Buying Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets is simple, and there are several ways to do it. Whether you’re traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, or beyond, here’s everything you need to know before boarding.
Option 1: Buy at the Station
The easiest option for many travelers is to buy tickets at the station.
You can purchase tickets from:
- JR ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi)
- Shinkansen ticket machines
Most machines have English, Chinese, and Korean language options, making the process straightforward.
Option 2: Book Online
If you’d like to reserve your seat before arriving in Japan, online booking is a great option.
Popular booking methods include:
- SmartEX (for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen)
- JR East Train Reservation (for eastern Japan)
- Klook
Booking online is especially helpful during busy travel seasons when trains may sell out.
Reserved or Non-Reserved?
When purchasing your ticket, you’ll usually choose between two seating options.
Reserved Seat
- Guaranteed seat
- Choose your departure time
- Recommended for families and travelers with luggage
- Best during weekends and holidays
Non-Reserved Seat
- Usually a little cheaper
- Sit in any available seat within the designated cars
- If all seats are occupied, you may need to stand
Green Car
For a more comfortable journey, you can upgrade to the Green Car, which is similar to first class.
Benefits include:
- Larger seats
- More legroom
- Quieter atmosphere
- Extra comfort for longer journeys
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For most weekdays, buying your ticket on the day of travel is usually fine.
However, it’s a good idea to reserve early if you’re traveling:
- During cherry blossom season
- During Golden Week
- During Obon holidays
- Around New Year
- On weekends
- With oversized luggage
Picking Up Your Ticket
If you book online, follow the instructions provided by the booking service.
Depending on how you booked, you may:
- Use a QR code
- Collect your ticket from a machine
- Link your reservation to an IC card
- Receive a digital ticket
Can I Use an IC Card?
An ordinary IC card such as Suica or Welcome Suica cannot be used by itself to ride the Shinkansen.
However, on some routes and booking services, your Shinkansen reservation can be linked to your IC card, allowing you to pass through the ticket gate by simply tapping your card.
If you’re traveling with family or carrying large suitcases, reserve your seats in advance whenever possible. Not only will you be guaranteed seats together, but you’ll also have a better chance of reserving oversized luggage space on routes where it’s required. Booking a few days ahead can make your journey much more relaxing.
