Some Shinkansen cars have power outlets, while others do not. Whether a seat has an outlet depends on the seat type and the train line.
If your seat is equipped with a power outlet, you can use it free of charge. It’s convenient for charging smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
This page provides an overview of power outlet availability on Shinkansen trains.
Power Outlets on the Tokaido Shinkansen
The Tokaido Shinkansen operates three services: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama.
Whether a seat has a power outlet depends on the seat type and the train car.
Power Outlets on the N700S Series (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama)
The N700S series operates on the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama services. It’s a newer model that entered service in July 2020.
All seats on the N700S—non-reserved, reserved, and Green Car—are equipped with power outlets. This means you can use an outlet whether you’re in a window seat or an aisle seat.
The outlet is located near the armrest, though it may be a bit hard to see.
Power Outlets on the N700A and N700 Series (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama)
The N700 and N700A series operate on the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama services. Not all seats on these trains are equipped with power outlets.
In non-reserved and reserved cars, power outlets are available at window seats (A and E), as well as at the frontmost and rearmost rows.
In the Green Car of the N700 and N700A series, all seats are equipped with power outlets. They are located near the armrest.
Power Outlets on the Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata, and Hokkaido Shinkansen
The Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata, and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines operate services such as Hayabusa, Hayate, Yamabiko, Nasuno, and Tsubasa.
Whether a seat has a power outlet depends on the seat type and the train model.
Power Outlets on the E5 and H5 Series (Yamabiko, Hayabusa, Hayate, Nasuno)
The E5 and H5 series operate on the Yamabiko, Hayabusa, Hayate, and Nasuno services. They offer non-reserved seats, reserved seats, Green Car, and Gran Class options.
Power outlet availability in non-reserved and reserved seats varies by train car.
Newer E5 and H5 series trains have power outlets at every seat. For window seats (A and E), the outlet is located near the foot area. For middle and aisle seats (B, C, and D), the outlet is on the back of the seat in front.
Some front and rear row seats may also have power outlets.
However, older E5 series trains only have outlets at the foot of window seats A and E.
All seats in the Green Car and Gran Class of the E5 and H5 series are equipped with power outlets.
Note: The E5 series is operated by JR East, while the H5 series is operated by JR Hokkaido.
Power Outlets on the E2 Series (Yamabiko, Nasuno)
The E2 Series operates on the Yamabiko and Nasuno services. It offers non-reserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seating.
Some E2 Series train cars are equipped with power outlets, while others are not.
In cars with outlets, non-reserved and reserved seats typically have power outlets at the foot of window seats A and E.
Some front and rear row seats may also be equipped with power outlets.
All seats in the Green Car are equipped with power outlets.
Power Outlets on the E6 Series (Yamabiko, Hayabusa, Nasuno)
The E6 Series operates on the Yamabiko, Hayabusa, and Nasuno services. It offers non-reserved seats and Green Car seating.
In non-reserved cars, power outlets are located at the foot of window seats A and D. Some front and rear row seats may also be equipped with outlets.
All seats in the Green Car are equipped with power outlets.
Power Outlets on the E8 Series (Nasuno, Tsubasa)
The E8 Series operates on the Yamabiko, Hayabusa, and Nasuno services. It offers reserved seats and Green Car seating.
In reserved cars, power outlets are installed beneath the armrests at every seat.
All seats in the Green Car are equipped with power outlets.
Power Outlets on the E3 Series (Nasuno, Tsubasa)
The E3 Series (2000 series) offers reserved seats and Green Car seating.
In reserved cars, power outlets are located at the foot of window seats A and D. Some front and rear row seats may also be equipped with outlets.
All seats in the Green Car are equipped with power outlets.
However, older E3 Series trains (1000 series) do not have power outlets installed.
Power Outlets on the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen
The Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines operate services such as Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama, Toki, and Tanigawa.
Whether a seat has a power outlet depends on the seat type and train model.
Power Outlets on the E7 Series (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama, Toki, Tanigawa, Tsurugi)
The E7 Series offers reserved seats, Green Car, and Gran Class seating. Note: There are no non-reserved seats on this train.
All seats in the reserved cars, Green Car, and Gran Class are equipped with power outlets.
In reserved cars, outlets are located near the foot area of window seats A and E, and at the base of the seat in front for seats B, C, and D.
Power outlets are also available at the front and rear rows of each car.
Power Outlets on the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen
The Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines operate services such as Mizuho, Nozomi, Sakura, Hikari, Kodama, and Tsubame.
Whether a seat has a power outlet depends on the seat type and train model.
Power Outlets on the N700 Series (Sakura, Mizuho)
The N700 Series operates on the Sakura and Mizuho services.
It offers non-reserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seating. However, not all seats are equipped with power outlets.
In non-reserved and reserved cars, power outlets are available at window seats A and E, as well as at the frontmost and rearmost rows. Note: These are standard AC outlets, not USB ports.
Power Outlets on the 800 Series (Sakura, Tsubame)
On certain sections of the Kyushu Shinkansen, the Sakura service operates using the 800 Series.
The 800 Series offers non-reserved and reserved seating.
Power outlets are available at the frontmost and rearmost rows in both non-reserved and reserved cars.
However, outlets are not installed at window seats or throughout all seats.
Shinkansen Power Outlet Type
Shinkansen power outlets use Type A, the standard plug shape in Japan. They are not USB-A or USB-C.
If your smartphone charger is not compatible with Type A, you’ll need a conversion adapter.
The voltage is AC 100V, 2A, 60Hz. If you plan to charge a smartphone or laptop, be sure to bring a Type A charger and cable.
If your electronic device is not compatible with Japan’s 100V power supply—especially items like hair dryers or electric shavers—you may need a voltage converter. However, many smartphones and laptops support a voltage range of 100V to 240V, so they often work without a converter (but be sure to check beforehand).
Shinkansen power outlets are free to use.
If your seat doesn’t have an outlet and you’re in a non-reserved car, you may move to an available seat that does.
In reserved or Green Cars, seat changes are not allowed. If there’s an outlet near a wall, you can politely ask to borrow it—especially if you have a long charging cable.
Alternatively, you can use the outlet located at the rear row of the car.
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