Have you ever wanted to quickly check your work emails or watch a video to pass the time while traveling on the Shinkansen?
Some Shinkansen trains offer free Wi-Fi that you can use to connect your smartphone or laptop to the internet. However, availability may vary depending on the train line, so be aware that it might not always be accessible.
This page explains how to use free Wi-Fi on the Shinkansen.
Shinkansen Lines and Train Models with Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available on major Shinkansen lines and train models, including the Tokaido and Tohoku Shinkansen.
| Line | SSID Name | Train Model |
|---|---|---|
| Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka) | Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi | Available on N700S series trains. Cars 7 and 8 also offer “S Wi-Fi for Biz.” |
| Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka – Hakata) | Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi | Available on N700 and N700S series trains. |
| Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata – Kagoshima-Chuo) | Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi | |
| Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-Onsen – Nagasaki) | Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi | |
| Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shin-Aomori) | JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi | JR East trains (e.g., E5 series) |
| Hokkaido Shinkansen (Shin-Aomori – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto) | JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi | JR East trains |
| Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo – Niigata) | JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi | JR East trains |
| Akita Shinkansen (Tokyo – Akita) | JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi | JR East trains |
| Yamagata Shinkansen (Tokyo – Shinjo) | JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi | JR East trains |
| Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo – Tsuruga) | JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi (E7 series) / JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi (W7 series) | SSID varies by train model |
Service availability and SSID names vary by Shinkansen line.
Train cars that support free Wi-Fi have stickers displayed inside the passenger cabin.
If free Wi-Fi is available on the train, you can use it at no cost from any seat—whether non-reserved, reserved, Green Car, or Gran Class.
How to Connect to Wi-Fi on the Shinkansen
Free Wi-Fi on the Shinkansen is available for devices that support Wi-Fi connections, such as smartphones (iPhone/Android), tablets, and laptops.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to connect using the Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi service available on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
How to Connect Using a Laptop
Here’s how to connect to Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi using a laptop, iPhone, Android device, or Chromebook.
From your device’s Wi-Fi settings, select the SSID “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi.”
You can switch the language to English using the language button.
Once the Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi login screen appears in your browser, enter either your email address (Gmail, Hotmail, etc.) or a social media account (X, Facebook, etc.) to authenticate.
After logging in, a temporary registration will be completed. Click the confirmation URL sent to your registered email address to finalize the connection and access the internet.
How to Connect Using a Smartphone or Tablet
Here’s how to connect to Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi using a smartphone or tablet (iPhone/Android).
From your device’s Wi-Fi settings, select the SSID “Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi.”
You can switch the language to English using the language button.
Once the Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi login screen appears in your browser, enter either your email address (Gmail, Hotmail, etc.) or a social media account (X, Facebook, etc.) to authenticate.
After logging in, a temporary registration will be completed. Click the confirmation URL sent to your registered email address to finalize the connection and access the internet.
Important: Time Limits for Wi-Fi Connections
Shinkansen_Free_Wi-Fi is available free of charge.
You can use it multiple times per day, but each session is limited to 30 minutes.
If you want to continue using Wi-Fi after 30 minutes, simply reconnect.
Also, after 21 days from your initial registration, you’ll need to register again.
Causes and Solutions for Slow or Unstable Wi-Fi on the Shinkansen
If you’re unable to connect to Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi or the connection is slow, the following issues may be the cause:
・Network congestion due to many users onboard
・Session time limit reached
・Device settings or configuration issues
Because the Shinkansen is constantly moving, the connection may become unstable in tunnels or mountainous regions. Lines like the Tohoku, Kyushu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen often pass through such areas, making disruptions more likely.
During peak hours—such as morning and evening commutes or holiday periods—heavy usage can lead to slower Wi-Fi speeds due to network congestion.
If you’re having trouble connecting, consider using smartphone tethering or offline content until the connection stabilizes.
If you suspect a device-side issue, try clearing your browser cache, reconnecting, or switching to a different browser (such as Chrome or Safari). Outdated operating systems or browsers may also prevent proper access.
Also, check that Airplane Mode is turned off and Wi-Fi is enabled.
If you’re concerned about battery life on your smartphone or laptop, feel free to use the onboard power outlets.
For details on which Shinkansen seats have power outlets, please refer to the page below.
Important Notes
Shinkansen Free Wi-Fi is an unencrypted open network.
To protect your privacy, avoid entering personal information, accessing online banking, making credit card purchases, or viewing sensitive business data.
Alternatively, consider using a VPN to encrypt your communication.
Keep in mind that Shinkansen trains carry many passengers.
There’s a risk that someone nearby could glance at your screen or view your activity. If you’re concerned about security, it may be best not to use the service.
Summary
Free Wi-Fi is available on the Shinkansen.
You can connect your smartphone or laptop to the internet and even stream videos. However, connections may be unstable in mountainous areas or during peak usage times.
If you’re concerned about safety, take appropriate security precautions.
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