Riding Japan’s Fastest Shinkansen Bullet Train: First, Business, and Economy Class (from Tokyo)

Riding Japan’s Fastest Shinkansen Bullet Train: First, Business, and Economy Class (from Tokyo)

Today, I’ll be trying out all three seating classes on Japan’s fastest Shinkansen bullet train, from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.

I’ll be using a Green Car (Business Class) seat from Tokyo to Nasushiobara, an Ordinary Car (Economy Class) seat from Nasushiobara to Sendai, and a Gran Class Car (First Class) seat from Sendai to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.

I’ll also be observing Shinkansen trains (Hayabusa and Komachi) passing through Nasushiobara Station at over 300 km/h.

Finally, I’ll enjoy the million-dollar night view from the Hakodateyama Observatory in Hakodate City, Hokkaido.

– Travel Information –
Date: May 2026

1st Train
Train Name: Nasuno 257 (Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen)
Route: Tokyo (11:08) → Nasushiobara (12:20)
Class: Ordinary Car

2nd Train
Train Name: Yamabiko 209 (Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen)
Route: Nasushiobara (13:23) → Sendai (14:25)
Class: Green Car

3rd Train
Train Name: Hayabusa 25 (Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen) Hokkaido Shinkansen)
Route: Sendai (14:53) → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (17:47)
Class: Gran Class Car

Total Fare: ¥47,760 JPY ($298.6 USD)
Reservation via Eki-net: https://www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index

Normally, almost no one takes this type of route. The fare for a direct Shinkansen trip from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto is as follows:

Ordinary Car Seat: ¥24,000 JPY ($150.5 USD)
Green Car Seat: ¥32,870 JPY ($205.5 USD)
Gran Class Car Seat: ¥43,870 JPY ($274.3 USD)

– Chapters –
00:00 Intro
00:32 Tokyo Station – Receiving Tickets and Purchasing a Lunch Box
03:05 Business Class – Green Car Seats (Tokyo to Nasushiobara)
11:28 Observing Shinkansen Trains Exceeding 300km/h at Nasushiobara Station
15:45 Economy Class – Ordinary Car Seats (Nasushiobara to Sendai)
20:50 Purchasing a Lunch Box at Sendai Station
22:32 First Class – Gran Class Meals and Services (Sendai to Morioka)
26:57 Shinkansen train uncoupling at Morioka Station
27:44 First Class – Gran Class seats (Morioka to Shin-Aomori)
32:56 Seikan Tunnel – 53.85km long underwater railway tunnel
35:17 Arrive at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and transfer
37:26 Stroll around Hakodate
40:10 Night view from Hakodateyama Observatory (One of the world’s three greatest night views)

#Shinkansen #Japan #BulletTrain