How long is the trip from Tokyo station to Yamagata?

The trip on the Yamagata Shinkansen (Tsubasa) between Tokyo station and Yamagata Station generally takes between 2 hours and 45 minutes and 3 hours. Japanese trains are known for their punctuality, ensuring that schedules are adhered to.

Should I buy my JR Pass from JR's website or from an official third-party seller?

Both channels are official: the same pass, the same trains, the same conditions. The difference comes down to a few concrete points.The advantage of the official JR websiteOnline seat reservation before you leave. With an exchange order, reservations are made in Japan, at a JR ticket office or a station machine — free of charge and as often as you like, but on the spot. Worth weighing if you are travelling in high season or want your times fixed in advance.The advantages of Japan ExperienceYou choose your activation date on arrival. You set the start of validity when you exchange your order, once in Japan. The official website requires you to choose it at the time of purchase.Official Japan Railway partner. The same pass, on the same terms.Customer service seven days a week, in the language you purchased in, before, during and after your trip — whereas the official website directs you to Japanese-language support.A free travel guide with your pass.Free delivery, with several options to choose from.Check that your reseller is officialWhichever website you buy from, make sure it appears on the official list of authorised overseas sales agents published by JR. Japan Experience is on that list.

Which Shinkansen to take to Yamagata?

For this journey, you should take the Yamagata Shinkansen. The trains running on this line are called “Tsubasa.” They depart from Tokyo station and run directly to Yamagata Station. The service is regular, with frequent departures throughout the day. The Shinkansen Tsubasa offers comfortable seats and luggage space, including dedicated compartments for large luggage upon reservation.

Ticket - Train - Yamagata - Tokyo station

Q: What to do in Yamagata in winter from Tokyo station?

Yamagata is a popular winter destination, particularly for the Zao Onsen hot spring resort. The latter is renowned for its ski slopes and its “Juhyo,” trees covered with snow and ice that form spectacular “ice monsters.” Regular bus services run from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen in about 45 minutes. The region also offers relaxing experiences in traditional onsens, which are particularly enjoyable after a day in the cold.

Adults (+12yo)

Children* (< 12yo)

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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The Yamagata Shinkansen line, used by Tsubasa trains, is a unique feature of the Japanese rail network. It is a “mini-shinkansen” line, which means that it uses conventional tracks that have been adapted to the Shinkansen gauge. This technical ingenuity allows trains to run directly from Tokyo station to cities such as Yamagata without the need for transfers. In winter, this route offers views of often snow-covered landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

Both channels are official: the same pass, the same trains, the same conditions. The difference comes down to a few concrete points.

The advantage of the official JR website

Online seat reservation before you leave. With an exchange order, reservations are made in Japan, at a JR ticket office or a station machine — free of charge and as often as you like, but on the spot. Worth weighing if you are travelling in high season or want your times fixed in advance.

The advantages of Japan Experience

You choose your activation date on arrival. You set the start of validity when you exchange your order, once in Japan. The official website requires you to choose it at the time of purchase.
Official Japan Railway partner. The same pass, on the same terms.
Customer service seven days a week, in the language you purchased in, before, during and after your trip — whereas the official website directs you to Japanese-language support.
A free travel guide with your pass.
Free delivery, with several options to choose from.

Check that your reseller is official

Whichever website you buy from, make sure it appears on the official list of authorised overseas sales agents published by JR. Japan Experience is on that list.

Yamagata is a popular winter destination, particularly for the Zao Onsen hot spring resort. The latter is renowned for its ski slopes and its “Juhyo,” trees covered with snow and ice that form spectacular “ice monsters.” Regular bus services run from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen in about 45 minutes. The region also offers relaxing experiences in traditional onsens, which are particularly enjoyable after a day in the cold.