Shinkansen fares and ticket booking methods from Hachinohe to Tokyo - Ekitan

Overview of travel methods from Hachinohe to Tokyo

You can travel from Hachinohe Station to Tokyo Station using the Tohoku Shinkansen. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We have also compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, such as the rules for using the JR Pass and the types of trains you can use.

Basic Information from Hachinohe to Tokyo

  • Estimated travel time using "Hayabusa": Approximately 2 hours 41-58 minutes
  • Fare for Unreserved Seats (No Reservation Required): (No unreserved seats available)
  • Fare for Reserved Seats (advance reservation required): 17,030 yen.
  • Available train: "Hayabusa"
  • JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Hachinohe and Tokyo?" below.

Tokyo's appeal as a tourist destination

Tokyo is also Japan's largest shopping and entertainment city. With its diverse areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Harajuku, you can enjoy fashion, art, and gourmet food all in one place. The ability to create themed sightseeing routes, such as the museums in Roppongi, the aquarium in Toyosu, and the Odaiba area in Daiba, is another attractive feature. It's accessible from Hachinohe in as little as 2 hours and 41 minutes.

Shinkansen Fares from Hachinohe to Tokyo

Overall view of Shinkansen fares from Hachinohe to Tokyo

The Shinkansen fare from Hachinohe Station to Tokyo Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. On the Tohoku Shinkansen, you can use the "Hayabusa" train. The fares are approximate, and during peak seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a peak season surcharge may be added to reserved seats and Green Car seats, which require advance reservations.

Comparison of Fares for Unreserved Seats, Reserved Seats, and Green Car Seats

SeatFare (Estimate)Features
Unreserved Seats (No Reservation Required)(No unreserved seating) No seat number is assigned; you can board if there are empty seats.
Reserved Seats (Ordinary Car, Advance Reservation Required)17,030 yen Your seat number is assigned, guaranteeing you a seat.
Green Car22,100 yen Spacious seating and high-quality service, perfect for those who want to travel comfortably.

Features and Advantages of Unreserved Seats

Unreserved seats, which do not require reservations, are the cheapest seating option. However, they can fill up during peak season and busy times, so it's recommended to get to the platform early and queue up.

Shinkansen seats

Features and Usage Scenarios of Reserved Seats

Reserved seats, which require advance reservation, allow you to secure your seat number before boarding, so you can travel without worrying about crowds. Early bird discounts and other discounted fares may also be available when booking online in advance using EX Reservation or SmartEX.

Features and Comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars are a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities compared to standard cars. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Hachinohe and Tokyo, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel Time from Hachinohe to Tokyo

Shortest Shinkansen Travel Time between Hachinohe and Tokyo

The estimated travel time from Hachinohe Station to Tokyo Station using the "Hayabusa" train is approximately 2 hours and 41 to 58 minutes. The total travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops, so please choose the train that best suits your travel plans.

The speed and features of the Tohoku Shinkansen

Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains boast world-class safety and punctuality, and are used by many tourists visiting Japan. They are also appreciated for their minimal delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules.

Comparison of Travel Time with Air Travel

When traveling between Hachinohe and Tokyo by plane, you need to factor in the time required for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to central Tokyo, in addition to the flight time. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major stations, it is often the more advantageous option when considering the total travel time.

Time Comparison with Cars and Conventional Trains

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak seasons and long holidays, travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a conventional JR line takes several times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of comfort and punctuality, the Shinkansen is one of the best modes of transport between Hachinohe and Tokyo.

Tohoku Shinkansen departure board

Which train is the fastest?

The Difference Between "Hayabusa" and "Hayate"

Between Hachinohe and Tokyo, you can use the "Hayabusa" train. Only the "Hayabusa" operates directly between Hachinohe and Tokyo. All trains have reserved seats only, and there are no unreserved seats that do not require reservations. JR Pass users can use the service, but they must reserve their seats in advance at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine.

Stations and Features of Each Train

The fastest train, the "Hayabusa", makes the fewest stops and has the shortest travel time from departure to arrival. Reserved seats, which require advance reservation, tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so advance reservation is recommended.

Hachinohe to Tokyo: Travel Time by Train

Only the "Hayabusa" train operates directly between Hachinohe and Tokyo, connecting Hachinohe, Morioka, Sendai, and Tokyo (stopping at major stations). The estimated travel time from departure to arrival is approximately 2 hours 41 minutes to 3 hours 16 minutes. All trains are reserved seating only, so you must reserve your seat before boarding. Even JR Pass holders must reserve a seat (no additional charge).

Recommended trains from Hachinohe to Tokyo

If your top priority is the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, the "Hayabusa" train is recommended. However, if you have a JR Pass, there may be some trains that are not compatible, so please refer to the JR Pass section below and choose a train that suits your needs.

Points to consider when choosing a train

When choosing a train between Hachinohe and Tokyo, first check which trains arrive at Tokyo Station at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother.

Ticket machine

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Hachinohe and Tokyo can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. During peak season, reserved seats, which require advance reservation, tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided.

How to Purchase at the Station Ticket Office

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations. English-speaking counters are also available, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with peace of mind.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at train stations. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online Booking (SmartEX and EX Reservation)

For online reservations, "SmartEX" and "EX Reservation," offered by JR Central, JR West, and others, are convenient. SmartEX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or transportation IC card (such as Suica) without needing to purchase a physical ticket.

Points to note when making a reservation

During peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), reserved seats that require advance reservation tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can I use the JR Pass between Hachinohe and Tokyo?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass is a special ticket for travelers who do not reside in Japan, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines without additional charges. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions, and during its validity period, you can ride JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without any additional fees.

Availability for travel between Hachinohe and Tokyo

TrainJR Pass UsageRemarks
"Hayabusa"Available No unreserved seating available; advance reservations are required for reserved seats.

Regarding Seat Reservations for "Hayabusa" and "Hayate" Trains

Only the "Hayabusa" train operates directly between Hachinohe and Tokyo. All trains are reserved seating only and require advance reservations; there are no unreserved seats. JR Pass users can use the service, but they must reserve their seats in advance at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine.

JR Pass Usage on Trains with Reserved Seats

With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats that do not require reservations. If you wish to use a reserved seat that requires advance reservation, you must reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.

Points to note when using JR Pass

Since the JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, it's important to carefully set the start date to match your travel schedule. If your travel plan involves visiting multiple cities, not just between Hachinohe and Tokyo, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Hachinohe to Tokyo Shinkansen Timetable

Hachinohe to Tokyo Shinkansen Service Frequency

The Shinkansen (bullet train) service between Hachinohe and Tokyo is operated by the "Hayabusa" train. It runs frequently even during the daytime, so please check the latest timetable on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Guidelines for the First and Last Trains

The first trains departing from Hachinohe Station leave early in the morning, and the last trains depart around 10 PM to midnight.

How to read a timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Hachinohe and Tokyo on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Hachinohe Station to Tokyo Station (Excerpt, Approximate)

DepartureTrainArrival (Tokyo)Travel Time
06:42"Hayabusa" No. 409:23Approximately 2 hours 41 minutes
08:11"Hayabusa" No. 1011:04Approximately 2 hours 53 minutes
10:17"Hayabusa" No. 1413:04Approximately 2 hours 47 minutes
12:16"Hayabusa" No. 1815:04Approximately 2 hours 48 minutes
14:16"Hayabusa" No. 2417:04Approximately 2 hours 48 minutes
16:00"Hayabusa" No. 3018:44Approximately 2 hours 44 minutes
18:12"Hayabusa" No. 3821:04Approximately 2 hours 52 minutes
20:13"Hayabusa" No. 4423:04Approximately 2 hours 51 minutes

*Actual times and train numbers may change due to seasonal changes or revisions to the operating schedule. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or other sources.

Peak Hours and Points to Note

The Hachinohe-Tokyo route is particularly crowded during peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. If you make an advance reservation for your reserved seat online, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Hachinohe to Tokyo

The Tohoku Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Hachinohe to Tokyo. Fares are approximately (no unreserved seats available) for unreserved seats, 17,030 yen for reserved seats (advance reservation required), and 22,100 yen for Green Car. The Travel Time from departure to arrival using the "Hayabusa" is approximately 2 hours and 41 to 58 minutes. Only the "Hayabusa" operates directly between Hachinohe and Tokyo. All trains only have reserved seats (reservations required), and there are no unreserved seats. JR Pass users can use the service, but seat reservations must be made in advance at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or reserved seat ticket vending machine. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), reserved seat ticket vending machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Hachinohe and Tokyo.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.