Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Shizuoka to Tokyo

Overview of travel methods from Shizuoka to Tokyo

You can travel from Shizuoka Station to Tokyo Station using the Tokaido 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 Shizuoka to Tokyo

• Estimated travel time using "Hikari": Approximately 55-60 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats (no reservation required): 5,940 yen
• The fare for reserved seats, which require advance booking, is 6,470 yen.
• Available trains: "Hikari" and "Kodama"
• The "Nozomi" Shinkansen does not stop at Shizuoka Station. The only trains available between Shizuoka and Tokyo are the "Hikari" and "Kodama". The fastest is the "Hikari", which takes approximately 55 minutes. Both trains can be used with the JR Pass.
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Shizuoka and Tokyo?" below.

Tokyo's appeal as a tourist destination

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a global metropolis with a diverse range of tourist attractions, including the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Roppongi. It's a place where traditional Japanese culture and cutting-edge pop culture coexist, and boasts a rich variety of cuisine, from sushi and ramen to monjayaki. It's a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.

Shinkansen fare from Shizuoka to Tokyo

Overview of Shinkansen fares from Shizuoka Station to Tokyo Station

The Shinkansen fare from Shizuoka Station to Tokyo Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. On the Tokaido Shinkansen, you can use the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. 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 that require advance reservations. You can purchase tickets at a discounted fare by using SmartEX or EX Reservation.

Comparison of fares for unreserved seats (no reservation required), reserved seats (reservation required), and Green Car seats.

Features and benefits of unreserved seats (no reservation required)

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.

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats that require advance booking

Reserved seats, which require advance booking, 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 Shizuoka and Tokyo, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel time from Shizuoka to Tokyo

Estimated travel time from Shizuoka to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train)

The estimated travel time from Shizuoka Station to Tokyo Station using the "Hikari" Shinkansen is approximately 55-60 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.

Estimated travel time and differences between trains

If you take the "Hikari" train, the journey from Shizuoka to Tokyo takes approximately 55-61 minutes. Since the "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station, the "Hikari" is the fastest option. The "Kodama" train stops at every station, so it takes approximately 1 hour and 14-25 minutes. JR Pass holders can use both the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains.

Shinkansen speed and features

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 Shizuoka 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 JR conventional lines

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak seasons and long holidays, the 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 Shizuoka and Tokyo.

Which train is the fastest?

Types of trains operating between Shizuoka and Tokyo

Between Shizuoka and Tokyo, you can use the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station. The only trains available between Shizuoka and Tokyo are the "Hikari" and "Kodama". The fastest is the "Hikari," which takes about 55 minutes. Both trains can be used with the JR Pass.

Stopping Patterns and Features of Each Train

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

Shizuoka to Tokyo: Travel time by train

The fastest train available between Shizuoka and Tokyo is the "Hikari," which takes approximately 55-61 minutes. The "Nozomi" does not stop at Shizuoka Station, so it cannot be used. The "Kodama" stops at all stations, so it takes approximately 1 hour and 14-25 minutes. Those with a JR Pass can use the Hikari and Kodama trains as is.

Recommended trains between Shizuoka and Tokyo

If your top priority is the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, the "Hikari" train is recommended. Those with a JR Pass can use the "Nozomi" train by purchasing a separate "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket." Please refer to the JR Pass section below to select the appropriate train.

Points to consider when choosing a train

When choosing a train between Shizuoka 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 Shizuoka and Tokyo can be purchased in three ways: at station ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi), ticket machines, or online. During peak season, reserved seats, which require advance booking, tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided.

How to purchase tickets at the station's ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi)

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, Korean, and French, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online reservations (SmartEX/EX reservations)

For online reservations, "SmartEX" and "EX Reservation," offered by JR Central, JR West, and JR Kyushu, are convenient options. SmartEX allows you to link with a transportation IC card (such as Suica) and pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or transportation IC card without needing to purchase a ticket. Visitors from overseas can also utilize official websites and travel booking sites (such as Klook) that support English.

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 booking tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can the JR Pass be used between Shizuoka 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, it allows unlimited travel on JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without additional fees. It can be purchased at travel agencies outside of Japan or at select ticket counters within Japan. A passport is required for use.

Regarding the use of JR Pass between Shizuoka and Tokyo

Trains that cannot be used with JR Pass

The "Nozomi" Shinkansen does not stop at Shizuoka Station. The only trains available between Shizuoka and Tokyo are the "Hikari" and "Kodama". The fastest is the "Hikari", which takes approximately 55 minutes. Both trains can be used with the JR Pass.

Conditions for using trains with JR Pass

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 plans involve visiting multiple cities, not just between Shizuoka and Tokyo, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Shinkansen timetable between Shizuoka and Tokyo

Frequency of Shinkansen service between Shizuoka and Tokyo

The Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Shizuoka and Tokyo are the "Hikari" and "Kodama" services. They run frequently even during the day, and extra trains may be added during peak seasons and tourist seasons. Please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

First and Last Train Times

The first trains departing from Shizuoka Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, and the last trains to Tokyo Station depart between 10:00 PM and midnight. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo from the morning.

How to read a Shinkansen timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Shizuoka and Tokyo on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan. When searching, enter your departure station "Shizuoka", arrival station "Tokyo", travel date, and time to see a list of train times and fares.

Shinkansen (bullet train) timetable from Shizuoka 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 points to note

The Shizuoka-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 reserve your reserved seat online in advance, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Shizuoka to Tokyo

The Tokaido Shinkansen is the most convenient way to travel from Shizuoka to Tokyo. Fares are approximately ¥5,940 for unreserved seats (no reservation required), ¥6,470 for reserved seats (reservation required), and ¥8,740 for Green Car seats. The journey takes approximately 55-60 minutes using the "Hikari" train. The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station. Only the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains are available between Shizuoka and Tokyo. The fastest is the "Hikari", taking approximately 55 minutes. Both trains can be used with the JR Pass. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi), reserved seat ticket machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Shizuoka 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.