Taking a Train in Japan? A Shinkansen overview.

In Japan their are 3 types of Shinkansen  (bullet) trains:

Nozomi - The Fastest most direct route of bullet train. Only stops at major stations. (Japan Rail Passes can not be used on these trains)

Hikari -  Slower than the Nozomi  but faster than the Kodama, the Hikari is the fastest train service on the Shinkansen lines that is covered in the Japan Rail Pass

Kodama- The best pricing, longest duration trains. These are the "milk run" trains that stop at every station.

Approximate Travel times:

Nozomi - 2.5hrs Tokyo to Osaka

Hikari -  3 hours from Tokyo to Osaka.

Kodama -4 hours to travel from Tokyo to Osaka.

By Bus - The one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka by bus takes about 8 hours

Non- Shinkansen - On a regular train it takes about 9-10 hours (and 4 train transfers)

First/Second Class

Ordinary/Second seats typically come in rows of 3x2 seats (some variations) Seats can be reclined and have tables, pockets for magazines and open overhead shelves. They provide considerably more foot space than economy seats on airplanes. Every couple of seats might have electrical outlets on the newer trains.

Green/First cars always come with rows of 2x2 seats and have seats that are more spacious than ordinary seats. The seats are often equipped with a foot rest, reading light, electrical outlets (for aisle and window seats) and a seat warmer, although the exact facilities depend on the train set.

Luggage

-Only airport trains have luggage space, on all other trains luggage needs to be shipped, small carry on suitcases often will not fit in the luggage compartment on these trains.

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