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 especially if yo're a first-timer. But don't worry, we got you covered!
Below you'll find an easy-to-follow guide that will make purchasing Shinkansen tickets a breeze!
Riding the Shinkansen is a sight-seeing experience all on its own! Credits: @yamashitaphoto on Instagram
What is the Shinkansen, also known as, Japan's bullet trains?
The Shinkansen, also known as Japan's bullet train, is the country's pride and a testament to its technological prowess. Spanning the length and breadth of Japan, 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: bullet train tickets?
Booking your train tickets in Japan is easy! Whether you prefer booking them ahead online or having an offline option in person, you have four options to choose from that suits your preference best.
- Online on Klook – Your ticket wizard: For a fuss-free experience, whip out your phone and work magic with the Klook app! 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. Check out the step-by-step below!
- Ticketing Counter – Do it the old-school way by taking a trip back in time and head to a manned ticket counter at a local train station. The friendly staff 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.
If it'll be your first time in Japan, you can check out this more in-depth guide on Japan's rail network.
1. Booking Shinkansen tickets on Klook
Ready to go on a train-tastic adventure in Japan with Klook? Here are some easy steps you can follow when booking your tickets on the Klook app.
- Head over to the App Store or Play Store and download the Klook app
- Once you've successfully signed up, tap on "Transport" on the homepage then head to "Trains" and look for the "Japan trains" option under it.
- Now, input your departing point and destination, as well as your preferred outbound date then tap search to reveal available trains and prices for your preferred date.
- Then, let your heart guide you as you pick your train and type of seat — Green car, Ordinary car, or unreserved seat.
- Don't forget to provide your details: your name (same as in passport), email, and any other needed information.
- 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 of trains from all lines 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 the most popular Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines that go through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka, you'll have to book it on the SmartEx website instead. For this, you just have to register for an account and follow their step-by-step instructions.
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3. Booking Shinkansen tickets at the the counter or JR Station ticket machine
You may also choose to book your tickets on-site while you're at the JR Station. All you have to do is either find the ticket machines or head to the JR ticket Office. Here's how you can do so:
- Before booking any ticket, Begin 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 (Nozomi and Mizuho trains included but with a minimal fee on top of the pass) — 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 should do this 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 country. Explore the wonders of Japan with ease, comfort, and the freedom to hop on and off those Japan bullet 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 (roughly a bit more than half a mile), but as your adventure takes you on longer trips, the cost decreases to under ¥10.
Limited express fee (tokkyū ryōkin)
If you'll 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!
🍣 Japan Essentials🍣
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Written By: Dayday Africa
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