π Train Strategy
IC Cards
- ICOCA / Suica / Pasmo
- Use everywhere for local transit
Shinkansen Overview
Both trips use the Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi) - fastest option, ~2h10β2h15m 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 - easiest option; a QR code is generated per ticket and scanned at the Shinkansen gate on your phone
SmartEX - Booking Process
- Open SmartEX β Reserve a seat
- Enter: departure station, destination, date, 4 passengers
- Select the desired Nozomi departure
- Choose Green Car (γ°γͺγΌγ³θ»)
- Use the seat map to pick 4 seats together on the correct Fuji-facing side (see below)
- Pay β save QR codes for all 4 tickets (screenshot as backup)
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.
Car Type - Green Car (γ°γͺγΌγ³θ») 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 (~55Γ40Γ25cm = ~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 β Shin-Osaka
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | April 8 (arrival day) |
| Route | HND β Shinagawa (Keikyu Airport Line, ~30 min) β Nozomi to Shin-Osaka |
| Estimated depart | 5:30 PM from Shinagawa (booked) |
| Estimated arrive | ~7:45 PM Shin-Osaka |
| Car | Green Car |
| Seats | D window (right/Fuji-facing side) - verify at booking |
| Status | β¬ Not yet booked |
Connection note: From HND, take the Keikyu Airport Limited Express to Shinagawa (~30 min, ~Β₯330). Shinagawa is a major Tokaido Shinkansen stop - no need to go all the way to Tokyo Station.
Trip 2 - Return: Shin-Osaka β Tokyo
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | April 14 |
| Route | Shin-Osaka β Tokyo (Nozomi, ~2h15m) |
| Car | Green Car |
| Seats | A window (left/Fuji-facing side) - verify at booking |
| Status | β¬ Not yet booked |
JR Pass
- Not cost-effective for this trip