Can I take Shinkansen from Shinjuku Station?

There are no Shinkansen terminals at Shinjuku Station. However, you may take the Yamanote Line to either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to use the Shinkansen bullet train.



No, you cannot take the Shinkansen directly from Shinjuku Station. While Shinjuku is the busiest railway station in the world, it does not have Shinkansen tracks or platforms. To catch a bullet train, you must first take a local train or subway from Shinjuku to either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. If you are heading west toward Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima on the Tokaido Shinkansen, Shinagawa is often the most convenient transfer, taking only about 20 minutes via the JR Yamanote Line or the JR Chuo Line. If you are heading north toward Kanazawa, Sendai, or Hokkaido, you must go to Tokyo Station. In 2026, it is a common mistake for tourists to arrive at Shinjuku expecting the high-speed tracks; however, Shinjuku serves as the primary hub for regional "Limited Express" trains like the Azusa (to the Japan Alps) or the Narita Express. For the Shinkansen, always ensure you have budgeted an extra 30 minutes to navigate the transfer to Tokyo or Shinagawa stations to catch your high-speed connection.

People Also Ask

Where is Shinkansen station in Tokyo? The famous Shinkansen trains stop at Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, but Tokyo rail station prides itself on being the city's main Shinkansen terminal. You can find it at 1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo.

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Taking any train on the Yamanote line is fully included in the JR Pass. Furthermore, this is the only line that connects all of Tokyo's most famous central stations such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno and Tokyo Station.

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The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. Please use HIKARI, SAKURA, KODAMA and TSUBAME trains.

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For a limited time only, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from certain train stations and airports in Japan. Travelers should be aware it is more expensive to buy a JR Pass in Japan than to purchase the pass online.

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There are no crowds on the intercity Shinkansen trains so free seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during the following peak seasons: April 27 to May 6. August 11-20.

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It has four major entrances and exits, including west gate, east gate, south gate, and new south gate, as well as 200 exits and an underground arcade.

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Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari bullet train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station. Three trains run on the Tokaido Shinkansen line: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama.

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If you calculate that your travel costs will be lower if you buy individual tickets for each journey, then it's not worth buying a JR Pass. However, if you take into account journeys on Shinkansen high-speed trains or other means of transport, the savings you make become substantial.

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The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased outside of Japan in advance. It is necessary to purchase an Exchange Order before your departure. After entering Japan, you will have to obtain your JR Pass by submiting your Exchange Order at a JR office or designated Rail Station.

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How much luggage can I bring onto the shinkansen? Each passenger is allowed to bring on two pieces of oversized luggage each. Each of these pieces of luggage cannot exceed 250 cm in total dimensions as previously stated. Additionally, each piece of luggage cannot exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) in weight.

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All Shinkansen trains are covered by the JR Pass. The Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (Tokaido and Sanyo lines) are also included, subject to purchase of a special complementary ticket. JR Pass holders wishing to travel free on these lines can board local and semi-fast trains.

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Reservation is required for large luggage on the Shinkansen If yes, then this guide is for you so you can determine if you'll need a special seat reservation for oversized luggage. Be warned, failure to do so will result in a penalty fee of ¥1,000 (~USD7).

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The JR pass is only worth it if you travel through different cities, if you are just travelling to Tokyo to Kyoto for example, I would just pay on the Suica. You can do the online calculator or just use google to calculate which trip is easier - paying individually on Suica or getting a JR Pass.

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