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Where to sit on Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?

When going from Tokyo to Kyoto, sit on the right side of the car. When going from Kyoto to Tokyo, sit on the left side of the car.



When traveling on the Shinkansen (Tokaido Line) from Tokyo to Kyoto in 2026, you should sit on the right-hand side of the train to see Mount Fuji. In the standard "Ordinary" cars, which have a 3-2 seating layout, the specific seat you want is Seat E (the window seat on the 2-seat side). In the "Green" (First Class) cars, which have a 2-2 layout, the window seat on the correct side is Seat D. About 40 to 45 minutes after leaving Tokyo Station, the train will pass through the Shizuoka area; on a clear day, Mount Fuji will be visible in all its glory for about 3 to 5 minutes near the Shin-Fuji station. If you are traveling in the opposite direction (Kyoto to Tokyo), you should sit on the left-hand side—again, Seat E or Seat D—as the train does not turn around, but merely reverses direction. Because these "Fuji-side" seats are the most popular and often sell out first, it is highly recommended to reserve them at least a few days in advance via the SmartEX app or at a JR ticket office to ensure you don't miss one of the most iconic views in Japan.

People Also Ask

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.

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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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With your Japan Rail Pass The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are linked to each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.

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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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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.

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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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Shinkansen Travel Tips: Choosing the Right Seats
  • For Productive Work: Front Row or Window Seat. ...
  • For Sleeping: Window Seat or Last Row. ...
  • For Charging Devices: Window Seat. ...
  • For a Quiet and Relaxing Journey: Seats Closer to the Center. ...
  • To Avoid Oversleeping: Seats Near the Deck Entrance.


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With your Japan Rail Pass The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are linked to each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.

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One of the most popular connections in Japan, Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train departs every half an hour starting from 6 am. The train schedule is very impressive with up to 31 daily departures, you can check it out on Rail Ninja. How much does a ticket for a Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train cost?

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Do Shinkansen tickets sell out? Yes, especially for weekend travel and during peak seasons, Shinkansen services can be fully booked. In this case, it may be possible to ride with a non-reserved seat ticket, if you are willing to stand for the entire journey!

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The main difference here is that the Nozomi stops at the least amount of stations, the Hikari only at the most important stops and the Kodama at each stop along the way. This way business people can travel fast from meeting to meeting, while tourists can get off at their desired stop, like Mt. Fuji!

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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.

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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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I'm using JR pass and reserved seats, what if I were to miss the train, can I change to the next train on the spot? Hi there, If you miss a train you have a reserved seat for, then you are allowed to board the next train and take a non-reserved seat.

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The JR Pass will be available for purchase in Japan until October 1, 2023. The period will not be extended beyond this date. Aside from being cheaper, buying your JR Pass online is much more convenient. You can have the JR Exchange Order delivered to your home address or at an address of your choosing in Japan.

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