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.

Unlike airplanes, you do not need to arrive at a Shinkansen station hours in advance. For a smooth experience, arriving 15 to 20 minutes before your departure is usually sufficient for those with reserved seats. This allows enough time to navigate large hubs like Tokyo or Osaka Station, find the correct platform, and perhaps purchase an "ekiben" (station lunch box). If you have unreserved seats, you should arrive 30 minutes early to join the queue on the platform and increase your chances of finding a seat during peak times. The Shinkansen is famous for its precision; the train will often arrive on the platform only a few minutes before its scheduled departure, and the boarding process is extremely efficient, typically lasting only 60 to 90 seconds. If you miss your reserved train, you can usually take a later train on the same day in the unreserved section.