IC Cards
See IC Cards for full setup, loading, and usage guide. Short version: buy a Suica at HND on arrival, load ¥5,000, tap everywhere.
Shinkansen Overview
Both trips use the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi) - fastest option, ~2h10–2h15m each way. Book both via SmartEX (smartex.jp/en/) - English-supported, select seats and car class online.
SmartEX - Account Setup (do once before booking)
- Go to smartex.jp/en/ or download the SmartEX app from Google Play
- Register with email + password - no Japanese phone number required
- Add a credit card - Visa or Mastercard (US-issued works; Amex may not)
- Set boarding method to QR code - a QR code is generated per ticket and scanned at the gate
SmartEX - Booking Process
- Open SmartEX → Reserve a seat
- Enter: departure station, destination, date, 4 passengers
- Select the desired Nozomi departure
- Choose Green Car (グリーン車)
- Use the seat map to pick 4 seats together on the correct Fuji-facing side (see below)
- Pay → distribute QR codes to each traveler via email from the app (each person needs their own code)
- Screenshot each QR as backup before arriving at the station
Changing trains: Free to swap to a different departure time on SmartEX before the train leaves - useful if customs clears faster or slower than expected on April 8.
SmartEX - QR Boarding at the Gate
See SmartEX QR Boarding for the full step-by-step gate guide. Key points:
- Look for gates with a QR symbol — not all lanes scan QR
- Open SmartEX → My Trips → Details → Display QR-Ticket → select seat
- Collect the Seat Information receipt that prints after you pass — required to avoid a base fare charge
- If arriving on Keikyu: exit Keikyu with IC card first, then scan QR at the Shinkansen gate
- Screen protectors can block scanners — have a screenshot backup; use staffed window if needed
Car Type - Green Car (グリーン車) Recommended
- 2+2 seating vs. 3+2 in ordinary cars - more room, quieter, better for a long-haul travel day
- Book all 4 seats together in one block
- Available to select when booking on SmartEX
Mt. Fuji Seat Side
Fuji is on opposite sides depending on direction of travel. Views are weather-dependent.
- Confirm the correct side when booking on SmartEX - the seat map shows which side faces which direction
- Ordinary car uses the same A/D logic: seat E instead of D on outbound (3+2 seating)
Oversized Baggage Rule
JR policy (since 2020): bags with total dimensions over 160cm (L+W+H) require a reserved Oversized Baggage Space at the last row of the car.
- Standard carry-on (~55×40×25cm = ~120cm total) and a backpack are both well under 160cm - no reservation needed
- Verify your specific bag dimensions before departure if uncertain
- If any bag is borderline, add the oversized space reservation when booking on SmartEX (free at time of purchase, fee if caught without one)
Trip 1 - Outbound: HND → Shin-Osaka
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | April 8 (arrival day) |
| Route | HND → Shinagawa (Keikyu Airport Line, ~30 min) → Nozomi to Shin-Osaka |
| Departs | 17:37 Shinagawa (Nozomi 55) |
| Arrives | 20:00 Shin-Osaka |
| Car | Green Car · Car 9 |
| Seats | 7C, 7D, 8C, 8D (C+D = right/Fuji-facing side) |
| Status | ✅ Booked - March 8 |
Connection note: From HND, take the Keikyu Airport Limited Express to Shinagawa (~30 min, ~¥330). Shinagawa is a major Tokaido Shinkansen stop - no need to go all the way to Tokyo Station.
Trip 2 - Osaka → Tokyo (Transition Day)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | April 14 |
| Route | Shin-Osaka → Tokyo Station (Nozomi 22, ~2h27m) |
| Departs | 13:06 Shin-Osaka |
| Arrives | 15:33 Tokyo Station |
| Car | Green Car |
| Seats | A window (left/Fuji-facing side) — select March 14 |
| Status | ⏳ Train reserved · Seats: select March 14 |
Seats on March 14: Open SmartEX, select Nozomi 22 on April 14, choose Green Car. Target A window seats in the same car/rows so the group sits together. Distribute QR codes via email after selecting.
Changing trains after booking: SmartEX allows free changes before the train departs — reschedule to any available Nozomi on the day if needed. New QR codes replace the old ones.
Why 13:06: Osaka House checkout is 10:00 AM; Shin-Osaka takes ~35 min from the house. A 1:00 PM departure gives 2+ hours at Shin-Osaka station (ASTY Osaka for lunch, omiyage shopping, ekiben for the train) and arrives Tokyo 15:33 — Ikebukuro and Tokyo House by ~16:05, right at the 4:00 PM check-in.
Coin lockers: If bags were not sent via takkyubin the day before, store them in coin lockers at Shin-Osaka on arrival and retrieve before boarding. Lockers are available on the Shinkansen concourse level and in the main station building. Medium locker (~¥600-700) fits a standard carry-on.
Takkyubin alternative (strongly recommended): Ship bags from Osaka House to Tokyo House on April 13. They arrive April 15 - one day after you do. You travel with day bags only and skip lockers entirely. Drop at a convenience store or ask the Osaka host to arrange pickup. See Takkyubin.
JR Pass
- Not cost-effective for this trip