Do Shinkansen trains have food?

You should eat on trains only when taking a long-distance train, such as the Shinkansen. These types of trains have a tray and cup holder at every seat, and snacks are sold from a vendor trolley.



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As of 2026, the food service on Japan's Shinkansen trains has undergone a significant transformation. The iconic "trolley service"—where uniformed staff pushed food and beverage carts down the aisles—was officially discontinued on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Osaka) in late 2023. This change was due to a labor shortage and the fact that most passengers now prefer to buy food at the station beforehand. However, food is still very much part of the experience. Passengers are highly encouraged to purchase an "Ekiben" (station bento box) at the terminal before boarding; these are famous for featuring regional specialties and high-quality local ingredients. For those in "Green Car" (first class), many trains now offer a QR-code based ordering system where snacks and drinks can be delivered to your seat. Additionally, many major Shinkansen platforms have installed upgraded vending machines that sell hot coffee and the famous "super-hard" Shinkansen ice cream. While you can no longer wait for the cart to roll by in standard class, the variety and quality of food available at the stations make the Shinkansen journey a premier culinary experience for any traveler.

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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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Many passengers buy a food and drink before boarding. Now this service is available on the Shinkansen trains and a few limited express trains as of December, 2019. On board sales offers a soft drink, alcohol (beer, Japanese sake, whisky), bento (box meal), sandwich, snack and souvenir available at on-board sales.

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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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WiFi access is now available on most trains on every Shinkansen line. Additionally, all major stations and many smaller stations also have free WiFi available to passengers. All trains on the following lines have free WiFi available: Tokaido shinkansen.

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Even when the unreserved seats on the Shinkansen are full, you are allowed to stand in the aisles and on the decks in front and behind them. Some types of Shinkansen trains are all reserved seats, but you are still allowed to stand on the deck.

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Some trains do not have non-reserved seats (all seats are reserved). There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line (Shin-Osaka—Hakata), or on Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line.

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Use the bullet train Tokaido Shinkansen to travel to Mt. Fuji right from the heart of Tokyo. On the left side, you will see mesmerizing Sagami Bay, and on the right side the symbol of Japan, the highest summit of the country, perfectly symmetrical Mount Fuji.

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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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Some trains might have a stop as brief as 1 minute, while others might stop 5 to 10 minutes due to waiting for other Shinkansen to pass. Regardless, arriving at the platform about 15 minutes before the departure time provides ample mental and physical preparation.

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Does the JR Pass cover Nozomi and Mizuho trains? The JR Pass is valid on all Shinkansen services in all the Shinkansen lines, except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You will not have access to the trains with the fewest stops on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.

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? Shinkansen (Bullet Trains) Most window seats (A and E) will have charging outlets, as will some seats in the front and last rows of each carriage. Newer Shinkansen will have outlets available in all seats, so it just depends on the train you get!

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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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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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