How to join Shinkansen free WiFi?

Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen (in cabin)
  1. Prepare a device with Wi-Fi capability, such as a laptop PC, PDA or phone.
  2. Select "Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi" from the Wi-Fi list.
  3. Register your e-mail address or use your SNS account.




To join the "Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi" on Japan's bullet trains in 2026, first ensure you are on a train displaying the Wi-Fi sticker (common on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines). Open your device's settings and select the SSID "Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi". Once connected, a browser window should automatically open to a portal page. You must then authenticate using either an email address or a social media account (Facebook, Google, etc.). The connection lasts for 30 minutes per session, after which you will be asked to re-login; however, there is no limit to the number of times you can reconnect during your journey. For a high-value 2026 experience, be aware that while the service is stable for browsing and messaging, it may throttle high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming or large app updates to ensure a fair connection speed for all 1,300+ passengers typically on a single N700S series train.

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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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Order shinkansen tickets at least 3 days in advance. You can buy either regular or green car (first-class) tickets. You can collect your shinkansen tickets in Tokyo or, more conveniently, have them delivered to your hotel anywhere in Japan for a small extra fee.

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The Nozomi cannot be used using the JR Pass, and no there are no secret workarounds or upgrade paths available. That said, the difference between the Nozomi and the Hikari is negligible. For instance on the route Tokyo – Kyoto, the Hikari only takes 19 minutes more due to a couple extra stops along the way.

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The fastest train is Nozomi which reaches an operating speed of 300 km/h (185 mph).

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WiFi (limited, but available) As a tourist, you can download the Japan Connected Free Wi-Fi app to find and connect with one of the 130,000 access points located at various airports, train stations and Japan's major sightseeing spots.

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The Japan Rail Pass gives you access to JR train lines countrywide, with very few exceptions. With your pass, you can take unlimited rides on most shinkansen (bullet trains), as well as on rapid, express and local JR trains.

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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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Differences in Fares For example, a reserved seat from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka on a Nozomi train costs 14, 450 yen, while the same seat on a Hikari or Kodama costs 14,140 yen. Please keep in mind that you might not be able to sit down when you buy a non-reserved seat ticket if the train is particularly crowded.

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Hikari is the fastest train service on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines which is fully covered by the JR Pass.

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Baggage with overall dimensions of less than 160 cm You can put baggage whose overall dimensions are less than 160 cm (the same size as the baggage that can be carried for free in airplane holds) * on the overhead baggage rack of the Shinkansen.

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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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