Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Shizuoka to Yokohama
Overview of travel methods from Shizuoka to Yokohama
You can travel from Shizuoka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station using the Tokaido Shinkansen.
This article explains Shinkansen (bullet train) fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We've compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, including JR Pass usage rules and the types of trains you can use. Please use this as a reference to help plan your trip smoothly.
Basic Information from Shizuoka to Yokohama
- Fastest train: "Hikari" (some trains), travel time from departure to arrival: approximately 36 to 43 minutes
- Fare for unreserved seats, which do not require advance reservation: 5,170 yen
- Fare for reserved seats (standard class), which require advance reservation: 5,500 yen
- Green Car fare: 7,770 yen
- Available trains: "Hikari" and "Kodama"
- JR Pass: Please refer to "Can the JR Pass be used between Shizuoka and Yokohama?" below.
The appeal of Yokohama (destination) as a tourist destination
Yokohama is a port city adjacent to Tokyo, a fascinating tourist destination where exoticism and Japanese culture blend seamlessly. The Minato Mirai district boasts numerous attractions, including the Landmark Tower, Cosmo World, and the Yokohama Museum of Art. The Yamate and Motomachi areas are lined with Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, creating a popular nostalgic atmosphere. Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan, offers authentic Chinese cuisine. Kiyoken shumai, Yokohama Iekei ramen, and Yokohama Chinatown dim sum are representative Yokohama delicacies. It's easily accessible from Shizuoka in approximately 36 minutes.
Table of Contents
Shinkansen fare from Shizuoka to Yokohama
Overall view of Shinkansen fares from Shizuoka to Yokohama
Between Shizuoka Station and Shin-Yokohama Station, you can use the Tokaido Shinkansen's "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. The "Nozomi" train does not stop at any stations in this section. Fares, stops, and travel times vary depending on the type of train. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly during high season such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's. We recommend booking early to ensure a comfortable journey.
Price comparison between Shizuoka and Yokohama
| Seat | Fare (Estimate) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved Seats | 5,170 yen | No seat number is assigned; you can board if there are empty seats. |
| Reserved Seats (Standard Class) | 5,500 yen | Your seat number is assigned, guaranteeing you a seat. |
| Green Car | 7,770 yen | Spacious seating and high-quality service, perfect for those who want to travel comfortably. |
Features and advantages of unreserved seating
Unreserved seats do not require advance reservation and you can sit in any available seat. This is an economical option for short distances or during off-peak hours. However, during high season such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's, the unreserved seating area can become very crowded, and you may have to stand. If you want to guarantee a seat, please use reserved seats, which require advance reservation.
Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats
With reserved seats, which require advance reservation of a seat number, you will be assigned a seat number, guaranteeing you a seat during your journey. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during high season such as Golden Week and the New Year holidays, so we recommend booking early. Reservations for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen can be made through compatible online reservation services such as Smart EX, JR station ticket offices, and reserved seat ticket machines.
Features and comfort of Green Cars
Green Cars offer more spacious seats than standard cars, allowing for a more comfortable journey. The seat pitch (distance between seats) is generous, making long journeys less tiring. Many seats have power outlets, allowing you to charge your smartphone or laptop while traveling. Green Cars are recommended for business travelers, special trips, or anyone seeking a more luxurious travel experience. Reservations for Green Cars can be made at JR station ticket offices, designated seat ticket machines, or through compatible online reservation services.
Travel time from Shizuoka to Yokohama
Shortest Shinkansen journey between Shizuoka and Yokohama
The shortest travel time from Shizuoka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station is approximately 36 to 43 minutes. Travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops. "Nozomi" trains do not stop at stations in this section, so please check for "Hikari" or "Kodama" trains.
Average travel time and difference between trains
| Train Name | Main Stops | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| "Hikari" | Stops at some stations | Approximately 36 to 43 minutes |
| "Kodama" | Stops at every station | Approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 05 minutes |
The speed and features of the Tokaido Shinkansen
The Tokaido Shinkansen is part of Japan's bullet train network, boasting high safety and punctuality. It reaches a maximum speed of 285 km/h and maintains stable operation even in bad weather. The trains offer comfortable travel with spacious seats and clean facilities. Many trains have power outlets at each seat, allowing passengers to charge their smartphones and laptops while traveling. An increasing number of trains also offer Wi-Fi service, allowing passengers to access the internet on board.
Comparison of travel time with air travel
Compared to airplanes, bullet trains often have an advantage in terms of total travel time because they eliminate the need for airport access, security checks, and boarding procedures. With airplanes, you need to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before departure for airport check-in, security checks, and getting to the boarding gate. Furthermore, travel time from the airport to the city center is also added after arrival. On the other hand, bullet trains only travel from station to station, making access to the city center significantly faster.
Time comparison with cars and JR conventional lines
Even using expressways, traveling by car takes significantly longer than by Shinkansen (bullet train), including traffic jams and rest stops. Furthermore, Japanese expressways have high tolls, and parking fees at the destination must also be considered. Using JR conventional lines can take several hours or more, including transfers. Considering travel time, cost, and comfort, the Shinkansen is the most efficient mode of transportation.
Which train is the fastest?
The difference between "Hikari" and "Kodama"
On the Tokaido Shinkansen line running between Shizuoka and Yokohama, you can use the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains. The "Nozomi" train does not stop at any stations in this section. Please check the timetable and choose the train that suits your destination.
Stations and Features of each train
In this section, "Hikari" trains may stop, but only a limited number of them do. "Kodama" trains stop at every station and are a convenient option.
Shizuoka to Yokohama: Travel time by train
The "Kodama" is a train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line that stops at every station and can be used with the JR Pass. It operates frequently and is convenient for short-distance travel.
"Hikari" is an express train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line and can be used with the JR Pass. However, the number of "Hikari" trains stopping in this section may be limited, so please check the actual timetable.
Recommended trains between Shizuoka and Yokohama
If you want to travel as quickly as possible, some "Hikari" trains are convenient. "Kodama" trains take longer, but they run more frequently and are easier to use. You can use both "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains with a JR Pass.
Points to consider when choosing a train
You can check timetables and seat availability on Ekitan (ekitan.com) or Smart EX. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during high season. We recommend booking as soon as your itinerary is decided. Reserved seats generally go on sale at 10:00 AM one month prior to the date of travel. If you have a JR Pass, please plan your itinerary within the pass's validity period and allow for some flexibility in your schedule.
How to book Shinkansen tickets
Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets
There are three ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets between Shizuoka and Shin-Yokohama: ① at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), ② at a designated seat ticket vending machine, and ③ online (e.g., Smart EX). Foreign credit cards are also accepted at many ticket offices and vending machines. Each method has its own characteristics, so please choose the one that best suits your travel style.
How to purchase tickets at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi)
Many major train stations have ticket offices called "Midori-no-madoguchi" (Green Window), where you can purchase tickets while consulting directly with staff. Some stations have English-speaking staff on duty, making it a convenient way for travelers to purchase tickets. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Opening hours vary by station, but are generally from 6:00 to 21:00. JR Passes can also be exchanged at Midori-no-madoguchi.
How to use a ticket vending machine
You can purchase tickets at designated seat ticket vending machines inside the station using touch panel operation. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean. Since payment by credit card is possible, you can use them even without cash. A major advantage is that you can purchase tickets smoothly even during peak hours when ticket offices are crowded. If you have a JR Pass, you may be able to make seat reservations at the vending machines.
Online booking (Smart EX)
Smart EX is an online reservation service for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. Reservations can be made via smartphone or computer, and ticketless boarding is possible by registering a transportation IC card. Please note that overseas-issued credit cards may not be usable depending on the card company and identity verification requirements; please check the latest terms of use before registering. For articles aimed at international travelers, focusing on Smart EX as the primary method for online reservations will make the process easier to understand.
Points to note when making a reservation
During high season such as Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (August), and the New Year holidays (late December to early January), reserved seats can sell out several weeks in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible once your travel dates are decided. With Smart EX, reservations can generally be made from 10:00 AM, one month prior to departure. Please check the latest information before booking, as fees and conditions for changing or refunding tickets vary.
Can I use the JR Pass between Shizuoka and Yokohama?
Overview of JR Pass
The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is an unlimited ride pass for foreign visitors to Japan. It comes in three types: 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes. During the validity period, you can ride many JR trains, including Shinkansen, limited express, and local trains. "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains used within this section can be used with a standard JR Pass. Purchase and redemption methods may change, so please check the latest information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS official website.
Availability between Shizuoka and Yokohama
| Train | JR Pass Usage | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| "Kodama" | available | Unreserved seats are available. |
| "Hikari" | available | Limited number of trains stop. |
Use on the "Kodama" and "Hikari" trains with the JR Pass
"Kodama" and "Hikari" trains can be ridden with a JR Pass. Some trains have unreserved seating, but they can get crowded during high season, so if you want to be sure to get a seat, please reserve a seat in advance.
How to ride using a JR Pass
When traveling on this section with a JR Pass, you can use "Kodama" or "Hikari" trains in either reserved or unreserved seats. Reservations are not required for unreserved seats, but they may be crowded during high season. To reserve a reserved seat, please do so at a JR station ticket office, reserved seat ticket machine, or through the corresponding online reservation service.
Points to note when using JR Pass
JR Passes have an expiration date, so please choose the appropriate number of days (7, 14, or 21 days) according to your itinerary. Using a JR Pass is often more economical when traveling across multiple sections of the line. Purchase and redemption methods for JR Passes may change. Please check the latest information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS official website. Since you can specify the start date of your pass, please plan and use it strategically to match your travel start date.
Shinkansen timetable between Shizuoka and Yokohama
Frequency of Shinkansen service between Shizuoka and Yokohama
The Tokaido Shinkansen between Shizuoka and Shin-Yokohama operates approximately every 15 to 30 minutes. The available trains are the "Hikari" and "Kodama", with the type of train varying depending on the time of day. With trains running from early morning until late at night, you can use it flexibly to suit your travel schedule.
Guideline for the first and last trains
The first Shinkansen train departing from Shizuoka Station leaves around 6:00 AM, and the last train departs around 10:47 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the Shin-Yokohama area. The time of the last train may change depending on the season, day of the week, and schedule revisions. Please check the latest timetable.
How to read a timetable
Ekitan (ekitan.com) allows you to check Shinkansen timetables, seat availability, and fares for the Shizuoka to Shin-Yokohama route all in one place. Simply enter your departure station, arrival station, and date, and the service will display the most suitable train and fare. It's accessible from smartphones and supports English, making it a user-friendly service for international travelers.
Shizuoka Station ⇒ Shin-Yokohama Station (excerpt, approximate route)
| Departure (Shizuoka) | Train | Arrival (Shin-Yokohama) | Travel Time from Departure to Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:22 | "Kodama" 904 | 07:18 | 56 minutes |
| 07:20 | "Hikari" No. 630 | 07:56 | 36 minutes |
| 07:45 | "Hikari" 632 | 08:23 | 38 minutes |
| 08:12 | "Hikari" 634 | 08:50 | 38 minutes |
| 09:41 | "Hikari" No. 640 | 10:24 | 43 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 trains tend to be more crowded during the morning commute (7:00-9:00) and in the evening (17:00-19:00). They are especially crowded during Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holidays, and reserved seats tend to sell out quickly. During high travel seasons, it's recommended to book early and allow ample time for travel. Also, if transfers are necessary, be sure to check the connecting train times in advance.
Summary: Shinkansen from Shizuoka to Yokohama
This is a summary of Shinkansen (bullet train) travel from Shizuoka to Yokohama.
Estimated Fares: Unreserved Seats 5,170 yen, Reserved Seats 5,500 yen, Green Car 7,770 yen
Shortest Travel Time: Approximately 36 to 43 minutes (when using "Hikari")
The "Nozomi" train does not stop at Shizuoka Station. The trains you should use are the "Hikari" (some trains) or "Kodama".
With the JR Pass, you can use the "Hikari" and "Kodama" trains.
Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), designated seat ticket machines, and through services like Smart EX.
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