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Join Mytour as we explore the Shinkansen Tohoku, a state-of-the-art high-speed rail system linking Tokyo to the northern regions of Honshu. This journey promises to be an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Are you ready for a fast-paced and thrilling adventure to northern Japan? Let the Tohoku Shinkansen, a cutting-edge high-speed rail system, take you on a seamless and exciting travel experience. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply curious about this technological marvel, this guide will provide all the essential information for a smooth and memorable journey on the Tohoku Shinkansen!
What is the Tohoku Shinkansen?
Connecting Tokyo to Aomori in the northernmost part of Honshu, the Tohoku Shinkansen is not only a symbol of Japan's railway technology but also an incredible travel experience, offering breathtaking views of the country's picturesque landscapes.
This "bullet train" operates between Tokyo Station and Shin-Aomori Station, covering nearly 675km, making it the longest rail line operated by East Japan Railway Company. Additionally, the Tohoku Shinkansen extends further north, connecting to the Hokkaido Shinkansen, and branches out into the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen lines.
The Tohoku Shinkansen is more than just a mode of transportation; it serves as a vital link between Tokyo and the regions of Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori. It also acts as a gateway to the wonders of the Hokkaido Shinkansen. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore captivating destinations like Sendai, the cultural heart of Miyagi, or Morioka, where Iwate’s pristine natural beauty awaits.
Discover Rural Japan with the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen Lines
The Tohoku Shinkansen isn’t limited to its main line; it also includes two branch lines, the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen, which take you to the serene and lush countryside of Japan. What makes these "mini Shinkansen" unique is their ability to allow standard Shinkansen trains to run on narrow-gauge tracks, offering travelers fresh and exciting routes.
The Akita Shinkansen, with its Komachi service, whisks you from Tokyo to Morioka before continuing to the rustic landscapes of Akita. Meanwhile, the Yamagata Shinkansen’s Tsubasa train takes you from Tokyo to Fukushima, then branches off to Shinjo. These lines aren’t just transportation routes; they’re bridges connecting travelers to the rich cultural heritage of the Tohoku region.
How Many Types of Trains Operate on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line?
The Tohoku Shinkansen boasts not one, but six distinct train types, each with its own advantages, catering to the diverse travel needs of passengers. While all trains depart from Tokyo Station, the number of stops and final destinations vary, ensuring a unique experience on every journey.
1. Hayabusa Train (Tokyo - Shin-Aomori)
The flagship of the Shinkansen family, the Hayabusa is not only the fastest train on the Tohoku Shinkansen line but also holds the title of Japan's "speed king"! With a top speed of 320km/h, the Hayabusa stops only at major stations like Sendai, Ueno, and Morioka, whisking you from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in just 189 minutes. As one of the few Shinkansen trains without non-reserved seating, be sure to book your seat in advance!
2. Yamabiko Train (Tokyo - Morioka)
Second only to the Hayabusa in speed, the Yamabiko operates at 240km/h, offering a swift and comfortable journey. The train features both reserved and non-reserved seating, along with luxurious Green Car and GranClass Car options.
3. Komachi Train (Tokyo - Akita)
The sole "muse" of the Akita Shinkansen line, the Komachi consists of just 7 cars, all offering reserved seating. With a more compact design compared to standard Shinkansen trains, the Komachi provides a cozy and intimate travel experience.
4. Tsubasa Train (Tokyo - Shinjo)
Much like the Komachi, the Tsubasa is the sole representative of the Yamagata mini-Shinkansen line, featuring only 7 cars with exclusively reserved seating.
5. Nasuno Train (Tokyo - Koriyama)
The slowest member of the Tohoku Shinkansen family, the Nasuno stops at every station between Tokyo and Koriyama, primarily catering to daily commuters. No advance reservations are needed for the Nasuno!
6. Hayate Train (Tokyo - Morioka)
The Hayate typically concludes its journey at Morioka and does not stop between Sendai and Omiya. Similar to the Komachi and Tsubasa, the Hayate offers only reserved seating.
Popular Train Classes on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line
The Tohoku Shinkansen isn’t just about speed; it’s also renowned for its variety of services and seating classes, ensuring comfort and convenience for every passenger.
- Ordinary Car: Offering both reserved and non-reserved seating, the Ordinary Car is a popular choice for those looking to save costs while still enjoying a comfortable journey.
- Green Car: If you prefer a more spacious and luxurious experience, the Green Car provides comfortable seating, ample legroom, and additional amenities, making it an excellent choice.
- Gran Class Car: Designed for those who seek ultimate luxury, the Gran Class Car redefines elegance. With seats crafted for maximum comfort, personalized service, gourmet bento boxes, and a wide selection of beverages, it feels like a five-star hotel on rails.
Major Stations on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line
The main stations along the Tohoku Shinkansen aren’t just transit points; they also connect you to other exciting destinations across Japan. Check out the key stations to plan your exploration effectively.
- Tokyo Station: The southern terminus of the line, this major hub connects the Tohoku Shinkansen with numerous other rail lines, making it easy to travel across the country.
- Ueno Station: A bustling center where you can board the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines.
- Omiya Station: Another key hub, connecting to the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines.
- Utsunomiya Station: The gateway to Nikko, famous for its delicious buns and serving as the transportation hub of Tochigi Prefecture.
- Sendai Station: The largest city in the Tohoku region and the heart of Miyagi Prefecture. From here, you can easily access other attractions via subway, bus, or other JR lines.
- Morioka Station: The main station in Iwate Prefecture, known for local delicacies like Morioka cold noodles and Ishikari hot pot, and a transportation hub to nearby hot springs and attractions.
- Fukushima Station: A crucial rail hub connecting to the Yamagata Shinkansen, Tohoku Main Line, and Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line.
- Aomori Station: The main station in Aomori City, famous for the Aomori Nebuta Festival held every summer.
Where to Buy Tohoku Shinkansen Tickets?
You can easily purchase Tohoku Shinkansen tickets on Mytour. A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori on the Hayabusa train costs 16,620 yen. If you plan to take multiple train trips, including day trips, buying the JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area) is a more economical option.
Get the JR East Pass - Conquer the Tohoku Region!
Have you heard about the "magic" ticket that lets you explore Tohoku affordably and conveniently? The JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) is the ultimate solution for those who want to fully experience this region without worrying about transportation costs!
With the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area), you can freely travel on the Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, and Akita Shinkansen for 5 consecutive days. This means you can explore famous landmarks, ancient villages, and breathtaking natural scenery in Tohoku without the hassle of buying individual train tickets.
Not only that, the JR East Pass also offers additional benefits such as:
- Free access to limited express trains connecting JR East and Tobu Railway lines, including Nikko, SPACIA Nikko, Kinugawa, and SPACIA Kinugawa.
- Free use of Tokyo Monorail, Izu Kyuko Line, Aoimori Railway Line, Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR) Line, and Sendai Airport Transit Line.
- Free seat reservations on Shinkansen trains, ensuring peace of mind when planning your itinerary.
Priced at just around 30,000 yen, the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) is a true bargain for those looking to explore Tohoku affordably and flexibly. You can purchase the pass online or at designated locations after arriving in Japan. However, Mytour recommends buying it online in advance to start using it immediately upon arrival, saving time and effort.
After purchasing the pass online through Mytour, you’ll receive an electronic voucher. Present this voucher at a major JR East station (excluding Hachinohe and Mito stations) to exchange it for your JR Pass and begin your Tohoku adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions About the JR East Pass
1. Can I use the Japan Rail Pass on all Tohoku Shinkansen trains?
Absolutely! With the Japan Rail Pass, you can freely travel on all Tohoku Shinkansen trains, including the speed champion Hayabusa, without any additional fees. Isn’t that convenient?
2. Do I need to reserve a seat on the Tohoku Shinkansen if I have oversized luggage?
Yes, you do. If your luggage exceeds a total size of 160cm, you must reserve a seat in the designated oversized luggage area to avoid additional fees. Make sure to check your luggage dimensions before boarding!
3. Are there non-reserved seating options on the Tohoku Shinkansen?
Absolutely! The Yamabiko service on the Tohoku Shinkansen offers both reserved and non-reserved seating options, giving you flexibility to choose the seating that best suits your needs.
4. What cultural attractions can I visit along the Tohoku Shinkansen route?
The Tohoku Shinkansen isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a gateway to a fascinating cultural journey. Along the route, you can explore captivating destinations like Hirosaki Park with its romantic cherry blossoms, the vibrant Omagari National Fireworks Festival, the historic town of Ouchijuku, and the serene Yamadera Temple.
5. Is there a direct connection from the Tohoku Shinkansen to the Hokkaido Shinkansen?
Yes, there is! Shin-Aomori Station serves as the connecting point between these two high-speed rail lines, making it easy for you to travel to Hokkaido, the beautiful northern island of Japan.
Now you have a comprehensive overview of the Tohoku Shinkansen, from basic route information and train types to services, ticket purchasing, and frequently asked questions. We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of the "super train" Tohoku Shinkansen and prepared you for an exciting journey exploring the Tohoku region.
Don’t forget to book your tickets on Mytour to enjoy attractive deals and experience fast, convenient booking services!
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Wishing you a memorable journey filled with beautiful experiences aboard the Tohoku Shinkansen!
