Where to board Hikari shinkansen in Tokyo?

Where Can I Board the Shinkansen? Platforms 14 through 23 at Tokyo Station are for all Shinkansen trains. Platforms 14-19 are for the Tokaido shinkansen and Sanyo shinkansen trains. Travelers headed to cities in western Japan like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima will board from these platforms.



To board the Hikari Shinkansen in Tokyo, you must head to the Tokaido Shinkansen platforms (14 through 19) at Tokyo Station. These platforms are located on the Yaesu side (the eastern side) of the station, which is the most modern and high-value entrance for bullet train travelers. If you enter through the historic Marunouchi side, follow the clear blue signs for "Shinkansen" through the central passage. Hikari trains provide a premier, high-speed connection to Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka and are fully covered by the JR Pass. For a frictionless 2026 experience, ensure you use the Yaesu Central or Yaesu South gates. Once on the platform, look for the digital signs indicating your car number and stand at the corresponding markings on the floor. Most Hikari trains feature non-reserved seats in cars 1 through 5, though booking a reserved seat in advance is a high-quality "pro-move" during busy travel periods.

People Also Ask

Tokyo station is the main shinkansen terminal, and connects the Tokaido (Osaka), Tohoku (Shin-Aomori), Joetsu(Niigata) and Nagano Shinkansen bullet train lines. The Hikari and Kodama bullet trains run on the Tokaido line from here.

MORE DETAILS

Using the JR Pass there are two ways to ride the Hikari Shinkansen, either just hop on and take a non-reserved seat, or go to the ticket window and reserve your seat in advance, both options are free. Taking a non-reserved seat is nice when you are short on time and during off-peak times when trains are quiet.

MORE DETAILS

I definitely think that JR Himeji Station, not inside the trains, is one of the best spots to feel the technology, the high speed of Shinkansen. At the platform of the station, you can closely look at “Nozomi” or “Mizuho” trains pass way too fast, the speed of 300 kilometres per hour.

MORE DETAILS

Located on the eastern or Yaesu side of the station, Shinkansen bullet trains are your ticket for rapid travel. Several major Shinkansen lines are served by Tokyo Station, including: The Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata, Hiroshima, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya. The Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata and Shinjo.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Find the name of your train on the board above the ticket gate and check the platform from which the train departs. Find your car number indicated on your ticket. *On reserved seats cars/sections, “???”, “??”, “?”, or “RESERVED” will be displayed.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

No, there is no direct train from Shinjuku Station to Shinkansen. However, there are services departing from Shinjuku and arriving at Kannami via Tokyo and Mishima. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1h 34m.

MORE DETAILS

Slower than the premier Nozomi but faster than the all-stations Kodama, the Hikari is the fastest train service on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen that can be used with the Japan Rail Pass, which is not valid for travel on the Nozomi or Mizuho trains except through a special supplementary ticket.

MORE DETAILS

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. Please use HIKARI, SAKURA, KODAMA and TSUBAME trains.

MORE DETAILS

Pick up your tickets from a ticket vending machine at the Shinkansen transfer entrance. First insert your ticket into the Shinkansen ticket gate, then touch your registered IC card. The fare for the conventional line will be deducted from the balance on your IC card.

MORE DETAILS

When boarding directly from a Shinkansen station, please insert your tickets into the Shinkansen ticket gate prior to boarding. Your tickets are required for on-board ticket checks and exiting the station at your destination. Please do not lose or forget to take your tickets.

MORE DETAILS

Eating and drinking on Japanese trains 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. When taking this type of train, it is also acceptable to bring your own food.

MORE DETAILS

Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen trains Summer is also the time when Mount Fuji can be clearly seen from a Shinkansen train leaving Tokyo towards Nagoya – Osaka – Kyoto. The window view is impressive – make sure to reserve your D or E seat (C or D in Green Cars), which is the right side from Tokyo, left side from Kyoto.

MORE DETAILS

The Hikari Shinkansen have bathrooms, including Japanese high tech toilets.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS