Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Morioka to Tokyo

Overview of travel methods from Morioka to Tokyo

You can travel from Morioka 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 about Traveling from Morioka to Tokyo

• Estimated travel time using "Hayabusa": Approximately 2 hours 09-15 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required): 14,400 yen ("Yamabiko", unreserved seats)
• Reserved seat fares (advance reservation required): 15,450 yen ("Hayabusa"/"Komachi") / 14,930 yen ("Yamabiko")
• Available trains: "Hayabusa", "Komachi", "Yamabiko"
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Morioka and Tokyo?" below.

Tokyo's Appeal as a Tourist Destination

As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is one of the world's leading tourist cities. Historical and cultural attractions such as Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, Ueno Park, and the Tokyo National Museum are all within about a two-hour radius of Morioka. The Tokyo Skytree offers panoramic views of the Kanto Plain and is a popular spot for stunning cityscapes. Tokyo's traditional downtown cuisine, including motsuni (offal stew) and dojo nabe (loach hot pot), is another major draw. Tokyo is accessible from Morioka in as little as 2 hours and 9 minutes.

Shinkansen Fare from Morioka to Tokyo

Overall View of Shinkansen Fares from Morioka to Tokyo

The Shinkansen fare from Morioka Station to Tokyo Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. On the Tohoku Shinkansen, you can use the "Hayabusa," "Komachi," and "Yamabiko" trains. The fares are approximate, and during high season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a high 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

Features and Advantages of Unreserved Seating

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

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 than standard cars. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Morioka and Tokyo, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel Time from Morioka to Tokyo

Shortest Shinkansen Travel Time between Morioka and Tokyo

The estimated travel time from Morioka Station to Tokyo Station using the "Hayabusa" train is approximately 2 hours and 9 to 15 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.

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 Morioka and Tokyo by plane, in addition to the flight time, 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. 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 Lines

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during high season and long holidays, the travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a JR conventional 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 Morioka and Tokyo.

Which train is the fastest?

The Difference between "Hayabusa" and "Yamabiko"

Between Morioka and Tokyo, you can use the "Hayabusa", "Komachi", and "Yamabiko" trains. The fastest is the "Hayabusa", which takes about 2 hours and 9 to 15 minutes. The "Yamabiko" has unreserved seats that do not require advance reservations, but the travel time from departure to arrival is longer, about 3 hours and 15 to 40 minutes. JR Pass users can use all trains. The "Hayabusa" and "Komachi" do not have unreserved seats, so you need to reserve a seat in advance at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a designated seat ticket vending machine.

Stations Stopped At 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 high season and on weekends, so advance reservation is recommended.

Morioka to Tokyo: Travel Time by Train Type

The fastest trains between Morioka and Tokyo are the "Hayabusa" or "Komachi," which take approximately 2 hours and 9 to 16 minutes. The "Yamabiko" train stops at every station, including Hanamaki, Kitakami, Mizusawa-Esashi, Ichinoseki, Kurikoma-Kogen, Furukawa, and Sendai, and takes approximately 3 hours and 15 to 40 minutes. JR Pass holders can use all trains. All seats on the "Hayabusa" and "Komachi" are reserved seats, so advance seat reservations are required before boarding (reservations themselves do not incur an additional charge).

Recommended Trains from Morioka 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 Morioka and Tokyo, first check which trains arrive at Tokyo Station at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using services like SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother.

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic Methods for Purchasing Shinkansen Tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Morioka and Tokyo can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. During high 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, Official Websites)

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 high 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 Morioka 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 charges.

JR Pass Validity between Morioka and Tokyo

Seat Reservations for the "Hayabusa"

Between Morioka and Tokyo, you can use three types of trains: "Hayabusa," "Komachi," and "Yamabiko." The fastest is the "Hayabusa," which takes about 2 hours and 9 to 15 minutes. The "Yamabiko" has unreserved seats that do not require advance reservations, but the travel time from departure to arrival is longer, about 3 hours and 15 to 40 minutes. JR Pass users can use all trains. The "Hayabusa" and "Komachi" do not have unreserved seats, so you need to reserve a seat in advance at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a designated seat ticket vending machine.

Usage Conditions for the "Yamabiko"

With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats that do not require advance 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 Morioka to Tokyo, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Morioka to Tokyo Shinkansen Timetable

Morioka to Tokyo Shinkansen Service Frequency

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Morioka and Tokyo are the "Hayabusa," "Komachi," and "Yamabiko" trains. They run frequently even during the daytime, so please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

First and Last Train Times

The first trains departing from Morioka 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 Morioka and Tokyo on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Morioka Station to Tokyo Station (Excerpt, Approximate)

*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 Important Notes

The Morioka-Tokyo route is particularly crowded during high 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 Morioka to Tokyo

The Tohoku Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Morioka to Tokyo. Fares are approximately ¥14,400 for unreserved seats on the "Yamabiko", ¥15,450 for reserved seats on the "Hayabusa"/"Komachi" / ¥14,930 for reserved seats on the "Yamabiko", and ¥20,320 for Green Car seats on the "Hayabusa"/"Komachi". The travel time from departure to arrival using the "Hayabusa" is approximately 2 hours and 9-15 minutes. Three types of trains are available between Morioka and Tokyo: "Hayabusa", "Komachi", and "Yamabiko". The fastest is the "Hayabusa", taking approximately 2 hours and 9-15 minutes. While the "Yamabiko" has unreserved seats that do not require advance reservations, the travel time is longer, approximately 3 hours and 15-40 minutes. JR Pass users can use all trains. Since there are no unreserved seats on the "Hayabusa" and "Komachi" trains, you need to make an advance reservation for your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a designated seat ticket vending machine. Tickets can be purchased at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), designated 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 Morioka 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.