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.
Shinkansen Ticket Rules for Children and Families in Japan
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 for Families with Kids
You can book Shinkansen tickets in several family-friendly ways:
- Online: 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 It’s Like Onboard the Shinkansen 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)
Best Shinkansen Seats for Families and Kids
- 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: How to Book and Ride the Shinkansen 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 ride free on the Shinkansen if they don’t occupy a separate seat. They must sit on an adult’s lap, with only one lap child per adult allowed. If you want a guaranteed seat, purchase a child fare. Ages 6–11 pay half fare, and 12+ pay the full adult price.
A: Families can book Shinkansen tickets online through SmartEX, Klook, or JR East Reservations, or at a JR ticket counter (Midori-no-Madoguchi). Multilingual ticket machines at major stations are also available. Choose reserved seats together, and request spots near restrooms or luggage space for convenience.
A: Yes, strollers are allowed on the Shinkansen. They must be folded before boarding and stored behind the last row of seats or in the luggage area. Families should reserve seats near the rear of the car, where extra space is available for strollers and bags.
A: Yes, many Shinkansen have food carts selling snacks, drinks, and bento boxes, especially on longer routes. Availability varies by train type, so most families buy ekiben (station bento boxes) before boarding. Eating on the Shinkansen is common and part of the experience.
A: The best Shinkansen for families with a JR Pass are the Hikari (Tokaido line) and Sakura (Sanyo/Kyushu line). Both are fast, comfortable, and fully covered by the pass. Avoid Nozomi and Mizuho trains, as they are not included.
A: Green Car seats offer extra space and a quieter ride, but Ordinary Car reserved seats are usually sufficient and more affordable. Families may find Green Cars worthwhile for long trips or peak seasons when extra room and calm are helpful.
A: Yes, most Shinkansen trains offer free Wi-Fi (Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi) on lines like the Tokaido and Sanyo. It works well for browsing or messaging, but speeds can be slow for streaming. Families should download movies or games in advance for a smoother ride.
A: To see Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen, book a window seat on the right side (seat D or E) when traveling from Tokyo toward Kyoto or Osaka. If traveling the opposite way, choose the left side. When booking, ask for Mt. Fuji view seats to improve your chances on a clear day.
A: Each passenger may bring two pieces of luggage up to 30 kg each, with a combined size of 250 cm or less. Bags over 160 cm are considered oversized and require a reservation for the luggage area behind the last row of seats. This space is also ideal for strollers and large suitcases.
A: Yes, many Shinkansen trains have a multi-purpose or baby care room for nursing, diaper changes, or calming a child. These are usually located near the end cars. Ask a train conductor for directions, as availability varies by train type and route.
A: Families should book Shinkansen tickets 2–4 weeks ahead during busy travel periods such as Golden Week, summer holidays, or New Year. At other times, booking a few days in advance is usually enough to secure seats together.
A: Yes, families can easily sit together on the Shinkansen by reserving seats. At ticket counters or online, request side-by-side seating or a 2+2 layout (two seats across the aisle), which works perfectly for families traveling with children.
A: Yes, some Shinkansen offer family or group seating. On certain routes, families can book private compartments or group areas with facing seats. These spaces give kids more room to relax and are ideal for long trips together. Availability depends on the line, so book early.
A: The Shinkansen has family-friendly facilities, including clean restrooms with changing tables, multipurpose rooms for nursing or baby care, vending machines, and spacious luggage areas. Many stations also provide elevators and wide gates, making boarding with strollers or luggage easier.
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 ~
