Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Yokohama to Shizuoka

Overview of travel methods from Yokohama to Shizuoka

You can travel from Shin-Yokohama Station to Shizuoka 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 Yokohama to Shizuoka

• Fastest train: "Hikari" (some trains), travel time from departure to arrival: approximately 35-41 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats (no reservation required): 5,170 yen
• The fare for reserved seats (standard class), which require advance booking, is 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 Yokohama and Shizuoka?" below.

Shizuoka (destination) as a tourist destination

Shizuoka is a city rich in nature and history, known as the gateway to Mount Fuji. From Nihondaira, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, connected by a ropeway, is a magnificent shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Miho no Matsubara (Miho Pine Grove) is one of the "New Three Views of Japan," and its harmonious landscape of Mount Fuji and pine forest is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sakura shrimp tempura, Shizuoka oden, and Shizuoka tea are representative local delicacies of Shizuoka. It can be accessed from Yokohama in as little as 35 minutes.

Shinkansen fare from Yokohama to Shizuoka

Overall view of Shinkansen fares from Yokohama to Shizuoka

Between Shin-Yokohama Station and Shizuoka 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 peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's. We recommend booking early to ensure a comfortable journey.

Price comparison between Yokohama and Shizuoka

Features and advantages of unreserved seating

Unreserved seats do not require reservations and you can sit in any available seat. This is an economical option for short distances or during off-peak hours. However, during peak seasons 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 be guaranteed a seat, please use reserved seats, which require advance reservations.

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats

With reserved seats, which require advance booking, you will be assigned a seat number, guaranteeing you a seat during your journey. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons 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 counters, 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 counters, designated seat ticket machines, or through compatible online reservation services.

Travel time from Yokohama to Shizuoka

Shortest Shinkansen journey between Yokohama and Shizuoka

The shortest travel time from Shin-Yokohama Station to Shizuoka Station is approximately 35 to 41 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

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 Yokohama and Shizuoka, 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 characteristics 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.

Travel time between Yokohama and Shizuoka by train.

The "Kodama" is a Tokaido Shinkansen train 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 stops on this section may be limited, so please check the actual timetable.

Recommended trains between Yokohama and Shizuoka

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 peak 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 Shin-Yokohama and Shizuoka: 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 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)

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 counters 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 peak seasons 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 Yokohama and Shizuoka?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is an unlimited travel 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 regular JR Pass. Purchase and redemption methods may change, so please check the latest information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS official website.

Availability between Yokohama and Shizuoka

Use on the "Kodama"

You can ride the "Kodama" and "Hikari" trains with a JR Pass. Some trains have unreserved seating, but they can get crowded during peak 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 peak season. To reserve a reserved seat, please do so at a JR station ticket window, 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 Yokohama and Shizuoka

Frequency of Shinkansen service between Yokohama and Shizuoka

The Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Yokohama and Shizuoka 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 services 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 departs from Shin-Yokohama Station around 6:00 AM, and the last train departs around 11:27 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the Shizuoka 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 Shin-Yokohama to Shizuoka 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.

Shin-Yokohama Station to Shizuoka 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 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 peak 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 Yokohama to Shizuoka

This is a summary of Shinkansen (bullet train) travel from Yokohama to Shizuoka.

Estimated fares: Unreserved seats 5,170 yen, Reserved seats 5,500 yen, Green Car 7,770 yen

Shortest travel time: Approximately 35-41 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.

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.