Yamagata Shinkansen
山形新幹線Shinkansen2 h 41 min
The Yamagata Shinkansen runs from Tokyo to Yamagata in under three hours with no change, and Yamagata is the station for Zao Onsen. Pick the Tsubasa with the fewest stops, since the slowest one we checked took 17 minutes longer.
Services
| Service | Time | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TsubasaJR East | 161 min | – | Tsubasa 123 reached Yamagata in 161 minutes on 16 October 2026, stopping at Fukushima and Yonezawa after Koriyama. Tsubasa trains that also stop at Takahata, Akayu and Kaminoyama-Onsen took 162 to 178 minutes. |
Fares
- Tokyo to Yamagata, reserved seat¥11,670 (2026), about CAD 105 or USD 74 (October 2026 rates)
Tsubasa trains share the Tohoku Shinkansen with the Hayabusa as far as Fukushima, then carry on to Yamagata and Shinjo. Tsubasa 123 made the trip from Tokyo to Yamagata in 161 minutes on 16 October 2026. Others we checked took up to 178 minutes with extra stops at Takahata, Akayu and Kaminoyama-Onsen.
Board bags and bike bags ride free and need no luggage booking. Each passenger can carry two items up to 30 kg with length, width and height adding to 250 cm or less, and skis or boards may run longer if they stand upright in their case.
Worth knowing
- Ride to Yamagata for Zao Onsen.
Quick answers about Yamagata Shinkansenよくある質問
How long is the train from Tokyo to Yamagata?
The fastest Tsubasa took 161 minutes in the 2026 timetable, and a reserved seat cost ¥11,670 on a regular-season day.
How long does Yamagata Shinkansen take?
Tsubasa takes about 2 h 41 min.
How much is Yamagata Shinkansen?
Tokyo to Yamagata, reserved seat on Yamagata Shinkansen costs ¥11,670 (2026), about CAD 105 or USD 74 (October 2026 rates).
Do you need to book Yamagata Shinkansen ahead?
Yamagata Shinkansen: Seats go on sale one month ahead.
Can you take a bike on Yamagata Shinkansen?
Yes. Yamagata Shinkansen carries bikes in a bike bag (rinko bag).
Can you bring a ski or snowboard bag on Yamagata Shinkansen?
Yes. Yamagata Shinkansen carries ski and snowboard bags up to 250 cm, length, width and height added.
In the journal and guides
Read more about Yamagata Shinkansen特集
Snow feature · 11 min read
When should you ride Zao and Hakkoda for the snow monsters?
February is the month. Zao Ropeway puts its snow monsters at full size then, on a big ticketed mountain above a sulphur onsen village. Hakkoda gives one ropeway and two ungroomed courses through its own fir groves, with tour routes opening from early March.
Guide · 7 min read
Can you take a bike on the Shinkansen?
Every Shinkansen takes a bike packed as rinko, wheels off and fully bagged, up to 250 cm and 30 kg. West of Tokyo you should book the seat with the space behind it, and north of Tokyo there is nothing to book.