The Shinkansen fare will be paid from your registered credit card at the time of purchase. Credit card payments need to be made by the member himself/herself; therefore card holders must be 18 or over. It is recommended to use a regular credit card for registration.

Yes, you can absolutely purchase Shinkansen tickets using a credit card, and it has become the preferred method for many international travelers in 2026. Most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB, are accepted at the "Midori-no-madoguchi" (green-signed ticket offices) and the multifunction ticket vending machines found in all Shinkansen stations. When using a machine, you will typically need to know your credit card’s 4-digit PIN to complete the transaction. For those who prefer digital convenience, tickets can be purchased in advance via official platforms like the Smart EX app or the JR-West Online Train Reservation site. These platforms allow you to link your credit card and even register an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) to your ticket for a paperless entry through the ticket gates. It is important to note that while credit cards are widely accepted for Shinkansen fares, smaller regional stations or local bus connections in rural Japan might still rely on cash, so it is always wise to carry a backup of Japanese Yen for the final legs of a journey beyond the bullet train lines.