The Japanese bullet train, or Shinkansen, is probably the best way to travel around Japan – fast, comfortable, smooth and reliable. But unfortunately also, expensive. Return journeys between major cities can cost more than US $400. Single trips can cost more than $200.
\nAbout 20 years ago, foreign tourists used to be able to buy heavily discounted Shinkansen rail pass, that you bought and paid for in your home country’s Japanese embassy or tourism office, but that’s no longer the case.
However, there is still one official place you can buy discounted Shinkansen return journeys, at 22% off the normal rate, and that is at officially licensed Japan tour operator Japanican.
You can also find a variety of discount hotels (including ryokan) and day trips and tickets to live events at Japanican, that you can’t find anywhere else.