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Shinkansen: How to Buy Bullet Train Tickets 2024
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The Shinkansen, Japan's bullet train, is a high-speed train that allows passengers to travel comfortably over long distances in the shortest time possible. Read on to learn how to book and buy Shinkansen tickets online or at the station in all areas of Japan.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
If you want to travel in Japan fast and in comfort, use the Shinkansen (bullet train). It offers comfortable seats and a pleasant ride to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, as well as cities and towns in the Tohoku and Kyushu regions.
Guide to Using the Shinkansen in Japan
1. Shinkansen Route Map 2024
2. How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets Online
3. Seat Types on the Shinkansen
4. Shinkansen Tickets: Description
5. Using a JR Pass to Ride the Shinkansen
6. How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets at the Station
- Midori no Madoguchi (JR Ticket Office)
- Using Ticket Machines
7. How to Use Your Shinkansen Ticket
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1. Shinkansen Route Map 2024
This is the map of Shinkansen lines in Japan. The Shinkansen network is constantly expanding, with the latest addition being the Kanazawa - Tsuruga interval on the Hokuriku Line, which began operation in April 2024.
Check the area you wish to visit and which Shinkansen line you need to take before purchasing your ticket.
Read on to learn about the Shinkansen ticket types and how to buy them online or at station counters in Japan.
2. How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets Online
The Shinkansen will be crowded during the New Year period, Golden Week in the spring, the Obon Festival in mid-August, and on national holidays. Additionally, reserved seats may even be fully booked on weekends, so we recommend making reservations in advance.
If you're not using a Japan Rail Pass, then you'll buy your bullet train tickets individually. You can book your Shinkasen tickets on the activity booking site Klook.
Seat reservation window on Klook
Those who want to enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Fuji can directly select the seats with a view of Mount Fuji when booking online through Klook, and there's no additional charge!
3. Seat Types on the Shinkansen
There are three types of seats on the Shinkansen: reserved seats, non-reserved seats, and green seats.
On most Shinkansen trains, the non-reserved seats are located in the first three cars, and passengers can sit wherever they prefer. The fare is cheaper (by about 500 yen) than for a reserved seat.
However, during the peak travel seasons, such as at the end of December, New Year holidays, and the Golden Week in spring, all the non-reserved seats may be taken and some of the passengers may have to stand until they reach their destinations.
The Tohoku Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo to northern Japan, does not have non-reserved seats, so be sure to check in advance which Shinkansen you need to ride.
The number of green seats is limited on each train, and the fare is more expensive (by a few thousand yen) than for a reserved seat. A green seat is wider than a reserved/non-reserved seat, so passengers can enjoy a pleasant, quiet ride.
4. Shinkansen Tickets: Description
To ride the Shinkansen, you need two tickets: a passenger ticket and a limited express ticket.
The passenger ticket indicates the car and seat numbers along with the arrival station. The limited express ticket is required to ride particularly fast trains such as the Shinkansen.
To ride a Shinkansen and/or a limited express train, you will purchase the two types of tickets mentioned above, although there is also a single, integrated type of ticket for some trains.
As shown in the photograph above, passengers will be asked to present their tickets to the train attendant, who will come to check your tickets during the ride.
5. Using the JR Pass to Ride the Shinkansen
If you're visiting Japan and wish to explore various areas during your trip, we recommend using the Japan Rail Pass. This pass allows the user to ride various trains on the JR lines, including the Shinkansen. The price for a seven-day pass is 50,000 yen.
If you want to travel by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakata in Fukuoka (one way 25,590 yen) or from Tokyo to Hakodate in Hokkaido (one way 25,210 yen) and back, and also explore those areas for a few days using JR lines, then the JR Pass is a great deal.
To obtain the Japan Rail Pass, you need to purchase an Exchange Order before your arrival in Japan from designated sales travel or online from booking sites like Japan Experience or Klook:
On the other hand, if you plan to explore a particular area in Japan over several days, consider using one of the convenient regional passes offered by Japan Railways, which we introduce below. Holders of these JR passes can also use the Shinkansen with no additional charges.
- 5-Day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) for Tokyo, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Fukushima, Aomori, Yamagata, Akita, and other area in northeastern Japan
- 5-Day JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata Area) for Tokyo, Saitama, Nagano, Niigata, and other areas north of Tokyo
- 5-Day JR Kansai WIDE Pass for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Tottori, Takamatsu, and other areas in western Japan
- 5-Day JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass for Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Okayama, Wakayama, and other areas in Western Japan
- JR Kyushu Rail Pass for Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Beppu, adn other areas in Kyushu
- JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (5 or 7 Days) for Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru, Asahikawa, and other areas in Hokkaido
- JR East and South Hokkaido Rail Pass for areas in eastern Japan such as Nikko, Fukushima, Sendai, and Yamagata, plus southern Hokkaido, including the Sapporo area.
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Making Shinkansen Ticket Reservations with a JR Pass
The simplest way to make a Shinkansen seat reservation once you already have a JR Pass is at a JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) located within major JR stations in Japan.
Be sure to arrive early at the station on the day of departure to have time for your seat reservation and receive your ticket.
6. Buying Shinkansen Tickets at the Station
If you plan to buy Shinkansen tickets at the station after you arrive in Japan, go to the Midori no madoguchi (JR ticket office) or use the ticket machine.
Please be aware that the Shinkansen bullet train is operated by Japan Railways (JR) only, so make sure that the station of purchase is a JR train station. Shinkansen tickets cannot be purchased from stations operated by other railway companies than JR.
Midori no Madoguchi (JR Ticket Office)
The Midori no madoguchi at Ueno Station
Midori no madoguchi is a ticket office located at major stations in the JR network.
Pro: You will be able to talk to an attendant who can offer additional information for your trip.
Con: You may have to wait in line. The attendant may speak only Japanese.
Using the Ticket Machines
The Shinkansen ticket machine at Kyoto Station
The photograph shows the ticket machines located at Shinkansen stations, which handle tickets for reserved, non-reserved, and green seats. The ticket machine display can be switched to English.
You may not have to wait in line at the ticket machine, but have your itinerary ready, as operating the machine can be complicated at times.
The timetable for the trains is displayed on one of the monitors, so be sure to check it at the time of purchase.
Pro: The display can be switched to English. It is less crowded than the JR ticket office.
Con: The operation can be slightly complicated.
7. How to Use Your Shinkansen Ticket
There is an exclusive ticket gate for Shinkansen trains at the station, which is separated from other ticket gates. Just slide both tickets at a time into the gate.
Check the electric bulletin board, which displays the timetable, and head to your Shinkansen platform. If you have a non-reserved seat ticket, find where the non-reserved cars are located in the train, and wait in line.
There are kiosks nearby the ticket gates selling beverages and bentos (packed lunch boxes). It's a good idea to buy some snacks before boarding the train. Food and beverages can also be purchased aboard the Shinkansen.
After boarding the train, there will be nothing left to do but relax and enjoy the scenery.
Enjoy Your Ride on the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen makes traveling in Japan so much easier. Be sure to make all the necessary preparations and then enjoy your trip to the fullest!
FAQ
Why are there two tickets for Shinkansen?
To travel by Shinkansen or limited express train, you will need a "base fare ticket" and an "express train ticket". There are two types of express tickets: one for reserved seats and the other for non-reserved seats. The base fare is the same for any type of train operated by JR on that particular distance. For example, you can travel from Tokyo to Atami by either rapid train or Shinkansen and the base fare for both of them is 1,980 yen; however, if you choose the Shinkansen, the express ticket (1,760 yen for an unreserved seat) will add up making it a total of 3,740 yen. In other words, on a regular train that is not an express or Shinkansen, you would only pay the base fare.
Can you buy food on Shinkansen?
Yes, food and drinks can be purchased on Shinkansen trains from the onboard food and beverage carts, which offer a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. These carts typically move through the train cars during the journey, providing passengers with the opportunity to purchase a range of options, including bento boxes, sandwiches, noodles, and assorted drinks. Some Shinkansen services also feature vending machines within the train cars, offering additional refreshments and snacks for purchase.
Do I need to reserve seats on Shinkansen?
"It is generally recommended to reserve seats on Shinkansen trains, especially if you are traveling during peak periods, holidays, or on popular routes. Seat reservations ensure that you have a guaranteed seat, allowing for a more comfortable and stress-free journey. Additionally, reserved seats provide the flexibility to choose your preferred seating arrangement and ensure that you can travel with your companions together, if applicable.
While unreserved seating options are available on certain Shinkansen services, they are subject to availability and may result in a more crowded experience, particularly during busy travel periods. Therefore, reserving seats in advance is advisable, especially for long-distance or intercity travel."
Is there a limit to the luggage I can bring on the Shinkansen?
You may bring up to two pieces of baggage on board free of charge. For each bag the total of the length, width and height must not exceed 250 centimeters, the length must not exceed two meters and the weight must be no more than 30 kilograms.
Is there Wi-Fi in Shinkansen?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on most Shinkansen and express trains operated by JR. This complimentary Wi-Fi is available in both standard and green car (first-class) cars, providing passengers with convenient connectivity while on board. However, it's important to note that connectivity may vary depending on the specific Shinkansen service or route. The connection tends to be unstable in mountainous areas when the bullet train runs through tunnels.
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Main image by Pixta
Original text written by Miki Takeshita
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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