So, you’ve decided to book a Japan Rail Pass for next holiday to Japan. So what’s next? ? In this guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about JR Pass seat reservations.
But first, book your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) on Klook for unlimited rides for 7, 14, or 21 days. Enjoy rides on trains, buses, and ferries as you explore Japan all without breaking the bank or the hassle of booking multiple tickets!
Curious? This guide will tell you if the JR Pass is worth it for your trip.
🚨Important Klook Tip🚨: Prices for the Whole Japan JR Pass will increase this October 2023. Beat the price hike by booking your JR Pass with Klook by 30 Sep! Perfect for those planning to travel to Japan by 28 Dec ✈️
Maximize your savings and convenience by getting Klook's Value Rail Pass: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto Edition. This specialised rail pass is designed to offer an extensive range of travel benefits, allowing you to make the most of your Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
Enjoy seamless travel from Narita Airport to your hotel, access the Nozomi Shinkansen for a swift journey to Osaka, and enjoy unlimited rides on the Tokyo Subway and within the Kansai Region.
Klook Value Rail Pass: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto Edition
Do I need to reserve a seat with a JR Pass?
There are many ways to enjoy train travel in Japan! Credits: Klook
Yes, you need to reserve your seats even with a Japan Rail Pass. You can do this right before boarding the train. The type of train seat you can reserve depends on the pass you’ve booked - Ordinary Car or the Green Car (the equivalent of business class). Note: you should have booked your JR Pass at least 14 days before arriving in Japan in order to reserve your train seats.
Do you have to reserve a seat on Shinkansen trains?
Get ready for an easy, breezy ride. Credits to @realploi on Instagram
There are reserved and unreserved seats on Shinkansen trains. If you have a ticket for the Green Car, you should’ve reserved your seat beforehand because these are limited. Luckily, seat reservations are easy and free with the Japan Rail Pass, so you don’t need to worry about anything except where you’d like to sit.
Aside from free seat reservations, there are several more benefits to the JR Pass, which you can read all about in our guide.
How do I reserve seats with a JR Pass?
Double check that you’re on the right carriage, train, and seat. Credits to @pauwylicious on Instagram
After booking your Japan Rail Pass, an exchange order will be delivered to your address. Once you’ve arrived at the train station in Japan, trade your exchange order for the JR pass at the official exchange office. You can then have your seats reserved at the office or at a ticket machine at JR line stations.
Quick reminder: you can only reserve your seats in person!
What are the steps to make seat reservations?
Travel easily with the JR Pass. Credits to @nuttnutty on Instagram
Here's an easy guide on how you can reserve your seats in 3 steps:
- Go to any JR Ticket Office (at any train station) with your Japan Rail Pass.
- Let the staff know your preferred departure time and destination at the ticket counter. To determine the best alternative for your travel, you may also check the train schedule in advance or ask one of the helpful staff members for assistance.
- Your reserved seat ticket is handed to you; it includes the departure time, arrival time, train name, car, and seat information. For instance, Tokyo to Osaka, Nazoomi 513, Car 9, Seat 7-B, 10:08 to 13:29.
Can I reserve seats at the ticket machines inside train stations?
If you don't need the help of JR staff to reserve your seats, you can also book and issue your reservation ticket at a 'Reserved Seat Ticket Machine'. These are also located at most JR stations.
Here's how you can reserve your seats through the ticket machine in 3 steps:
- Scan the QR code on your JR Pass with the scanner on the 'Reserved Seat Ticket Machine' or enter the reservation number written on your JR Pass. Then enter your passport number.
- Enter your preferred departure time and destination and then choose your train.
- Double-check that the info is correct, then press print and your ticket will be issued.
How do I read my reserved seat train ticket?
Credits: Japan Railways Group
Reading the information on your Japan train ticket can be confusing for first-timers, so to simplify the ticket here are the main things to look out for:
- Origin train station
- Departure date
- Train name
- Departure time
- Destination
- Arrival time
- Non-Smoking seat
- Seat number
- Car number
How far ahead do I have to reserve seats with a JR Pass?
You can reserve your seats anytime up to one month in advance before you board the train, bus, or ferry. It’s recommended to book the seats before the peak seasons, which are during April, May, August, December and January.
Want more info on the JR Pass? Here’s an in-depth guide on how to use the JR Pass on your trips.
Written by: Gabby Mendoza
