Can you drink beer on Shinkansen?

Yes, not only is it ok, but they actually sell beer on the trains. Originally Answered: Is it ok to drink alcohol on the Shinkansen? Don't they sell beer and sake on the Bento trolley that goes down the aisles? Yes, its OK to drink on the train.



Yes, you can legally and culturally drink beer on the Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train) in 2026. Unlike many Western transit systems, Japan has no laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on trains. In fact, it is a deeply ingrained part of the travel experience; most major stations have kiosks (like Kiosk or NewDays) on the platform selling chilled cans of Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo specifically for the journey. Many long-distance Shinkansen trains even have a cart service (though becoming rarer on some lines) that sells snacks and beer directly to your seat. The etiquette, however, is strict: you must remain quiet and avoid becoming rowdy. In the 2026 "Gran Class" (luxury tier), complimentary alcoholic beverages, including premium regional beers and sake, are often included in the ticket price. Passengers are expected to take their empty cans with them or dispose of them in the dedicated recycling bins located in the vestibules between carriages to maintain the train's legendary cleanliness.

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Be sure to grab some food for the journey, too. Japanese trains don't have restaurant or bar cars, only snack trolleys, and travellers tend to buy their meals at the train station before they depart.

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Yes, you can drink alcohol on many trains in Europe and the UK.

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You can drink alcoholic beverages on Shinkansen. You may bring your own beverage onboard. Likewise, beer, sake and whiskey are also old on Shinkansen. You can also eat and drink on Shinkansen.

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A gradually decreasing number of shinkansen trains are served by small food carts with a selection of snacks, drinks and boxed meals (bento) which periodically pass along the aisle. Free Wi-Fi is available on board of all shinkansen except on some older train sets in eastern Japan.

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You may bring aboard your own private stock of alcoholic beverages subject to the following limitations:
  1. You may consume private stock alcoholic beverages only in Sleeping Car accommodations for which you have a valid ticket.
  2. You may not consume private stock alcoholic beverages in any public areas.


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It is considered bad manners to eat or drink inside trains, the exception being on the Shinkansen or other long-distance express trains. The smell of the food offends those around you and there is always the possibility of spilling drinks or food, so please avoid bringing food and drinks into the train.

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Talking loudly on trains is considered bad mannered and ranks highly amongst the most annoying behaviors on trains in Japan. Don't talk on the phone. Only on long-distance trains on the decks between cars is talking on the phone acceptable. Set your phone to silent mode.

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When riding the Shinkansen or on a long train ride in a green car (reserved seating) you are allowed to eat and drink. The seats actually have tables and cup holders. There are also food, drinks, and snacks being sold in these train cars. But on commuter trains, avoid eating.

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Hazardous materials, sharp objects*1, furnaces / stoves, animals*2, deceased biological material, unclean objects, objects that emit offensive odors, items that may hurt other customers, and objects that may damage the train are not allowed on board. *1: Sharp objects packed as to not hurt other customers are allowed.

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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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Don't leave food behind. It's considered bad manners to leave even grains of rice behind, so be sure to clean your plate! If there are some foods you cannot eat, ask to have them left out of the dish. Do use the opposite end of chopsticks to pick up food from a shared dish.

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In Japan, the high-speed Shinkansen trains spray water onto snowy tracks to prevent the snow from blowing up into the undercarriage and re-freezing. In all areas with extreme winter conditions, de-icing, like in the airline industry, is essential.

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Any journey on the Shinkansen – Japan's bullet train – is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an ekiben, the iconic bento filled with an assortment of delicacies tucked into a container and eaten in bite-size pieces. The term comes from the Japanese words for station (eki) combined with ben for bento (or “lunchbox”).

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Italian Intercity trains are very comfortable, air conditioned, have plenty of legroom and good space for luggage. Generally, a bar/bistro car is found on Italian Intercity trains selling snacks, hot and cold drinks. There are also no rules against bringing your own food and drink to enjoy onboard.

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