JapanTrain offers them.
For the differences and product limits, read the Green Car and GranClass comparison. Select a class only after confirming what is offered on your actual departure.
What does a Shinkansen ticket price include?
For a conventional Ordinary Shinkansen ticket, you need the basic fare plus the relevant Shinkansen limited express charge. The limited express ticket can be reserved or non-reserved. A reserved-seat limited express ticket already reflects that choice; do not automatically add a third, separate reservation fee to every quote. Green and other premium products have additional class-specific charges or conditions. JR Central's official ticket-combination table explains the components.
Some online products bundle the components. Compare the complete payable total for the same stations, train, date, passengers and class, including any booking-service fees. Seasonal pricing, discounts and ticket conditions can differ; a route table is not a live fare quote.
The nationwide JAPAN RAIL PASS is a separate product. It does not cover Nozomi or Mizuho travel by itself: an eligible pass holder must also buy the designated Nozomi/Mizuho additional ticket before boarding. Regional passes have their own coverage. Use the JR Pass price and coverage guide to compare an itinerary before choosing a pass.
How to book and board
- Choose the actual stations and date. Check whether your journey is direct or needs a connection, and compare the listed departure and arrival times.
- Compare ticket conditions. Check the class, complete price, permitted changes, refund conditions and any pass requirements before paying.
- Read the delivery and collection instructions. Official reservation services, station sales and booking services can issue different products. If booking with JapanTrain, follow the instructions for your confirmed order.
- Confirm how to pass the gate. A ticket collection code, email confirmation or QR image is not automatically a gate-entry ticket. Depending on the product, you may need paper-ticket collection, a registered IC card or a supported QR ticket.
- Match the train and seat. Check the station departure board, platform, train name and number, car number and seat on a reserved ticket.
For a large suitcase, check the rules for the actual line and train before choosing your seat. The oversized baggage guide explains the relevant Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu booking rules; do not apply one corridor's reservation procedure to every Shinkansen.
Sources and planning limits
Route boundaries, train products and ticket components were checked against the linked JR and JAPAN RAIL PASS sources on 10 October 2026. Maps do not prove today's operating status, available seats or the final price. Recheck your selected departure and operator notices before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a Japan Shinkansen route map?
Use the official JAPAN RAIL PASS nationwide railway map and the relevant JR operator route maps. Check the legend because nationwide maps also include conventional railways. Use your selected train's timetable to confirm stops and transfers.
Which station does the Shinkansen use in Osaka?
Shinkansen trains use Shin-Osaka Station. Osaka Station is a separate station, so include a local transfer when planning a journey to central Osaka.
Can I take a direct Shinkansen to Sapporo?
No. As checked on 10 October 2026, the operating Hokkaido Shinkansen reaches Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, not Sapporo. Plan onward travel separately and confirm the connections for your date.
Is there a direct Shinkansen from Hakata to Nagasaki?
No. The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen runs between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki. From Hakata, use a connecting limited express such as Relay Kamome and change at Takeo-Onsen.
Does every Shinkansen have GranClass?
No. GranClass is offered on selected Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hokuriku and Joetsu trains, with and without refreshments. The Tokaido Shinkansen has no GranClass; Supreme Class is a separate JR Central cabin product.
Do I add a separate seat reservation fee to every Shinkansen fare?
No. A conventional Ordinary Shinkansen ticket combines a basic fare with the relevant reserved-seat or non-reserved-seat limited express charge. Online products may bundle these components. Compare the complete payable total and any booking-service fees.
Can the nationwide JR Pass be used on Nozomi and Mizuho?
A valid nationwide JAPAN RAIL PASS alone does not cover Nozomi or Mizuho. An eligible holder must buy the designated Nozomi/Mizuho additional ticket before boarding and use it together with the pass. Check the train, section and class conditions.
Can I use any booking QR code at a Shinkansen gate?
No. Gate entry depends on the ticket product. A collection code or booking confirmation may require paper-ticket pickup; other products use a registered IC card or a supported QR ticket. Follow the instructions for your confirmed booking.