Buying Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets in Japan is easy and tourist-friendly! Here’s a complete guide in English on how to buy Shinkansen tickets:
🚄 1. Buy at Ticket Machines (Easy & Fast)
- Found at major JR stations
- Touch-screen machines with English language
- Accept cash or credit card
🧾 Steps:
- Select language
- Choose departure and arrival stations
- Choose date, time, and train
- Choose seat type:
- Reserved Seat (Shitei-seki)
- Non-reserved Seat (Jiyū-seki)
- Pay and print your ticket
✅ Best for tourists who prefer self-service
🧑💼 2. Buy at the JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi – みどりの窓口)
- Located in all major JR train stations
- Talk to a JR staff member (some speak English)
- You can ask for help, seat preferences, etc.
Just say: “I’d like a ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on [date/time], please.”
🌐 3. Buy Online (Before or During Trip)
🛜 Official JR Booking Sites:
- JR East Train Reservation (Tokyo, Tohoku)
- JR West (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima)
- SmartEX – Covers all major lines, easy for tourists
Steps:
- Create an account
- Search route/date/time
- Choose seat type (reserved, non-reserved, Green Car)
- Pay with credit card
- Pick up tickets at machines in Japan with QR code & passport
🎟️ 4. Use a Japan Rail Pass (if you have one)
- Buy Japan Rail Pass before you arrive in Japan
- Covers most Shinkansen trains except Nozomi & Mizuho
- Reserve seats for free at:
- Ticket machines
- JR Ticket Offices
- JR Travel Centers
Must show your passport and JR Pass when reserving
🪑 Shinkansen Seat Types
| Seat Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Reserved (自由席) | First-come-first-serve; cheaper |
| Reserved Seat (指定席) | Assigned seat; more secure |
| Green Car | First-class; spacious & quiet |
🧳 Luggage Tip
- If your suitcase is over 160 cm (total dimensions), you must reserve a special seat with luggage space.
- Ask for “oversized baggage area seat” at time of booking.
💡 Travel Tips
- Arrive at the platform 10–15 minutes early
- Shinkansen trains are punctual to the second
- Food and drinks allowed on board
- Toilets, Wi-Fi, and vending machines available
