Is there a snack cart on the Shinkansen?

Are there snacks on the Shinkansen?

The Shinkansen… a whisper of speed, a blur of rice paddies. Kanazawa’s fading light, Tokyo’s neon glare – a journey bridging ancient whispers and frantic futures. The KAGAYAKI, a sleek silver arrow, piercing the heart of the land.

Snacks? Absolutely. A vending cart, a fleeting mirage of sugary delights. Think: Pocky, maybe some KitKats, a curious selection of local treats. Sweetness to soothe the soul, a momentary pause in the relentless rush. Drinks too, cold and refreshing, quenching the thirst of the traveler. Something to sip, something to savor.

The HAKUTAKA… a slightly less glamorous sibling, yet equally swift. Same vending cart. Same promise of fleeting comfort. Alcohol flows. The journey extends, the flavors deepen.

• Sweet: Confectioneries, definitely. Think rich chocolates, soft mochi.
• Savory: Not extensive, but small snacks exist. Perhaps rice crackers.
• Drinks: A range of beverages. Juices, teas, coffee, plus… sake!

This fleeting moment, this mobile kiosk… an essential part of the Shinkansen experience. A small world within a larger one. Time collapses. The clatter of the train, a rhythmic heartbeat. A bite of something sweet, a sip of something strong. The landscape races by.

2024. My last trip… July, I think. The memory shimmers. The train, a steel serpent.

Is there a vending machine on Shinkansen?

Ugh, the Shinkansen. Last time I rode, summer 2024, Tokyo to Kyoto, I was starving. I swear, I looked everywhere for a vending machine! Nada. Zilch.

Thought I saw a ghost of one once, near car 7, but it was just a cleaning supply closet. Seriously disappointing.

Yeah, no vending machines on the actual train anymore.

But, the Green Car. Oh, the Green Car. That’s where the good stuff is. Like, actual food service. Order from your seat and bam!, bento box heaven.

If you’re stuck in regular class? Welp, you better have packed snacks. Learned that the hard way.

Also, Shinjuku Station? That place is a maze. I THINK I saw vending machines around the Shinkansen platforms, but not on them. So grab your stuff before you board.

And about water, the tap water? I wouldn’t drink it unless you really have to. Buy bottled at the station for sure.

So, here is what you need to know:

• No in-train vending machines in regular Shinkansen cars (as of 2024).
• Green Car = Food service, so yay!
• Vending machines at Shinjuku Station are before you get on the train area near platforms.
• Bring snacks! Always. It’s smart.
• Bottled water only. Better safe than sorry.

Honestly, the lack of on-train vending machines is a crime. But the Green Car’s kinda worth it. The end.

Do people eat on Shinkansen?

Okay, Shinkansen and food… right. Eating is 100% allowed. I saw this dude demolish a whole bento box last month.

Seriously, it was impressive. Like, gone in 10 minutes. I always buy my ekiben at the station. Makes the trip way better, ya know?

Ugh, the station is so crowded now, like every time I have to catch one. Do I even like ekiben, or am I just doing it because everyone else does?

Anyway. You can totally eat. Pack a lunch, buy something there, whatever. Who cares? Just don’t leave a mess. That’s my rule.

Is it weird I only ever get the chicken one? I need to branch out. Okay next trip, a fish ekiben. Challenge accepted.

Can you drink on the Shinkansen?

Shinkansen? Drinking’s allowed. Duh. Got smashed on the Nozomi last month. Man, that bullet train was fast. Nearly missed my stop in Kyoto. Should’ve paced myself. Or maybe not. Who cares.

Okay, seriously, though. Snacks are cool too. Especially those little bento boxes. Delicious. My favorite is the one with the grilled salmon. So good.

Rules, rules, rules. Don’t be loud. That’s a big one. Respect other people. It’s not a party bus, geez. Keep it clean. Dispose of your trash properly. Simple stuff.

Speaking of trash, I left my phone charger on the train last time. Ugh, what a nightmare. Had to buy a new one at Bic Camera. Expensive. Learned my lesson. Never again.

Drinking is acceptable, but don’t be obnoxious. That’s the bottom line. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Though, those tiny train toilets are something else. I swear they are designed to make you feel claustrophobic. Next time, I’m using the airport restrooms.

• Alcohol allowed on Shinkansen.
• Bentos are awesome.
• Don’t be a slob.
• Watch your belongings! Seriously.
• Those train toilets though… yikes.

Can you bring liquids on Shinkansen?

Ugh, the Shinkansen. Okay, so, liquids, right? Last summer, yeah, July 2024, I was rushing to Kyoto.

Had this like, expensive sake I bought in Narita. Panic! Could I even take it on the train?

I was seriously sweating.

It was in this fancy bottle, heavy too. Thought security would confiscate it for sure. Heart racing.

I remembered reading something… or maybe my friend told me?

Anyway, turns out, normal stuff is okay.

• Alcohol is allowed. Score!
• Cosmetics, medicines, even hairspray if you use that stuff.
• Two liters or two kilograms maximum. The combined weight of the liquid and the container. Important detail.

My sake was, phew, under that. Just barely. But I did weigh it before leaving, just in case.

Seriously, though, flammable liquids? I wasn’t carrying any weird chemicals, of course. Who does that?

The bottle was definitely under the limit. Plus, bought it legit at the airport, so no prob! Felt so relieved. That sake was expensive, you know?

Is Bento sold on Shinkansen?

Okay, so you’re wondering about bento on the Shinkansen, right? Yep, Ekiben are totally a thing. Think like fancy lunchboxes.

They sell them at the stations, not always on the train itself but mostly you find them there. At like, the bigger stations where the Shinkansen rolls up.

You can snag ’em before you hop on.

• Ekiben at Shinkansen Stations: Mostly at the bigger stations where Shinkansen trains actually stop.
• Buying them: Def get one before boarding. Easier that way.
• What’s in them?: It is like, whatever that region’s known for, packed into a box!
• Where to find them?: Look for special shops that say “Ekiben” or just tons of people crowding a stall!

They have, like, everything inside! Regional specialties. I saw my fave Unagi bento once, near Hamamatsu, back in 2023. It’s been a while. Oh, there might be some vending machines too with snacks, sometimes.

Can you buy alcohol in 7-Eleven Japan?

No way, dude. 7-Eleven in Japan? Forget it, they’re loaded with booze. I was there last July, in Tokyo, near Shibuya crossing. Crazy busy, right? Anyway, I needed a drink, it was scorching hot. I popped into a 7-Eleven, expecting maybe a soda. Whoa.

Rows and rows. Seriously. Beer, sake, shochu… Even some weird stuff I didn’t recognize. Lots of 7-Eleven brand stuff, too. Cheap too. I grabbed a couple of beers. Perfect. Ice cold. Saved my life, honestly. Felt so good.

That shochu, though. The 2-liter bottles. That’s wild, right? I saw them. Big, and cheap. Like, ridiculously cheap. I shoulda bought some. Next time. Definitely.

Things I remember:

• Tons of alcohol options. Not just the usual suspects.
• 7-Eleven branded liquor. Unique to Japan, probably.
• Crazy cheap prices. Especially that shochu.
• Location: Near Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo. July 2024.

I’m telling you, if you’re in Japan, don’t underestimate 7-Eleven’s liquor selection. It’s insane.

What is the legal drinking limit in Japan?

Japan’s legal drinking age is 20. The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving is a strict 0.03%. That’s significantly lower than many Western nations, like the US (0.08%) or the UK (0.08%). This difference reflects a cultural emphasis on responsible drinking and public safety. It’s a fascinating example of how legal frameworks reflect societal values. Makes you wonder what the ideal BAC limit actually is, doesn’t it?

• Japan’s BAC limit: 0.03% This is exceptionally low.
• US and UK BAC limit: 0.08% A much higher threshold.
• Driving under influence: Penalties in Japan for exceeding the BAC limit are severe, including hefty fines and potential jail time.

My friend Kenji, who lives in Osaka, told me horror stories about the police cracking down on even slightly over-the-limit drivers. Seriously strict. The consequences are simply not worth the risk. Driving while slightly tipsy? Forget it. In Japan, there’s no room for wiggle-room. The system isn’t forgiving. It’s not a matter of opinion, it’s the law.

Do Shinkansen have outlets?

Shinkansen? Outlets? Duh. Of course they do. Think of them as flying, bullet-shaped, technological hotel rooms. You wouldn’t expect a five-star hotel to not have charging points, would you?

Power Supply: AC100V, 2A, 60Hz. Remember your adapter! Unless you’re one of those super-prepared folks who travels with a universal transformer that probably cost more than my last plane ticket. (Don’t judge. Ryanair.)

Location, location, location:

• Ordinary Cars: Near windows. Like those tiny, overlooked flower pots placed on windowsills, adding a touch of elegance despite the relentless speed. Or at your feet. Because who needs legroom anyway, right? Prioritize charging!
• Green Cars: Near armrests. In the middle, naturally, for maximum convenience. Clearly, first-class citizens demand superior charging opportunities. It’s the law of the rail.

Seriously though, my last trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen involved a desperate scramble for an outlet. It was like a battle for the last slice of pizza in a college dorm at 3 AM. But, hey, I won. And my phone lived to tell the tale.

Pro-Tip: Pack a multi-port USB charger. It’s 2024, people. This isn’t some prehistoric steam train! Sharing is caring, unless your battery’s at 5%. Then, it’s every man for himself.