Riding a Shinkansen in Japan isn’t just a way to get from one city to another, for many kids, it’s the adventure itself. From the sleek nose of the train to the moment it glides silently into the station, this iconic bullet train experience turns ordinary transit into something unforgettable. But if you’re planning family travel across Japan, you might be wondering how to actually book Shinkansen tickets, what the Japan Rail Pass covers with children, and whether it’s better to use a pass or pay for regular bullet train tickets. This guide answers everything you need to know about riding the Shinkansen with kids, helping you turn high-speed journeys into stress-free, memory-making moments.
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What Is the Shinkansen (and Why It’s Great for Families)?
The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed rail network, famous for its punctuality, cleanliness, and comfort. Unlike local trains, these sleek trains connect major cities across the country at top speeds of up to 320 km/h. For families, the Shinkansen means skipping domestic flights, avoiding long car rides, and enjoying smooth, scenic travel with room to stretch out.
Kids love the tray tables, giant windows, and onboard snacks. Grown-ups love the predictable schedule, clean restrooms (often with changing tables), and hassle-free stations. It’s the kind of public transport that actually feels like part of the vacation.
Child Tickets and Age Rules
Japan has very clear age rules for train tickets:
- Children under 6 ride free without a seat as long as they sit on a parent’s lap (1 child per adult). If you want your toddler to have their own seat, you must pay the child fare.
- Children ages 6 to 11 pay about half the adult fare, and always need a ticket.
- Children 12 and up pay the full adult fare.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Even if your toddler could ride free, booking a reserved seat means more space, easier naps, and no lap fights over snacks.
How to Book Shinkansen Tickets (With Kids in Mind)
You can book Shinkansen tickets in several family-friendly ways:
- Online here. This allows English-language booking in advance, with the option to reserve specific seats.
- At ticket machines, which have English options and accept credit cards.
- At JR Ticket Counters (Midori-no-Madoguchi) located at major stations. Staff can help you get seats together and offer route advice.
- On mobile apps like the EX App or Klook.
When booking, choose reserved seats to ensure you sit together and avoid standing. You can also select seats near restrooms or luggage areas, ideal for families.
New to train travel in Japan? This Shinkansen booking guide is just one part of our travel series. Learn how to navigate Japan’s entire rail network with our Family Guide to Exploring Japan by Train, then check out our Family Trip Planning Guide for what to pack, and how to plan that magical trip to Japan.
JR Pass vs Point-to-Point Tickets: What Should Families Choose?
The Japan Rail Pass is best for families planning long-distance, multi-city travel. It offers unlimited rides on JR trains (including most Shinkansen) over 7, 14, or 21 days. But there’s a catch: it doesn’t cover the fastest Nozomi or Mizuho trains.
If your trip includes routes like Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka, the JR Pass can save hundreds of dollars.
However, if you’re only doing a roundtrip between Tokyo and Kyoto or staying in just one region, buying single point-to-point tickets is often cheaper and more flexible.
In short:
- For longer, multi-city travel: JR Pass is worth it
- For one or two bullet train rides: buy individual tickets
- If you want to ride Nozomi: buy individual tickets (JR Pass not valid)
Still deciding between a JR Pass and regional passes? Our complete guide to the Japan Rail Pass for Families breaks it down by cost, coverage, and kid-friendliness.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Picking the right ticket isn’t just about saving yen. It’s about choosing the smoothest ride for your family’s rhythm, and avoiding ticket line chaos when kids are tired.
Which Shinkansen Train Type Is Best With Kids?
Not all Shinkansen trains are created equal. Here’s what to know:
- Nozomi: Fastest, but not covered by JR Pass. Great for paid ticket holders who want the shortest ride.
- Hikari: Covered by JR Pass, only slightly slower than Nozomi. Perfect balance for families.
- Kodama: Slowest, stops at every station. Less crowded, might be better for families who don’t mind the scenic route.
Choose based on time, flexibility, and whether you’re using the JR Pass.
Want help choosing which cities to visit by bullet train? Compare Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka for families, and discover which one fits your family’s style best.
What to Expect Onboard with Kids
Shinkansen trains are thoughtfully designed. Here’s what makes them family-friendly:
- Reserved seats: Always recommended for families
- Restrooms: Clean, with changing tables on most trains
- Luggage space: Overhead and behind last row; larger items may require advance reservation
- Food: You can eat onboard! Bring snacks or buy bento boxes (ekiben) at the station
- Quiet rides: Encourage quiet play (books, coloring, tablet with headphones)
Kid-Friendly Seat Tips and Tricks
- Reserve seats near the restrooms for quick access
- Sit at the end of the car if traveling with strollers or luggage
- Pick seats D and E on trains for a chance to spot Mt. Fuji
- Pack snacks, drinks, and quiet entertainment
- Use luggage forwarding if you have more than one suitcase per adult
FAQs: Booking Shinkansen Tickets and Travel Tips with Kids
Planning to ride the Shinkansen with kids in Japan? These family-focused FAQs cover how to book tickets, travel tips, seating, and stroller advice.
A: Yes, children under 6 can ride the Shinkansen for free in Japan if they don’t occupy a separate seat. They must sit on an adult’s lap, and only one lap child per adult is allowed. If you want a guaranteed seat for a child under 6, you’ll need to buy a child fare ticket. Children ages 6–11 pay half the adult fare, and those 12 and up pay the full adult price.
A: To book Shinkansen tickets for your whole family, use online platforms like SmartEX, Klook, or JR East Reservations, or visit a JR ticket counter (Midori-no-Madoguchi) at the station. You can also use multilingual ticket machines at major train stations. For families, it’s best to choose reserved seats together and request seating near restrooms or luggage space if needed.
A: Yes, strollers are allowed on the Shinkansen, but they must be folded before boarding and stored safely behind the last row of seats or in the designated luggage area. If possible, reserve seats near the rear of the car, where extra space is available for families with young children.
A: Many Shinkansen offer food carts selling snacks, drinks, and bento boxes, especially on longer routes. However, availability can vary by train type. Most families prefer to buy ekiben (train bento boxes) at the station before boarding. Eating onboard is allowed and part of the fun!
A: The best Shinkansen for families using the Japan Rail Pass is the Hikari (on the Tokaido line) or Sakura (on the Sanyo/Kyushu line), both of which are JR Pass-compatible and offer fast, comfortable travel. Avoid Nozomi and Mizuho trains, as they are not included in the JR Pass.
A: Green Car seats on the Shinkansen are more spacious and quieter, but not essential for most families. Reserved Ordinary Car seats are typically comfortable and more affordable. Green Cars might be worth it for long journeys or peak travel seasons, especially if you want extra room and calm.
A: Yes, most Shinkansen trains, including the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, offer free onboard Wi-Fi called Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi. While it works well for browsing and light use, it may be too slow for video streaming or gaming. For a smoother ride, download movies or games in advance for your kids’ devices.
A: To see Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen, book a window seat on the right side (seat D or E) when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, or the left side if going in the opposite direction. When booking online or at a JR ticket counter, request these seats specifically to get the best chance of spotting Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
A: On the Shinkansen, each passenger, including families with kids, can bring up to two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 30 kg and with a total size of up to 250 cm (length + width + height). Bags larger than 160 cm are considered oversized and require a reservation for the designated luggage area behind the last row of seats. This space is ideal for strollers and large suitcases.
A: Yes, many Shinkansen trains have a multi-purpose room or baby care room for nursing, diaper changing, or calming a fussy child. These are typically located near the end cars. Ask a train conductor for access or directions, as availability may vary by train type and route.
Until Next Time…
Riding the Shinkansen with kids is more than just transit, it’s a highlight of your Japan journey. With smooth tracks, incredible speed, and windows that turn cities into scenery, the bullet train turns travel time into family time. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms or planning your next adventure, now you’re ready to ride like pros. All aboard!
Ready to ride? Don’t miss our Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka 3-Day Itineraries, each packed with family-friendly activities, bullet train tips, and time-saving local insights.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
