Is it possible to buy Shinkansen tickets on the day?

You can buy Shinkansen tickets at the station until just before departure, so long as they're available. This can be accomplished at a ticket counter or at special ticket machines. There are pros and cons to both methods. However, it is good to know how to buy tickets from the automated vending machines.



People Also Ask

Passengers can buy Shinkansen tickets from ticket counters, ticket machines or online. Foreign visitors are entitled to buy a JR Pass, which offers unlimited access to all Shinkansen trains. The JR Pass is great value for money, covering unlimited journeys during its validity.

MORE DETAILS

Even the Shinkansen (bullet trains) are equipped with several non-reserved seats cars that you can ride with your JR Pass, without booking ticket. However, it is recommended to book a seat in the Shinkansen when traveling during Japan's national holiday's periods.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, especially for weekend travel and during peak seasons, Shinkansen services can be fully booked. In this case, it may be possible to ride with a non-reserved seat ticket, if you are willing to stand for the entire journey! We don't sell these, so please purchase at the station if you don't want a reserved seat.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Therefore, if you are planning on taking a seat at a Non – Reserved seat, you should line up at Car 2, on the closer side to Car 3, because that way you will have a high chance at getting a seat in Car 3 and even if you couldn't, you can always go to Car 3 and maybe there find an open seat.

MORE DETAILS

Some trains might have a stop as brief as 1 minute, while others might stop 5 to 10 minutes due to waiting for other Shinkansen to pass. Regardless, arriving at the platform about 15 minutes before the departure time provides ample mental and physical preparation.

MORE DETAILS

You can easily book reserved seats on the Shinkansen from one month before right up to the departure time of your chosen train. However, during peak national holidays such as the Golden Week, New Year, or Obon, we recommend booking 3-4 days in advance.

MORE DETAILS

All Shinkansen trains are covered by the JR Pass. The Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (Tokaido and Sanyo lines) are also included, subject to purchase of a special complementary ticket. JR Pass holders wishing to travel free on these lines can board local and semi-fast trains.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

In the event of a suspension in services or a delay of 2 hours or more, we will refund the amounts determined below to the credit card used to make payment.

MORE DETAILS

Save on the shinkansen with an EX-IC card In many cases, flying is cheaper than riding there by bullet train. The easiest way to save on shinkansen costs is with an EX-IC card. You pay a deposit to get issued the card. Then, you download the EX App to your phone.

MORE DETAILS

Above all else, the Shinkansen has a remarkable safety record. These Shinkansens have now operated for 50 years, over 18,000 days, without a single passenger casualty.

MORE DETAILS

Throughout Japan, rush hour typically lasts from 7 AM to 9 AM each morning, and 5 PM to 7 PM each evening. These are the times when many residents and going and coming from secular employment. The morning rush hour tends to be a bit heavier than the evening rush hour.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS