Planning a trip to Japan? Wondering if you can buy train tickets in advance? Not only can you purchase Shinkansen tickets online before your departure, but it’s also highly recommended and convenient.
Traveling by train in Japan is a delight and the best way to get around between cities. For quick trips between major cities, like Tokyo to Kyoto, Shinkansen (bullet trains) are the top choice. These world-renowned trains are a class of their own, and riding them is an integral part of the Japanese travel experience.
Japan offers tourists the option of purchasing a train pass called the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel throughout the country on JR line trains (including Shinkansen) within a specified period (7, 14, or 21 days).
Due to price increases in October 2023, it’s crucial to assess whether or not purchasing the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your trip.
A better solution might be to purchase Shinkansen tickets individually and book them from Italy before your departure, in combination with purchasing regional train passes.
In this article, I’ll explain in detail how to book Shinkansen tickets in Japan or from home, even without the Japan Rail Pass.
Shinkansen Types
Renowned worldwide for their exceptional speed (reaching up to 320km/h), punctuality, efficiency, comfort, and safety, Shinkansen bullet trains are the epitome of Japanese travel.
Nine Shinkansen lines connect Japan’s major cities:
- Tokaido Shinkansen: Linking Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka
- Akita Shinkansen
- Joetsu Shinkansen
- Hokkaido Shinkansen
- Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Kyushu Shinkansen
- Sanyo Shinkansen
- Tohoku Shinkansen
- Yamagata Shinkansen
Except for the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen, all Shinkansen lines operate on dedicated tracks.
When is Shinkansen seat reservations mandatory?
Japan Railways has established a rule, effective from May 2020, that requires passengers with luggage measuring 161cm to 250cm (as the sum of height, length and width) to make advance seat reservations.
The rule applies when traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen, Sanyo Shinkansen and Kyushu Shinkansen, and was implemented to improve the travel experience for passengers.
If your luggage measures over 250cm, you will need to use a baggage delivery service.
Size | Mandatory Reservation |
---|---|
Under 160cm | No |
161 to 250cm | Yes |
Over 250cm | Not Allowed |
Where to buy Shinkansen train tickets online?
There are several services where you can check Shinkansen schedules and purchase tickets online. The two best options are Klook and Smart-EX.
I recommend booking your Shinkansen seats in advance, especially if you’re traveling without a Japan Rail Pass. This is the most convenient solution, as you can plan your travels in detail before departure.
Alternatively, you can purchase tickets directly in Japan, which I will explain in the next paragraphs.
–> Purchase Shinkansen tickets on Klook
For traveling between cities within a region, I recommend purchasing regional passes:
- JR West Kansai Area Pass (for Kyoto, Nara and Osaka)
- JR East Nagano / Niigata Area Pass (for the Nagano and Niigata areas)
- JR East Tohoku Area Pass (covering the cities of Yamagata, Sendai, Morioka, Akita and Shin-Aomori)
- JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (for exploring the Hokkaido region)
- JR Kyushu Rail Pass (for exploring the Kyushu region)
How to book a Shinkansen with the Japan Rail Pass
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can travel in second class (Ordinary car) without needing a reservation.
If you would like to reserve a seat, travel in first class (Green car), or have luggage sized 161-250cm, you can book tickets online through the official Japan Rail Pass website.
Alternatively, you can easily make reservations at the ticket machines when you’re in Japan. I’ve included a quick video below on how to reserve Shinkansen seats with a Japan Rail Pass.
Klook.comWhere to buy train tickets in Japan?
If you have not purchased a Japan Rail Pass and do not intend to pre-purchase train tickets, you can do so at the automated ticket machines or ticket offices in Japan.
Going to a ticket office can be helpful, especially if you have difficulty using the machines and want to ask about schedules and train changes.
If you’ve checked the schedules online and just want to purchase the ticket, make sure to arrive at the ticket office well in advance to avoid missing your train. During peak hours, there may be long lines, especially at the busier stations.
How far in advance should you book tickets and reserve seats?
You can reserve Shinkansen tickets starting from one month in advance up until shortly before the train’s departure.
If you’re traveling in Japan during national holidays like Obon (mid-August), Golden Week (late April to early May), or New Year’s, I recommend booking your trains at least 3-4 days in advance.
Booking Shinkansen tickets in advance is particularly recommended for anyone traveling in a group (3-4 people), especially if you want to travel worry-free.
Differences between Green car and Ordinary car tickets
When booking seats on Japanese trains, you can choose between Green car (first class) and Ordinary car (second class).
Green car tickets need to be reserved in advance, while you can board the Ordinary cars of the Shinkansen without a reservation.
The services offered to Green car passengers include extra luggage space, more legroom, larger and more reclinable seats, reading lights, and snacks and beverages.
The price difference between second and first class is around 30%.
How to book the Narita Express
You can purchase a ticket for the Narita Express at the Narita airport station (terminals 1, 2 and 3), at JR ticket offices, at the automated machines in the station, or at tourist information centers.
You can also pre-book a Narita Express ticket online through the Klook.com website or the official JR East website.
The cost of the Narita Express to reach Shinjuku station in Tokyo is around €20 for 1 adult in second class with a reserved seat, and is included if you have a Japan Rail Pass.
How much do Shinkansen tickets cost?
The cost of Shinkansen tickets can vary depending on the train type and the distance traveled.
The route from Tokyo station to Kyoto station on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (with the Nozomi train) costs 14,170 yen for 1 adult (around €85-90).
A journey from Kyoto to Hiroshima on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (with the Nozomi train) costs 11,940 yen (around €70-75) for 1 adult.
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