Riding the Shinkansen is not just transportation; it is one of the most sublime joys of traveling in Japan. Gliding silently through the Japanese countryside at 320 km/h with a glass of green tea and a gourmet bento is an experience you will never forget.
### How to Guarantee a Mount Fuji View from Your Seat
If you are riding the **Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka**:
- **Traveling Westbound (Tokyo → Kyoto / Osaka)**: Book seats on the **Right Side** of the train (**Seat E in Ordinary Class**, or **Seat D in Green Car**). Around 40-45 minutes after departing Tokyo Station, look out your window as the train rushes past Shin-Fuji station for an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji!
- **Traveling Eastbound (Osaka / Kyoto → Tokyo)**: Book seats on the **Left Side** of the train (**Seat E in Ordinary Class**, or **Seat D in Green Car**).
### Ekiben: The Sacred Station Bento Box Ritual
Never board a Shinkansen on an empty stomach! Before passing the ticket gates, browse the dazzling Ekiben shops inside the station (such as *Ekibenya Matsuri* inside Tokyo Station with over 200 regional varieties). Pick up a regional bento featuring sliced Sendai beef tongue, Kyoto seasonal vegetable delicacies, or self-heating Tokyo eel over rice, paired with cold Sapporo beer.
### Oversized Luggage Rules (Tokaido / Sanyo / Kyushu Shinkansen)
If the sum of your suitcase dimensions (Length + Width + Height) exceeds **160 cm up to 250 cm** (standard large airline check-in suitcase):
- You must book a seat with an **'Oversized Baggage Area'** (the last row behind your seat) or **'Oversized Baggage Locker'**.
- Standard carry-on luggage (under 160 cm total) fits easily in the spacious overhead rack above your head without any reservation needed!
