Shinkansen Rules: Eating, Drinking & Onboard Etiquette

On board the Shinkansen, the journey itself is all part of the experience. The seats are spacious, the fold-out trays are perfect for a picnic, and the Japanese landscape whizzes by at 300 km/h outside your window.

But between what's allowed, what's forbidden, and what's simply a matter of Japanese etiquette, it's worth knowing the rules on board before you hop on.

Want to find out more before you travel? You've come to the right place!

Trip.com has everything you need to know.

Can You Eat and Drink on the Shinkansen?

The answer is simple: yes! Eating and drinking are perfectly allowed on the Shinkansen. It's actually one of the most beloved traditions among Japanese travellers, and the seats are even equipped with fold-down trays specifically for that purpose.

Ekiben: the star of Shinkansen travel

The ekiben (駅弁), a portmanteau of 'eki' (station) and 'bento' (boxed meal), is the essential gastronomic ritual of the Shinkansen.

Every major station offers its own unique creations, often featuring regional specialities: Hokkaido crab in Sapporo, Kobe beef in Shin-Kobe, and grilled eel in Hamamatsu. You can find these boxed meals in station shops, directly on the Shinkansen platforms, and in the konbini (convenience stores) inside the stations.

On-board trolley service: everything you need to know

For a long time, a mobile trolley service travelled between the carriages, offering everything from bentos and hot drinks to snacks and souvenirs.

However, this service has been gradually phased out for Ordinary class carriages on the Tōkaidō and San'yō lines.

Here is the current status of the onboard catering service by carriage type:

💡 Trip.com tip: buy your ekiben and drinks before boarding, especially if you're travelling in standard class on the Tōkaidō line. The platforms at major stations like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Shin-Osaka have plenty of ekiben shops just a stone's throw from the ticket gates.

Table manners and dining etiquette

While eating on the Shinkansen is allowed, there are a few rules of etiquette that naturally apply, given Japan's unique culture:

• Avoid strong-smelling meals: a fish-based bento or fermented foods in a confined space can really bother other passengers;
• Only use your own tray table: never encroach on your neighbour's seat space;
• Keep your voice down if you're dining in a group: the noise level in the carriages remains very quiet, just like on all Japanese transport!
• Please tidy up your rubbish: bins are available near the carriage doors or in the toilets at the end of each carriage. It's considered bad form to leave your wrappers on your tray table.

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Is Alcohol Allowed on the Shinkansen?

Counter-intuitively, the answer is yes: alcohol is indeed permitted on board the Shinkansen. Cans of beer, bottles of sake, and chu-hi (Japanese canned cocktails) are all sold in stations and can be enjoyed on your journey.

The general rule is simply to avoid drinking to excess and to keep a low profile so as not to disturb other passengers.

Can You Smoke on the Shinkansen?

Just like with most other forms of transport (including the Shinkansen), smoking has been strictly prohibited throughout the entire train since 16 March 2024.

That's right! For decades, smoking cabins were a fixture between carriages on the Tōkaidō, San'yō, and Kyushu lines. However, these spaces were permanently removed in the spring of 2024, following growing health concerns and the steady decline in smoking across Japan. The areas once dedicated to smoking have since been repurposed as emergency water storage zones.

Since that date, there are no smoking areas in any carriage, on any line whatsoever.

What about e-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (such as IQOS, which are very popular in Japan) are subject to the same restrictions as traditional cigarettes. Their use is prohibited on board.

Where can I smoke if I need to?

At train stations, you might still find some designated smoking areas in the concourses or outside the buildings, but these are becoming fewer and further between each year. The golden rule in Japan: only smoke in areas clearly marked as smoking zones. In most cities, smoking on the street outside of these designated spots is also prohibited.

Other Onboard Services on the Shinkansen

Is there Wi-Fi on the Shinkansen?

Wi-Fi is completely free and available on almost all Shinkansen lines. The service can be accessed from every carriage, in both Ordinary and Green Car classes.

How do I sign in?

The process is simple and the same for most lines operated by Japan Railways:

• Turn on the Wi-Fi on your device (phone, tablet, or computer);
• Select the "Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi" network from the list of available networks;
• Register your email address or sign in via a social media account;
• You're connected (though you'll need to reconnect every 30 minutes on some routes).

Network quality: what you need to know

Free Wi-Fi on the Shinkansen is relatively reliable for everyday tasks like checking emails, browsing the web, and using messaging apps. However, it does have its limitations in certain situations:

• Tunnels: the signal consistently drops when passing through tunnels (and the Shinkansen goes through plenty of them), particularly on the Tōhoku line and in mountainous areas;
• Video streaming: the quality isn't quite good enough for smooth online series binge-watching or music listening;
• Video calls: we don't recommend using the onboard Wi-Fi for these, even when you're out of the tunnels.

Is Wi-Fi available on all lines?

Beyond the catering and Wi-Fi, the Shinkansen offers a range of services that make your journey particularly enjoyable.

🔌 Power sockets

Unsurprisingly, power sockets are available at every seat in Green Car on most lines. In standard class, availability depends on the train model and the line:

• On the N700S (the newest trains on the Tōkaidō line), you'll find USB ports and power sockets at every seat in standard class;
• On older trains, power sockets are often only available at the end of the row (window or aisle seats on the side).

💡 Trip.com tip: check your train model when booking on Trip.com if charging your devices is important to you.

🚻 Toilets

Naturally, there are toilets at the end of every carriage. Shinkansen toilets are spacious, clean, and equipped with high-tech Japanese features (bidet, heated seats, etc.). Accessible toilets for passengers with reduced mobility are available in designated carriages.

🌡️ Air conditioning

The temperature is automatically regulated in each carriage. It is not possible to adjust the temperature individually (though an adjustable air vent is available above each seat on certain train models, just like on a plane).

🛋️ Reclining seats

Seats in standard class recline slightly. As a courtesy, Japanese passengers generally check that the person behind them isn't eating before reclining their seat (a simple gesture that's all part of good onboard etiquette!).

🔇 Quiet cars

On some routes and trains, you'll find a designated 'Quiet Car' (often carriage 7 on the Tōkaidō line). In this space, phone calls are prohibited, ringtones must be silenced, and conversations kept to an absolute minimum.

The perfect choice for working or catching some sleep during your journey!

Key Onboard Rules at a Glance

Shinkansen Etiquette Tips for a Smooth Journey

📵 Phone calls: please step out of the carriage

Making a phone call on a train is considered very rude in Japan (and in many other countries). The custom is to head to the space between carriages to make your call, and to keep your voice low. Japanese people even avoid answering calls directly from their seats; they systematically step out of the carriage.

🗑️ Your rubbish is your responsibility

Bins aren't always available in every carriage. The unwritten rule? Take your rubbish with you or pop it in the bins provided near the exit doors. Leaving your tray table cluttered with cans and wrappers when you arrive is frowned upon, even if it isn't strictly forbidden.

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