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 train tickets in Japan may seem like a rather tricky thing to do whether you are an experienced traveller or a first-timer. But don't worry, we've got you covered!
Check out this easy-to-follow guide that will make purchasing Japan railway tickets a breeze!
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What is the Shinkansen?
Riding the Shinkansen is a sight-seeing experience all on its own! Credits: @yamashitaphoto on Instagram
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 travellers 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, travellers, '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 Japan railway tickets:
- Online on Klook – Your ticket wizard: For a fuss-free experience, whip out your phone and work magic with Klook! Book your Shinkansen tickets with a few taps, easily scan the unique QR code given to you at respective machines, and you're all set for an exciting ride.
- Online on JR websites – you can get tickets directly on the JR website
- 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 – The Japan Rail Pass is 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, and under Transport, go to Trains 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!
- ed 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 train tickets!*
QR Code Boarding Available for Selected Shinkansen Routes
If you're traveling between Tokyo and Kagoshima-Chuo on the Shinkansen, you can board the train directly via QR code after booking your tickets on Klook! There's no need to redeem a physical ticket at the train station.
QR Code boarding is available for these routes:
- Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka)
- Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to Hakata)
- Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo)
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
The respective Japan Rail companies like JR East, JR West, and JR Kyushu do offer online booking options directly on their websites. However, you will only be able to 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.
If you're looking to travel on what is the most popular Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines that travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka, 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.
3. Booking Shinkansen tickets at the JR Station ticket machine
You may also choose to book your tickets directly while you're 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 by using an app that provides you with valuable information on 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, which can typically be done 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 JR Regional Passes have increased since 1 October 2023. Beat the price hike by booking single-journey Shinkansen and Limited Express train tickets now on Klook!
- 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, and if you're hopping on an unreserved seat, 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!
How to reserve seats with oversized luggage
If you're traveling with oversized luggage, you will need to reserve seats that have the option for oversized luggage storage – this also includes sports equipment and strollers that measure more than 160cm. Before booking your tickets, measure your baggage by following the guide below and see if you'll need these seats.
Now if your baggage does go beyond the 160cm mark, you can easily make a reservation for seats with oversized luggage. Here's how:
Same steps as we listed above on how to book your Shinkansen tickets on Klook, make sure you indicate your Seat Preference before checkout – Seat with oversized luggage space, you'll then be asked for your details like name, email, etc. and once your purchase is complete, expect a QR code to be sent to your account. The QR code will indicate if it can be used to directly board the train or to exchange for physical tickets.
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, 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 bit of 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!
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Planning a Japan holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
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Written By: Dayday Africa
