Where and how to buy Shinkansen tickets
Japan's efficient and extensive train network is famous for its timeliness, speed, and seamless connectivity! However, booking Shinkansen train tickets in Japan may seem rather tricky, whether you are an experienced traveler or a first-timer. But don't worry, we got you covered!
Check out this easy-to-follow guide that will make purchasing Japan railway tickets a breeze!
Riding the Shinkansen is a sight-seeing experience all on its own! Credits: @yamashitaphoto on Instagram
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What is the Shinkansen?
The Shinkansen, often referred to as the "bullet train," is Japan's pride and a testament to its technological prowess. Spanning the length and breadth of the country, these lines connect major cities, offering travelers a fast, efficient, and scenic mode of transport. Did we mention it can go as fast as 320km/h?!
Let's dive into the major Shinkansen lines and where they can bring you to:
How to book Shinkansen & Japan Train Tickets?
Listen up, travelers, 'cause we've got the inside scoop on how to make those train dreams come true! Here are four ways to get your hands on those coveted Japanese train tickets:
- Online on Klook – Your ticket wizard: For a fuss-free experience, whip out your phone and work magic with Klook! Book your Shinkansen train tickets with a few taps and easily scan the unique QR code given to you at the respective machines. You're all set for an exciting ride.
- Ticketing Counter – Do it the old-school way: Take a trip back in time and head to a manned ticket counter at a local train station. The friendly folks there will be glad to assist you!
- Go flexible with a Japan Rail Pass – Brace yourselves for the ultimate ticket magic — the Japan Rail Pass! It's your ticket to unlimited JR network fun, perfect for an epic adventure across Japan.
A first-timer in Japan? Don’t worry! Check out this guide about Japan's rail network!
1. Booking Shinkansen tickets on Klook
Ready to go on a train-tastic adventure in Japan with Klook? Easy-peasy! Hop aboard the fun train of booking by following these steps:
- Let's get started! Head over to Klook's website or app. Under Transport, go to Trains, and then look for the "Japan trains" option.
- Now, tell us where you want to hop on and hop off this train adventure. Fill in your departure and arrival stations on the spaces provided as well as your preferred outbound date, then click search to reveal your selected schedule and nearby schedules with prices — it's like uncovering hidden treasures!
- Then, let your heart guide you as you pick your preferred Shinkansen train schedule and type of seat — Green car, Ordinary car, or unreserved seat.
- Don't forget to provide your details, which include your name, email, and any other needed information. We guarantee it's quick and simple!
- Once you've purchased your ticket, you'll be sent a QR code.
- When you're at the JR Station, all you have to do is locate a ticket machine and scan the QR code directly from your Klook app to retrieve your Shinkansen train tickets!
Booking online not only secures your seat in advance but also lets you compare prices and timings at a glance! It's also much simpler and more direct than navigating the many on-screen options at the ticketing machine at the JR Station itself.
2. Booking Shinkansen tickets on JR websites
Japan Rail companies like JR East, JR West, and JR Kyushu offer online booking options directly on their websites. However, you can only purchase tickets for the respective Shinkansen lines that they operate. This means that if you're looking to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, you will have to look at the next option instead.
Suppose you're looking to travel on the most popular Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. In that case, you will have to book it on the SmartEx website instead. You will have to register for an account and follow their step-by-step instructions. All you have to do is simply select your route, date, and seat preference.
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3. Booking Shinkansen tickets at the JR Station ticket machine
You can also book your tickets directly at the JR Station. All you have to do is find the ticket machines, which come with an English language option. Here's how you can do so:
- Begin your ticket-buying journey using an app that provides valuable information on Shinkansen train schedules, ticket options, and routes. For our Japan trips, we like to use the Japan Travel app.
- Once you've found a suitable train route, take note of other crucial details such as date of travel, departure and destination stations, seat class, whether you prefer a non-reserved or reserved seat, and the total number of passengers you're purchasing for.
- With all these details in mind, head to the ticket office or counter at the train station. Give the staff member the information you have gathered so they can help you with the ticket booking procedure.
- If the tickets for your chosen train and seat class are available, you can proceed to make the payment, typically using cash or a credit card. Upon successful payment, your tickets will be printed!
- If your desired tickets are sold out, don't lose hope. Politely inquire with the ticket office staff about alternative trains or seating options that may be available. They may have other suitable choices to accommodate your travel plans.
4. Booking your Shinkansen tickets using your Japan Rail Pass
You've probably heard of Japan Rail Passes, which give you unlimited train rides within their validity period throughout Japan with the extensive train network of the JR Group.
🚨Important Klook Tip🚨: Prices for the Whole Japan JR Pass and many of the JR Regional Passes will increase this October 2023. Beat the price hike by booking your JR Passes with Klook by 30 Sep! Perfect for those planning to travel to Japan by 28 Dec ✈️
- To get your hands on the highly convenient JR Whole Japan Rail Pass, you can order online via Klook. Once done, you'll receive an Exchange Voucher. Remember, you need this voucher to get your Japan Rail Pass within 90 days in Japan.
- With your Japan Rail Pass in hand, the train world is yours! Enjoy unlimited travel on JR trains across Japan, including the renowned Shinkansen trains (except Nozomi and Mizuho trains) — all at your disposal.
- Using your Japan Rail Pass is easy! Treat it like a train ticket; if you're hopping on an unreserved seat, there's no need to worry about booking reservations. Just show your pass, and you're good to go on the JR train.
- If you prefer the luxury of a reserved seat, it's easy as pie. Simply head to any JR ticket office and reserve your spot for free! You can do this anytime before your departure, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
- Keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass is not valid for trains operated by private rail companies. However, it covers an extensive range of JR train services, including local, rapid, express, and limited express trains on the classic network. It even grants access to the Narita Express between Narita Airport and Tokyo, as well as the Haneda Airport monorail.
Here's how booking your JR Passes will look like on the Klook app:
Now that you're armed with the knowledge of buying and using your Japan Rail Pass, get ready for an unforgettable adventure across the entire country. Explore the wonders of Japan with ease, comfort, and the freedom to hop on and off those JR trains as you wish!
Want to learn more about how this magical train ticket works? Check out this ultimate JR Pass guide!
Your guide to regular JR train tickets and fees
Base fare (jōsha ryōkin)
Set your wanderlust free—go anywhere, anytime with regular JR tickets!Credits: @snowscat on Unsplash
The base fare is the basic cost of your journey from point A to B. It remains constant for all regular train tickets. For shorter distances, you'll be looking at approximately ¥20 per kilometer, but as your adventure takes you on longer trips, the cost decreases to under ¥10.
Limited express fee (tokkyū ryōkin)
If you will ride the high-speed Shinkansen or the swift Tokkyu (limited express train), a supplement fee is added alongside the base fare. The fee varies based on the distance traveled and the specific train chosen. For Shinkansen train tickets, these fees can range from approximately ¥800 for shorter distances to around ¥11,000 for longer journeys. Similarly, for Tokkyu, the fees span from about ¥500 to roughly ¥4,000.
Green Car fee (gurīn ryōkin)
When opting for a Green Car, also known as the first-class seat, an additional fee is required. The Green Car supplement varies based on the distance traveled. For those seeking an elevated travel experience, the higher fee ensures access to enhanced comfort and amenities.
Seat reservation fee (shiteiseki ryōkin)
While choosing reserved seats over unreserved has a higher fee, we highly recommend it. On our trip from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko in September, seats were packed, and the few that were empty had a yellow light on, meaning they were reserved. Yellow light means these seats are reserved for passengers hopping on at a later station. (Green means reserved, and red means unreserved).
Night train berth fee (shindai ryōkin)
This is the fee for using a berth or private compartment on a night train. Various categories of berths and compartments are available, with costs ranging from approximately ¥6,600 to around ¥14,000. Selecting the ideal option ensures a restful and private overnight journey.
So, now that you know about Japan's ultra-convenient trains, get ready to explore the Land of the Rising Sun and immerse yourself in the joy of railway travel while creating cherished memories for a lifetime!
Written By: Dayday Africa
