How to use the Shinkansen in Japan

Learn Shinkansen routes and train types serving Fukuoka and Hakata, seat reservation methods and oversized baggage rules, based on official JR and tourism information.

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  • Before you go
  • Shinkansen

This information changes often. Please check the official website again before you travel.

The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed railway. This page covers official information on routes from Fukuoka (Hakata), train types, reservations and luggage rules. Consult the websites of the relevant JR companies for fares and timetables; they are not listed here. This is high-risk information because rules may change.

Key points

  • Hakata serves the Sanyo Shinkansen (towards Shin-Osaka and Tokyo) and Kyushu Shinkansen (towards Kagoshima-Chuo). To travel to Nagasaki, use the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki).
  • Journey times (official Itoshima City Tourism Association information): Shin-Osaka to Hakata, about 2 hours 30 minutes; Tokyo to Hakata, about 5 hours.
  • Advance reservations for seats and baggage storage space are required for oversized baggage (see official rules below).
  • The JR Pass does not cover Nozomi and Mizuho; see Comparing JR Pass and regional rail passes.

Routes and trains

Route Section Services (names appearing in official information)
Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen Tokyo to Nagoya to Kyoto to Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima to Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo Nozomi (), Mizuho () (JAPAN RAIL PASS official information)
Kyushu and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo; Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki Mizuho, Sakura (), Tsubame (), Kamome () (covered Shinkansen services listed by JR Kyushu Rail Pass)
  • Hakata to Nagasaki: Take a limited express from Hakata to Takeo-Onsen, then transfer to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (JR Kyushu Rail Pass official information).
  • According to official guidance, all Nozomi seats are reserved during peak periods.
  • For stops and schedules of individual trains, check official JR timetables.

Seat reservations

Method Details
JR official websites and reservation services JR Kyushu offers JR-KYUSHU Train Reservation; for other regions, check the relevant JR reservation service
Reserved-seat ticket machines and staffed ticket counters JR stations (the Midori no Madoguchi counter, ) and travel agencies
With a rail pass JR Kyushu Rail Pass seat reservations can be made on its official website (seats on certain busy trains must be reserved in advance; online booking may incur fees)
  • For Nozomi special tickets between Fukuoka and Osaka when using a JR Pass, see Comparing JR Pass and regional rail passes.
  • Limited express trains such as Yufuin no Mori have only reserved seats; book in advance. See Yufuin no Mori (from Fukuoka).

Oversized baggage

According to the official JAPAN RAIL PASS website:

  • When bringing baggage over certain dimensions on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen (Tokyo to Nagoya to Kyoto to Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima to Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo) and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki), you must reserve a seat and baggage storage space in advance.
  • The oversized-baggage size range described by the official site is a total of 160 cm to 250 cm for the three dimensions.
  • See the official information for details.

Boarding reminders

  • When using a JR Pass, the JR Pass page explains the rules concerning staffed gates or asking staff to stamp passports when entering through automated immigration gates.
  • Fukuoka City’s subway and Nishitetsu are not JR and are not covered by the JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
  • Check official information for service frequencies, fares and stops on each route.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take from Hakata to Osaka?

Official Itoshima City Tourism Association information gives about 2 hours 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka to Hakata. Actual times vary by train type.

How do you travel to Nagasaki?

Take a limited express from Hakata to Takeo-Onsen, then transfer to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki (JR Kyushu official information).

Further reading

Sources