[Updated as of September 2024] We asked the Tokaido Shinkansen crew! 4 ways to enjoy the Tokaido Shinkansen
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The Tokaido Shinkansen runs between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka in about two hours and a half. In this article, we will introduce four ways recommended by Tokaido Shinkansen crew members to make your travel time even more enjoyable, including the scenery you can see from the train windows and the gourmet f...
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Table of Contents
- Here are 4 ways to make your travel time on the Tokaido Shinkansen even more enjoyable!
- 1. Enjoy the mountains, the sea, and the castle! Pay attention to the ever-changing scenery
- 2. Introducing the gourmet foods that are essential for a trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen!
- 3. Enjoy your Tokaido Shinkansen journey in comfort at a hotel connected directly to the station
- 4. Doctor Yellow, the Yellow Shinkansen
- When traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen, we recommend making reservations through the official website.
Here are 4 ways to make your travel time on the Tokaido Shinkansen even more enjoyable!
The Tokaido Shinkansen is not only comfortable and convenient, but one of its great attractions is that you can enjoy the time you spend on the train, such as the scenery along the line and the gourmet food on board. In this article, we will introduce four ways to make your Tokaido Shinkansen trip even more enjoyable, as recommended by a Shinkansen driver.
◆Click here for articles about the Tokaido Shinkansen
1. Enjoy the mountains, the sea, and the castle! Pay attention to the ever-changing scenery
You can enjoy a variety of scenery from the windows of the Tokaido Shinkansen.
① Mount Fuji (Mishima Station to Shin-Fuji Station)
On a clear day, you can see the beautiful Mt. Fuji. We recommend seating in row 2, seat E (a two-person seat by the window), from which you can get a great view from any car. The best time to see it is between Mishima Station and Shin-Fuji Station, about 45 minutes after departing from Tokyo Station. In summer, you can see the vivid Mt. Fuji as the snow melts, and in winter, you can see the beautiful Mt. Fuji with snow piled up on its peak.
Photo courtesy of JR Central
➁ Bright green tea fields (Shizuoka Station to Kakegawa Station)
In Shizuoka Prefecture, where tea is a specialty, you can see tea fields spreading across the mountain slopes. The best time to see them is in May, when on sunny days you can enjoy the contrast between the green of the tea fields and the blue of the sky.
Photo courtesy of JR Central
③ Lake Hamana spreads out on both sides (Hamamatsu Station to Toyohashi Station)
Lake Hamana is connected to the ocean, and the Tokaido Shinkansen runs over it. It feels like you're running over the ocean, and you can see magnificent scenery.
Photo courtesy of JR Central
④ Castles where you can feel the history of Japan
From the Tokaido Shinkansen, you can see castles that give you a real Japanese feel. They pass by in an instant so you can't miss them!
④-1 Odawara Castle (near Odawara Station)
The historic Odawara Castle appears between the trees. The castle's beauty is impressive and can be seen from seat A in the third row of seats.
④-2 Kakegawa Castle (near Kakegawa Station)
As you pass Kakegawa Station, look towards seat E and you'll see the castle tower of Kakegawa Castle. This castle was restored about 30 years ago, and is characterized by its beautiful restored wooden castle tower. Seen alongside the idyllic rural scenery, you can feel the history of Japan.
④-3 Kiyosu Castle (Nagoya Station to Gifu-Hashima Station)
Shortly after departing from Nagoya Station, you will see Kiyosu Castle on the E seat side. It is an important place in the history of about 500 years ago. There is a bright red bridge over the river in front of Kiyosu Castle, which is a popular photo spot.
2. Introducing the gourmet foods that are essential for a trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen!
① Ekiben
Lunch boxes aimed at travelers and sold at stations are called "ekiben." They are sold at stores in station concourses and on platforms. Choosing your ekiben before boarding the Shinkansen is one of the joys of traveling.
There are a variety of bento boxes that take advantage of the local characteristics, so why not try finding your favorite one from the wide selection?
Special Makunouchi Gozen *Product contents and prices may be subject to change depending on the season, region, etc.
Stores selling ekiben and drinks
②Tokaido Shinkansen specialty ice cream
For those who like sweet things, we recommend ice cream. This type of ice cream is popular among many people because it is sold on the train, and has become a specialty of the Tokaido Shinkansen due to its popularity. The classic vanilla flavor is very rich, but strawberry and Uji matcha flavors are also sold.
*Currently, in-train sales are only available in Green Cars on Nozomi and Hikari trains.
* Ice cream is not sold on board some trains.
Tokaido Shinkansen's famous ice cream
You can buy it from the ice cream vending machines installed at the Tokaido Shinkansen platforms. Look for the yellow vending machines, and note that they are only installed at a limited number of stations. Why not try it as a memento of your trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen?
*Installed at: Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Shin-Yokohama Station, Nagoya Station, Kyoto Station, and Shin-Osaka Station
Ice cream vending machine
3. Enjoy your Tokaido Shinkansen journey in comfort at a hotel connected directly to the station
There are hotels directly connected to the Tokaido Shinkansen stations of Shin-Yokohama, Shizuoka, Toyohashi, and Nagoya. Because they are directly connected to the stations, you can get on the train right away, stay dry even on rainy days, and are extremely convenient for sightseeing.
There are also rooms with views of the Shinkansen, allowing you to enjoy the afterglow of your Tokaido Shinkansen journey.
◆Click here for an article about rooms where you can enjoy the Shinkansen
◆Please see the website of the hotel directly connected to the station here
*The best deal for hotel reservations is to book through the official hotel website, which has the lowest price guarantee!
[Nagoya]
[Takayama]
[Toyohashi]
[Shizuoka]
[Shin-Yokohama]
4. Doctor Yellow, the Yellow Shinkansen
The familiar color of the Tokaido Shinkansen is a white interior with blue lines, but the yellow Shinkansen known as "Doctor Yellow" is special. Doctor Yellow is an inspection vehicle that checks for abnormalities in Shinkansen tracks and other facilities. Since the running time is unknown, it is very rare to see it running. For this reason, it is said in Japan that "good luck will come to you if you see Doctor Yellow," and it is a popular vehicle with many people.
Unfortunately, the train's operation between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka will end in January 2025. If you are using the Tokaido Shinkansen, be sure to look for it. Don't miss out on this precious Doctor Yellow!
Photo courtesy of JR Central
When traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen, we recommend making reservations through the official website.
Shinkansen tickets can be easily purchased from the convenient and affordable official website "Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Online Reservation Service".
When traveling in Japan, please use the Tokaido Shinkansen!
◆For more information about Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Online Reservation Service, click here
Written by
Aichi
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