Catching the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Tohoku

Overview

In this high-energy live stream, John Daub takes viewers on a thrilling journey from Tokyo Station to Akita Prefecture aboard the Tohoku Shinkansen. Filmed on February 11, 2021—just days after his birthday—John races through the iconic Yaesu Central Entrance with precious little time to spare, purchasing an ekiben (train bento) at the last possible moment before sprinting to Platform 21. The video captures the authentic chaos and excitement of catching a Shinkansen, complete with John fumbling with tickets, navigating security, and narrowly making the departure.

John is headed to Akita's Oga Peninsula to document the famous Namahage Matsuri (Monster Festival), where participants dressed as demons descend from the mountains to scare people and reportedly "steal little kids." The journey provides viewers with practical tips on Shinkansen travel, station navigation, and the unique culture of train travel in Japan. Throughout the live stream, John reads superchats from viewers, creating an interactive experience for those who couldn't travel to Japan themselves. The video serves as both entertainment and a genuine travel guide for anyone planning their own Shinkansen adventure.

Highlights

• 00:00:35 John introduces the JR East Welcome Rail Pass and explains his destination: Akita on the Tohoku Shinkansen, Komachi train number 5
• 00:01:12 John explains the difference between the Tokaido Shinkansen (for Osaka/Kyoto) and the Tohoku Shinkansen (heading north)
• 00:02:22 John realizes he has only five minutes to reach his platform—time to sprint
• 00:03:28 Frantically buying an ekiben with four minutes left—seafood bento with salmon and unagi (eel) selected
• 00:04:29 Discovering self-heating bentos that activate with a chemical reaction when you pull a string
• 00:06:45 John reveals his seat: Car 15, Seat 7A—reserved seating is mandatory on this route
• 00:07:51 Making it onto the train with seconds to spare—the crowd on the platform cheers him on
• 00:09:31 Departing Tokyo Station—"my favorite station, these are my people"
• 00:10:02 John challenges other trains to a race: "Shinkansen, pick up speed!"
• 00:14:50 Arriving at Ueno Station—John has filmed here many times and reveals the Shinkansen platform is underground
• 00:17:09 John previews the Namahage Matsuri: demon-like figures that "run from the mountain and attack people, stealing little kids"
• 00:22:33 Final message: "I'll see you in Akita in about four hours" with promise of "amazing food" at the destination

Timeline / Chapters

00:00 – 00:35 | Opening at Tokyo Station Yaesu Entrance John greets viewers from Tokyo Station's Yaesu Central Entrance, introduces his JR East Welcome Rail Pass, and announces his destination: Akita on the Tohoku Shinkansen (Komachi Line).

00:35 – 01:47 | Navigating Tokyo Station John explains the different Shinkansen lines, points out the Tokaido Shinkansen direction, and orients viewers toward the Tohoku Shinkansen platforms. He mentions possibly stopping for an ekiben if time permits.

01:47 – 02:58 | The Race Begins John checks his watch—7:32 AM with a train to catch. Five minutes becomes the recurring theme as he starts moving through the station with increasing urgency.

02:58 – 05:45 | Bento Shopping Frenzy John races to the bento shop, examining options including seafood bentos, unagi (eel) selections, and self-heating bentos. He settles on a seafood bento with salmon and unagi, paying with Suica.

05:45 – 07:51 | Platform Sprint John goes through security, checks his location (Platform 21), and realizes he needs Car 15. The sprint continues past romantic couples, with a stranger encouraging him to "get on the train."

07:51 – 09:31 | Boarding and Departure John makes it onto the train with seconds to spare. The doors close. He reflects on how close he was and waves goodbye to Tokyo Station, calling it "my favorite station."

09:31 – 11:08 | Shinkansen Racing and Signal Issues John playfully races the train against other Shinkansen, commenting on acceleration ("no turbo boosters"). He explains signal issues in tunnels between Tokyo and Ueno.

11:08 – 14:50 | Superchats and Anticipation John reads viewer superchats (Jennifer, Shane, Irvin Irvine, Madison, John Kimber) while waiting for the signal to improve. He promises to show the ekiben once through the tunnel section.

14:50 – 16:30 | Ueno Station and Train Observations John spots Ueno Station, mentions filming there previously, and notes the underground Shinkansen platform. He observes only three people boarded at Sendai and comments on Braille accessibility features.

16:30 – 18:49 | Preview of Akita / Namahage Festival John reveals his destination is Oga Peninsula for the Namahage Matsuri—a demon festival where costumed figures chase people. The signal drops again as he describes the event.

18:49 – 22:45 | Journey Continues / Sign-off John shows the interior of the Shinkansen, mentions stopping at Omiya, and promises to show the ekiben and window views. He thanks viewers, promotes the new channel, and says goodbye until Akita.

Japan Travel Tips

• Shinkansen Tickets: All seats on the Tohoku Shinkansen are reserved—no standing. Book your seat in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. The JR East Welcome Rail Pass covers this route.
• Arrive Early: While John makes it with minutes to spare, stations like Tokyo are massive. Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure to navigate security, find platforms, and potentially grab an ekiben.
• Ekiben Strategy: Train bentos are sold at platforms and in station shops. Arrive early to browse the selection—seafood options are popular, and self-heating bentos are available for longer journeys.
• Payment: Suica and other IC cards work at most station shops and bento stands. John uses Suica for quick contactless payment.
• Platform Navigation: Tokyo Station is enormous. Platform numbers are clearly marked, but directional signs can be confusing. Follow the green Shinkansen signs (新幹線).
• Signal Zones: Tunnel sections between Tokyo and Ueno can disrupt mobile signals. Plan any time-sensitive calls or live streams accordingly.
• Accessibility: Shinkansen feature Braille at seats and accessibility accommodations. Notice the thoughtful design details even on basic service.

Japanese Language & Culture Notes

Shinkansen (新幹線): The iconic "bullet train" network connecting Japan's major cities. The Tohoku Shinkansen extends north from Tokyo through Sendai to Aomori, with the Komachi line serving Akita.

Ekiben (駅弁): Train station bento boxes, a beloved Japanese food culture tradition. Regional ekiben feature local specialties—Akita is famous for kiritanpo (rice on sticks) and hinaijidori (local chicken).

Komachi (こまち): The service name for Akita-bound Shinkansen trains, often paired with Hayabusa (Tokyo-Aomori) and Hayate services.

Namahage Matsuri (なまはげ祭): A traditional festival in Oga City, Akita held on New Year's Eve. Participants wear straw coats and fearsome demon masks (namahage), descending from the mountain to warn against laziness and misconduct. They famously chase children and knock on doors asking if there are "lazy people inside."

Shitamachi (下町): The traditional old town area of Tokyo, including Asakusa and Ueno. The Shinkansen travels through this historic shitamachi zone north of Ueno.

Yaesu (八重洲): The eastern side of Tokyo Station, named after a historical road. Home to the Central Exit and connected to the Shinkansen platforms.

Food & Drink Guide

Seafood Ekiben with Salmon and Unagi (駅弁) 00:04:29

A train bento featuring salmon and unagi (eel). John selects this at the last minute from Tokyo Station's bento shop. The combination of pink salmon and grilled eel over rice represents a premium ekiben choice. Price not specified, but seafood bentos typically range from ¥800-1,500.

Self-Heating Bento (温かい弁当) 00:04:29

Special bentos with internal chemical heaters activated by pulling a string. Steam rises when opened—perfect for cold Shinkansen rides or longer journeys without food service access. John briefly considers this option before choosing the seafood bento.

People

John Daub — Host and protagonist. An American who has lived in Japan for 30+ years. His warm, energetic, and slightly chaotic style drives this video as he races through Tokyo Station. He reads superchats, interacts with viewers, and shares genuine affection for Tokyo Station ("my favorite station"). His destination is the Namahage Festival in Akita for a filming project.

Kanae Daub — John's Japanese wife. Mentioned briefly when John admits "Kanae might even be watching, going, 'Why are you always running around so late?'" John also mentions he'll bring something back for her from Akita.

Superchatters / Live Stream Viewers — Jennifer, Shane, Irvin Irvine, Madison, and John Kimber (spelled "John Kimura" in the chat) participate via superchats. John reads their messages and responds warmly, creating community despite the chaotic sprint.

Station Staff and Fellow Passengers — A helpful stranger encourages John to "get on the train!" as he races past. Other passengers board at Sendai (three people) and populate the car with six to seven total riders.

Key Takeaways

1. Reserve Your Seat: Unlike some Shinkansen routes, all Tohoku Shinkansen seats are reserved—show up without a reservation and you won't board.

2. Station Navigation Takes Time: Tokyo Station's Yaesu side connects to Tohoku Shinkansen platforms. Follow green signs and budget extra time if buying ekiben.

3. Ekiben Culture is Real: Train bentos are a cherished Japanese tradition. Stations like Tokyo and Sendai offer incredible variety—arrive early enough to browse.

4. Signal Zones Exist: Major tunnel sections between Tokyo and Ueno disrupt mobile service. Don't plan critical activities during this stretch.

5. Tohoku Offers Unique Experiences: Beyond the Shinkansen ride, Akita Prefecture offers the Namahage Matsuri—a dramatic, centuries-old festival unlike anything else in Japan.

6. Live Stream Travel Experience: John deliberately creates an inclusive experience for viewers who cancelled Japan trips, saying "I'm kind of here doing it with you."

Notable Quotes

00:09:31 John Daub: "Goodbye, Tokyo Station. This is my favorite station. It's kind of my home station. These are my people."

00:10:02 John Daub: "Dudes, you trains have no chance. I'm on. Don't you know the Shinkansen? Do it. Do it. Go, go, go."

00:10:33 John Daub: "We don't start picking up speeds until after Omiya."

00:11:39 John Daub: "I certainly did [say ekiben]."

00:14:20 John Daub: "This is like a Disney movie that I'm eating. I'm eating a Disney movie under the sea."

00:15:23 John Daub: "There are so many secret tunnels. I was exposed to secret tunnels underneath the station."

00:17:41 John Daub: "Namahage... demons come running from the mountain and attacking people and apparently stealing little kids and running off with them."

00:22:33 John Daub: "I'll see you in Akita in about four hours. I'll be eating some amazing food. Totally different than a bento."

Related Topics

• Only in Japan Go: Namahage Matsuri coverage (promised in the video)
• Only in Japan Go: Tokyo Station explorations
• Only in Japan Go: Shinkansen experiences and travel tips
• Only in Japan Go: Akita Prefecture features
• Only in Japan Go: Japanese food culture and ekiben
• Only in Japan Go: JR Pass usage guides

Search Tags

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