Best place to watch Shinkansen train in Tokyo

Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan is a 1 min. walk from JR Lines "Yurakucho" Station.
On the 3rd floor of Kotsu Kaikan, you would come across "Coline", a wooden patio where you can watch the Shinkansen bullet train (free of charge), which is a perfect place to see!
www.kotsukaikan.co.jp/coline/
Opening Hours of Japan Rail Pass Exchange Offices

For example, Japan Rail Pass exchange office at Haneda Airport International Terminal is only open from 07:45 to 18:30.
Please see our List of the Exchange Offices page for more information.
Japan Rail Pass Fare
Japan Rail Pass fares are fixed in Japanese yen but are sold in GB Sterling Pound, subject to prevailing exchange rate. Get the best price by purchasing JR Pass before you travel!
SL Hitoyoshi Operation Dates for 2017

There are no Green seats or non-reserved seats on this train. You must make a seat reservation before boarding.
March | 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31 |
---|---|
April | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23,24, 28, 29, 30 |
May | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
June | 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 |
July | 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 |
August | 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31 |
September | 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 |
October | 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
November | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 |
SL Hitoyoshi train time table as of january 2017
From Kumamoto To Hitoyoshi | |
Stations | Departures |
Kumamoto 熊本 |
09:44 |
Shin Yatsushiro 新八代 |
10:25 |
Yatsushiro 八代 |
10:38 |
Sakamoto 坂本 |
10:54 |
Shiroishi 白石 |
11:26 |
Isshochi 一勝地 |
11:51 |
Watari 渡 |
12:02 |
Hitoyoshi 人吉 |
12:13 |
From Hitoyoshi to Kumamoto | |
Stations | Departures |
Hitoyoshi 人吉 |
14:38 |
Watari 渡 |
14:49 |
Isshochi 一勝地 |
15:08 |
Shiroishi 白石 |
15:28 |
Sakamoto 坂本 |
16:08 |
Yatsushiro 八代 |
16:25 |
Shin Yatsushiro 新八代 |
16:31 |
Kumamoto 熊本 |
17:13 |
Yatsushiro ~ Hitoyoshi by SL Hitoyoshi in Kyushu
http://www.japan-railpass.co.uk/japan-travel/travel-tips/414-yatsushiro-hitoyoshi-by-sl-hitoyoshi.html
Train information in English!

The upper space for luggage

Stand in a line tip

Green(先発) one is for next train, Orange(次発) one is for following train on left side picture. But the colour is depends on the station. (Red(先発) is for next train, Green(後発) is for following train on right side picture.)
Going to Kanazawa from Tokyo
ECHIGO YUZAWA station
Hakutaka go
Hakutaka go

Ticket machine has English instruction

But credit cards issued outside of Japan may not be accepted.
a standing-up-eating noodles (Soba or Udon)

Simple Soba/Udon is JPY280! And most of them are JPY400-JPY500 with some topping. Buy a ticket at the vending machine and give the ticket at the counter.
(Unfortunately no-English.)