Osaka - Tokyo on Bullet Train

Visiting Japan seemed to be incomplete without at least trying the Shinkansen (aka bullet train). So we incorporated a trip using Shinkansen from Osaka to our next destination which was Tokyo.

To save stress on the day of departure we got our train tickets a day prior.  I had all the information written on a piece of paper to avoid any misunderstanding. The necessary information like date, time, destination, name of train, reserved seat made the tickets purchasing process a lot easier. Those information could easily be found by looking it up on Google maps.

Once you got your tickets make sure that they were how you wanted. You don't want to find out last minute that the train you thought is going to be an hour away turned out to be leaving in 10 minutes.



We departed from Shin Osaka station. Shinkansen platform was on third floor almost at the middle portion of the station. As soon as we got through the ticket gate we looked around to find information for our train. The information board looked almost like the one at the airport. We still had about 30 more minutes to spare when we found our waiting spot at the car #5 platform (noted on the tile).

We hung out at the platform watching at least 3 more Shinkansens arrived and departed. Each time stopping less than 5 minutes.

We got reserved seats on a regular car with 3 seats on one side and 2 seats on the other. Small bags could be left on the compartment on top of the seats. Our medium size suitcase fitted just right in front of me. Had I been a little taller the suitcase might not fit there. So travelling with a few suitcases is not advised at all.

Our Nozomi train only stopped like four times before our Tokyo station destination. Total travel time was like 2.5 hours. There was no wifi on train though so there was limited entertainment. Drinks could be purchased from this lady that goes around from car to car. All in all it was quite an experience.



Additional (hopefully) useful information on Shinkansen :

http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/shinkansen-nonreserved-vs-reserved-vs-green-seats
https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/seat-reservations

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