How do I use my Shinkansen reserved ticket?

Scan the QR code on your JR Pass with the scanner on the 'Reserved Seat Ticket Machine' or enter the reservation number written on your JR Pass. Then enter your passport number. Enter your preferred departure time and destination and then choose your train.



Using a Shinkansen reserved seat ticket in 2026 is a two-step process involving the Ticket Gate and the Train Carriage. First, when entering the Shinkansen-only area of a station, you must insert both your base fare ticket and your limited express (reserved) ticket into the slot at the gate simultaneously (or scan your QR/IC card if using the Smart-EX app). The gate will return them to you; do not forget to take them. Once on the platform, look for the markings on the floor that indicate your car number (e.g., "Car 7"). Your reserved ticket will show a car number and a seat number (e.g., "Car 7, Seat 12-A"). Reserved cars are distinct from "Non-Reserved" cars (Jiyu-seki), so ensure you are in the correct section of the train. In 2026, if you are carrying "Oversized Baggage" (total dimensions over 160cm), your reserved ticket must specifically include a "Baggage Space" reservation, or you may be subject to a 1,000 yen fine and required to move your bags.

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There are no crowds on the intercity Shinkansen trains so free seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during the following peak seasons: April 27 to May 6. August 11-20.

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I'm using JR pass and reserved seats, what if I were to miss the train, can I change to the next train on the spot? Hi there, If you miss a train you have a reserved seat for, then you are allowed to board the next train and take a non-reserved seat.

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Yes you can change your reserved tickets at any time. Just go to the ticket window at any JR station and tell the staff you wish to make a change.

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You must order at least 3 days in advance before the day of travel. I would advise you to book your shinkansen tickets as far in advance as you can, during peak season like Christmas and New Year, cherry blossom season (April) and fall foliage season (November). It gets extremely busy and trains are often fully booked.

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Eating and drinking on Japanese trains You should eat on trains only when taking a long-distance train, such as the Shinkansen. These types of trains have a tray and cup holder at every seat, and snacks are sold from a vendor trolley. When taking this type of train, it is also acceptable to bring your own food.

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Seats can be reserved free of charge at station Midori no Mado Guchi ticket offices, recognisable by the green sign (see photo), or at Travel Service Centres and JR-associated Travel Agencies. Reservations cannot be made in English for most routes outside Japan, but you can reserve JR East trains here!

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You can put baggage whose overall dimensions are less than 160 cm (the same size as the baggage that can be carried for free in airplane holds) * on the overhead baggage rack of the Shinkansen.

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Out of the 16 carriages, the 3 carriages (Car 1 ~ 3) at the end of the whole train are designated as non-reserved seats, and the other 13 carriages (Car 4 ~ 16)are designated as reserved seats.

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Some trains do not have non-reserved seats (all seats are reserved). There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line (Shin-Osaka—Hakata), or on Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line.

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3. Booking Shinkansen tickets at the JR Station ticket machine. You may also choose to book your tickets directly while you're at the JR Station. All you have to do is find the ticket machines, which come with an English language option.

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Use the bullet train Tokaido Shinkansen to travel to Mt. Fuji right from the heart of Tokyo. On the left side, you will see mesmerizing Sagami Bay, and on the right side the symbol of Japan, the highest summit of the country, perfectly symmetrical Mount Fuji.

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Time of the day Shinkansen is generally more crowded in early morning and evening when people move to other cities after work and sightseeing.

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Pick up your tickets from a ticket vending machine at the Shinkansen transfer entrance. First insert your ticket into the Shinkansen ticket gate, then touch your registered IC card. The fare for the conventional line will be deducted from the balance on your IC card.

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We appreciate your cooperation. You may bring up to 2 baggage items with a total length, width, and height of up to 250 cm (up to 2 meters in length) and a weight of up to 30 kg. However, please reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area or oversized baggage compartment when carrying on oversized baggage.

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The high speed railway is called the Shinkansen and is known for its safety and reliability. In addition, the Shinkansen is well known for punctuality. As a matter of fact, the average delay of trains is less than one minutes every year.

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