5 Lesser-Known Shinkansen Stops from Tokyo to Kyūshū

It’s one of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Japan. Dropping your bags, opening your ekiben meal, and zipping across the country at over 250 kilometers an hour on the Shinkansen.

Of course, the Golden Route destinations of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen are must-sees, and we’ve covered that already. However, Japan’s eight Shinkansen lines offer plenty of other exciting destinations to visit.

Pro tip: Triplabo is your one-stop online shop for Shinkansen tickets.

For peaceful hot-spring (onsen) towns, feudal-era history, volcanic landscapes, and secluded beaches, the Kyūshū and San’yō bullet trains are two of our top picks, and if you’re after some lesser-known Tōkaidō Line activities, don’t worry, we’ve got those too.

San’yō Shinkansen (Osaka — Fukuoka)

The San’yō Shinkansen cuts through the western portion of Japan’s main island, over to northern Kyūshū. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic towns along the Seto Inland Sea.

1. Himeji Station – Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the country’s most well-preserved ancient fortresses. About an hour west of Osaka, its origins date back to the early 14th century, and it underwent major expansion under warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi during Japan’s Warring States period.

Today, during a visit, you can climb the main keep for panoramic views of the city and explore the castle’s reconstructed Edo-period garden — perfect for springtime cherry blossoms or autumnal foliage.

2. Shin-Onomichi Station – The start of the Shimanami Kaidō cycling route

Onomichi is a small port town in the southeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, and the start of the popular Shimanami Kaidō cycling route. While you’re there, you can ride the ropeway up to Senkō-ji Temple and Senkō-ji Park for views of the town and Seto Inland Sea.

Explore tiny cat alleys and local neighborhoods on a mountainside tour of local temples and shrines, and check out the Onomichi City Museum of Art, designed with the help of the legendary Tadao Ando. The Onomichi Lantern Festival is typically held in mid-October.

If you’ve got the time, make the most of the trip and rent a bike for a cycle of the Shimanami Kaidō, a scenic 60-kilometer cycling route that connects Onomichi with Shikoku through a series of small islands with beautiful cliffside, forest, and ocean views.

Kyūshū Shinkansen (Fukuoka — Kagoshima)

The Kyūshū Shinkansen traverses Japan’s third-largest island in just over an hour, connecting Fukuoka in the north with Kagoshima in the south. While it mostly sticks to the west coast of the island (for now), its 12 stops offer more than enough options in terms of nature, hot springs, and distinctive Kyūshū-style cuisine.

View the active volcano Sakurajima from Kagoshima Bay, or take a ferry over to the island and sample some volcanic-ash ice cream. Devour some of the best ramen in Japan in Fukuoka. Stop to see thousands of cranes (the bird, not the tool) in Izumi. And don’t forget to visit the well-fortified 17th-century Kumamoto Castle.

3. Kumamoto Station and Shin-tamana Station: Kumamoto and Shin-tamana

The Kyūshū Shinkansen is the best way to visit Kumamoto, arguably one of Japan’s most underrated cities. Its rugged volcanic landscape both adds to the area’s diverse natural beauty and makes it a go-to for natural hot springs.

Mt. Aso is one of the area’s highlights, and while the caldera is occasionally off limits due to volcanic activity, the wider Mt. Aso area offers a network of hiking trails, grasslands with horse rides, and small hot-spring towns.

Despite suffering damage during the 2016 earthquake, parts of Kumamoto Castle have been reopened to the public since June 2021, and visitors are able to check out the city from the castle’s main keep. Nearby, Shin-tamana station gives you access to Tamana Onsen town, known for its delicious Tamana ramen and traditional Japanese inns.

4. Kagoshima-Chūo Station and Izumi Station – Kagoshima City, Amami Islands, and Izumi

Kagoshima, in the southwest tip of Kyūshu, is known as the Naples of the East for its bayfront setting and easygoing pace. It’s also the gateway to the Amami Islands, a subtropical archipelago that feels a world away from the rest of Japan and promises crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and mangrove forests. Yakushima Island, in particular, is said to have inspired the forests of Princess Mononoke.

Back in the city, enjoy kurobuta black pork and shochu with views of Sakurajima, one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Further north of Kagoshima City, Izumi is best known for the thousands of migratory cranes that visit the area each winter, but it’s also home to the Izumi-Fumoto Samurai district, which offers a glimpse into the area’s feudal-era history.

Honorable mention on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen (Tokyo — Shin-Osaka)

The popular Tōkaidō Shinkansen is the smoothest way to travel between the hot spots of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, but those aren’t the only stops along this 515-kilometer stretch of rail. Nagoya, in particular, offers plenty to see and do in and around the city.

5. Nagoya

Nagoya doesn’t get as much love as some of Japan’s main hot spots, but with around 2 million people, it’s the country’s fourth biggest city and no slouch when it comes to things to do. Notably, Ghibli Park has become a major go-to for anime fans since opening in 2022. The park offers a raft of immersive experiences, photo ops, and exhibitions, and it’s easy to spend a whole day soaking it in.

LEGOLAND Resort is another big one for families and creative types. There’s a rotating roster of hands-on workshops, factory tours, huge sculptures, and rides to check out, and it’s easily accessible, just 25 minutes from Nagoya Station.

For history and architecture nerds, Museum Meiji Mura, about an hour outside of Nagoya, is also worth checking out. Think a sprawling parkland with a ton of Meiji-era buildings from all over Japan, transported and lovingly reconstructed amongst lakes and mountains.

How to book Shinkansen tickets online

Booking Shinkansen tickets online with sites like Triplabo saves a lot of the stress and fuss of doing it at the train station. Here’s a basic run down of how to do it via their website.

FAQs

Is it possible to travel from Tokyo to Kyūshū via bullet train?

Yes. You can actually catch all three of the Tōkaidō, San’yō, and Kyūshū Shinkansens in a row as they form one continuous route from Tokyo to Kagoshima-Chūō stations. The whole trip would take around 7 hours though, depending on services and transfers, so we recommend breaking it up.

Can I book Shinkansen tickets online?

Yes, Triplabo offers easy access to Shinkansen tickets online in English. They’re a Certified Sales Platform that’ll help you save time, avoid queues, and secure your seats before your trip. After reservation, you’ll receive a QR code via email, which you can print or scan directly from your phone at QR code ticket gates.

Can I see Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen?

Yes, you can see Mt. Fuji from the Tōkaidō Shinkansen out the right-hand-side windows, between Shizuoka and Mishima Stations. It’ll be on the right-hand side if you’re traveling between Tokyo and Osaka, or the left-hand side if you’re going the opposite direction.