Does the Shinkansen have a bar?

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.



As of 2026, the Japanese Shinkansen (Bullet Train) does not have a "bar car" in the traditional sense. In late 2023, the famous "trolley service" (where a staff member pushed a cart through the aisles) was discontinued on most major lines like the Tokaido Shinkansen due to labor shortages and the proliferation of high-quality station shops. However, luxury is still available for those in Green Car (First Class) or Gran Class, where passengers can often order alcoholic beverages, snacks, and light meals directly to their seats via a QR code system on their smartphones. In Gran Class, premium sake and local snacks are often complimentary and served by a dedicated attendant. For those in standard cars, the modern "bar experience" involves buying premium beverages and "Ekiben" (station bento boxes) at the station platform before boarding. While you won't find a social lounge or a standing bar counter on the train, the 2026 experience focuses on high-tech, seat-side service for premium passengers and "bring-your-own" convenience for others.

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Smoking has already been banned on most local trains in Japan, as well as on shinkansen operated by East Japan Railway and Hokkaido Railway.

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Having a few drinks is perfectly acceptable; the emphasis on Shinkansen trains is quiet stress-free travel (even loud mobile phone conversations aren't allowed). BUT, do not become intoxicated (i.e. drunk) on board (or any other public space in Japan) to the point of being loud/obnoxious/rude/physically violent etc.

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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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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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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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It is possible to sleep on a bullet train in Japan, but it may not be the most comfortable option for everyone. The bullet train, also known as the Shinkansen, travels at high speeds and the seats are designed to be comfortable for sitting, but may not be as comfortable for sleeping.

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Beautiful views aside, the bullet train really is one of those must-do Japanese experiences. It can feel a bit daunting to try and figure out how to use it, but don't worry – we've got a few tips on how to get the most out of Japan's bullet trains.

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No, The Shinkansen which is Japan's bullet train rail network, has never had an accident in its 59-year history. In case of earthquake, Shinkansen operation is stopped immediately when the seismometers detect the primary wave of an earthquake.

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The ATC system prevents high-speed passenger train-on-train collisions and excessive speeds. The advanced ATC system exercises complete control over the entire dedicated track and every operating train, preventing train-on-train collisions and excessive speed.

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However, if you're 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal. If you're 16 or under, you may be able to go to a pub (or premises primarily used to sell alcohol) if you're accompanied by an adult.

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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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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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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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