Tokyo to Kyoto & Osaka by Bullet Train 2025 | Tickets, Prices & Luggage Guide

Tokyo to Kyoto & Osaka by Bullet Train 2025 | Tickets, Prices & Luggage Guide

Hi, I’m Meg from Tokyo. Are you planning to 
ride the Shinkansen during your trip to Japan, but not sure how? In this video, I will show you 
everything you need to know about the Shinkansen, from the basics to buying tickets at stations and 
online, passing through ticket gates, rules for large luggage, and step-by-step instructions on 
how to ride the train. By the end of this video, you will know exactly how to use the Shinkansen 
with confidence. We also offer private tours in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. So feel free to 
contact us through the link below. All right, then let’s go. Number one, what is Shinkansen? 
First, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is the Shinkansen? The Shinkansen is Japan’s 
famous high-speed railway known around the world as the bullet train. It connects major 
cities across the country and makes traveling, for example, from Tokyo to Kyoto super fast and 
convenient. The Tokaido Shinkansen has three main types of trains. Nomi the fastest option about 2 
hours and 15 minutes from Tokyo to Kyoto. Since it stops at fewer stations, it’s perfect if you’re 
short on time. But just keep in mind the Nomi is not covered by the JR pass. If you’re using the 
pass, you will need to take the Hikari or Kodama. Hikari stops at major stations and takes about 2 
hours and 40 minutes. It’s a little slower than the Nooi, but it’s the most common choice for 
JR pass users. Kodama stops at every station and takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes. It’s the 
slowest, but usually less crowded and great if you want a more relaxed ride. All three trains 
are fast, comfortable, and super punctual. If you’re heading to Kyoto or Osaka, most people 
board at Tokyo station or Shinagawa station. I recommend getting to the platform about 10 minutes 
before departure so everything goes smoothly. Number two, how to buy Shinkansen ticket. Next, 
let’s talk about how to buy Shinkansen tickets. First, let’s start with buying tickets in person. 
The easiest way to go to a JR ticket office, which in Japanese is called Midorino Madoguchi. 
In English, you will usually see it written as JR ticket office or JR ticket information center. At 
the counter, some staff can help you in English. Just tell them your destination, date, and seat 
preference, and they will take care of the rest. If you have a big suitcase, make sure to mention 
it. They can guide you to seats with a reserved luggage space. One thing to keep in mind, these 
ticket offices are only at major JR stations. In Tokyo, you can find them at places like 
Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Iikbukuro, Ueno, and Akihabara, but you won’t see them at other railway 
company stations such as Asakusa and Ginsa. Another way to buy your Shinkansen ticket is by 
using the ticket machines. The process is very simple and the screens can be switched to English, 
Korean, and Chinese. First, tap reserved seat and then choose for seat reservation on Shinkansen. 
Let’s use the example of traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto. Select the line Tokaido, then tap Tokyo as 
your departure station and Kyoto as your arrival station. Next, choose your travel date and the 
number of passengers. A list of available trains will appear. Just pick the one you like. For 
the seat type, select the ordinary car. If you have a large suitcase, make sure to also reserve 
a seat in the oversized baggage area. You can even pick up your exact seat by tapping select from 
map. And here is a tip. If you’re heading from Tokyo toward Shin Osaka and want to see Mad Fuji, 
choose a seat on the right hand side of the train facing the direction of travel. Finally, the price 
will be displayed. For example, Tokyo to Kyoto is usually around 40,000 yen and Tokyo to Shin Osaka 
is slightly more expensive. Check the details and if everything looks good, pay by credit card or 
cash. Your ticket will then be printed out. On the day of your trip, simply insert the ticket info, 
the ticket gate to board. Along with your ticket, the machine also prints a credit card receipt, 
which looks a bit like a ticket. Remember, the one you actually use at the gate is the paper 
shinkansen ticket, so don’t get them mixed up. Another way to get your Shinkhansen ticket is 
to book online in advance. If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto, I recommend using 
Smart EX. If you book early, you can even get discounts. Like cherry blossom season in April 
or long holiday weekends, tickets often sell out, so booking online ahead of time is the safest 
choice. The process is simple. First, you purchase your ticket online and then you will need to pick 
it up before traveling. Let’s go through the steps together. How to book your Shinkansen ticket 
online. One, create an account by entering your name and email address. Two, next, make your 
reservation. On the home screen, click search train. Enter your travel date, departure station, 
and arrival station. Let’s say Tokyo to Kyoto. Then select one way or round trip and enter 
the number of passengers. Here is the important point. If you have large luggage with a total 
size of over 160 cm, you need to click the seat type and choose a seat with the oversized 
baggage area. After that, click continue. You will see a list of available trains. If there 
are discounts, the word discount will appear. For example, the Hayatu 21 plan offers up to 
20% off if you book 3 to 4 weeks in advance. The Hayatu 21 discount is explained in detail in 
this video, so feel free to check it later. Three, now choose your seat. You can choose between 
an ordinary car and the green car. The green car has more space per person, which makes it 
pricier, but honestly, I think the ordinary car is perfectly fine. So, we will go with the 
ordinary car here. When you click view seat map, the oversized baggage area seats will appear. 
Remember, if you’re traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, the right side of the train offers a great view of 
Mount Fuji, making it a very popular choice. Now, select your seat. Finally, pay with your 
credit card and you are done. A confirmation email will be sent to your registered address 
and your Shinkansen reservation is complete. Number three, ticket pickup and gate entry. If 
you buy your Shinkansen ticket directly at the station, it’s very simple. A paper ticket is 
printed right there. And on the day of travel, all you have to do is insert it into the ticket 
gate and head to the Shinkansen platform. But if you booked your ticket online in advance, you may 
need to pick up your ticket before you can use it, depending on the method. There are three main 
ways to do this. One, use a ticket machine. Look for machines with the Smart EX logo or a reserved 
seat ticket machine that supports Smart EX. You will find them at Shinkansen stations like Tokyo 
or Shinagawa as well as at major JR stations such as Shinjuku, Ueno, and Ikimukuro. Just enter 
your reservation number or scan your QR code and a paper ticket will be printed. Insert that 
ticket at the gate and you are ready to board. Two, go to the JR ticket office, Midori Nomad 
Guuchi. Show your reservation screen to the staff and they will print your ticket for you. In 
some cases, they may ask to see the credit card you use for payment. So, don’t forget to bring 
it. This is a good option mainly for people who feel worried. Since the Midorino Manduki ticket 
office sometimes has weight of over an hour, it’s probably not the best option if you only 
need to pick up your ticket. Once you have your paper ticket, just insert it at the gate 
as usual. Three, the most convenient option, use an IC card. If you register a transportation 
IC card like Suika with Smart EX in advance, you won’t need to print a ticket at all. Simply 
link your card by entering the 70digit number on the back. On the day of travel, just tap your 
IC card at the gate and you can board directly. It’s a real time saver and makes the process super 
smooth. In this case, the gate will print out a blue smart ex slip. This slip is not your ticket. 
It’s just a receipt, but train staff may ask to see it during your ride. So, be sure to keep it 
with you until you get off the train. Number four, how to ride the Shinkansen. When you’re ready to 
board the Shinkansen, the first step is to check your ticket. If you booked with Smart EX, you will 
also see the same information in your confirmation email at the station. Start by looking at the 
large departure board. Match your train name, number, and departure time with what’s written on 
your ticket on the screen. Noi trains are shown in yellow, Hikari in red, and Kodama in blue. 
Next, head the platform. Your ticket will say something like platform 19. So, just follow the 
signs to correct platform. Once you’re there, check your car number and seat number. On the 
platform floor, you will see markings that show exactly where each car will stop. Line up at your 
card spot and wait there. If you board from the wrong car, you can move inside the train, but it’s 
much easier to wait in the right place from the beginning. Finally, once the train arrives, board 
and sit in the seat number shown on your ticket. That’s it. You’re ready to go. Important 
large luggage rule. As I said earlier, luggage over 160 cm requires an advanced 
reservation. But during peak travel seasons, these seats can sell out. If you couldn’t 
reserve a seat for your oversized luggage, you still have two options. You can put it in 
a oversized baggage compartment, but it won’t be near your seat. Since it’s first come, first 
serve. It might already be full. or you can bring it on board by paying a 1,000 yen fee on the 
day. But keep in mind that station staff may not always be around, so you might need to hold on 
to your suitcase yourself until you can pay. So, if you’re traveling with a large suitcase, booking 
in advance is always the safest choice. That’s all for today. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit 
the like button. See you at the next video.

Planning to ride the Shinkansen (bullet train) during your Japan travel? 🚅 This complete Shinkansen travel guide covers everything you need to know — from how to buy Shinkansen tickets online and understanding the Shinkansen ticket price (Shinkansen cost) to how to board the Shinkansen smoothly.
We explain the differences between the Japan Rail Pass Shinkansen, SmartEX Shinkansen, and EX-IC, plus the important oversized baggage Shinkansen rules you should know before traveling. You’ll also learn about different Shinkansen train types such as the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, and how to choose between Green Car, Ordinary Car, and reserved seat vs non-reserved seat options.
Whether you’re wondering how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto or to Osaka, this guide explains the best routes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka Station, helping you save time, avoid confusion, and enjoy your Shinkansen travel in Japan like a pro.

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Time Stamp
0:00 Opening
0:33 1. What is Shinkansen (Bullet Train)?
1:54 2. How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
1:57 2.1 Buying Tickets at the Station (Midori no Madoguchi / JR Ticket Office)
2:51 2.2 Buying Tickets at the Station (Ticket Vending Machine)
4:25 2.3 How to Book Shinkansen Tickets Online
6:42 3. How to Collect Shinkansen Tickets & Enter the Gate
8:57 4. How to Board the Shinkansen (Platform & Train Guide)
10:07 Large Luggage Rule

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