How to buy Shinkansen ticket — the question many first-time visitors to Japan ask when planning a trip. Whether it’s for a business meeting in Osaka or a holiday escape to Kyoto, understanding how to navigate the Shinkansen ticket system can save time and stress. This guide walks you through the basics: from ticket types and seat classes to where and how to purchase them.
This article is based on the information provided by East Japan Railway Company
*When you purchase products mentioned in the article, a portion of the sales may be returned to belongingJAPAN through an affiliate program.
Table of Contents
For other how-to-guide, please take a look at below.
1. Basic Types of Shinkansen Tickets
When learning how to buy Shinkansen ticket, it’s important to understand that you generally need two types of tickets to ride the bullet train in Japan:
Basic Fare Ticket (乗車券 / Jōshaken)
This ticket covers the standard fare between your departure and arrival stations. It’s based on the distance traveled. For regular trains and subways, this ticket alone is often enough. However, when using the Shinkansen, you’ll need an additional ticket.
Super (Limited) Express Ticket (特急券 / Tokkyūken)
This ticket is specifically required for riding the Shinkansen. It covers the additional fee for the speed, comfort, and reserved seating that come with the Shinkansen.
In most cases, if both the Basic Fare Ticket and the Super Express Ticket are for the same route, they may be issued together as a single integrated ticket.
| English | Kanji | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic Fare Ticket |
乗車券 |
Jyoshaken |
|
Super (Limited) Express Train Ticket |
特急券 |
Tokkyuken |
2. Types of Super (limited) express train ticket
A super (limited) express ticket has two types: reserved and non-reserved. The boarding areas for reserved and non-reserved seats are separated for each car of the Shinkansen. For reserved seats, “指定席” is written in Kanji on the outside of the Shinkansen car and on the aisle, whereas for non-reserved seats, “自由席” is written in Kanji. With reserved seats, you can secure your preferred seat in advance, while with non-reserved seats, you cannot select a specific seat but can purchase them at a lower price. During busy times such as holidays, summer vacation, Golden Week, and New Year’s, it may be difficult to board or you may end up standing, so it is recommended to purchase reserved seats according to the season and travel time.
| English | Kanji | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
|
Shinkansen Super Express Reserved Seat Ticket |
指定席特急券 |
Shiteiseki Tokkyuken |
|
Shinkansen Super Express Non-Reserved Seat Ticket |
自由席特急券 |
Jiyuseki Tokkyuken |
3. Basic Types of Seats on the Shinkansen
When researching how to buy Shinkansen ticket, understanding the available seat types helps you choose the option that fits your travel style and budget. The Shinkansen offers three main seating options:
Ordinary Car (普通車 / Futsūsha)
This is the standard class. It includes:
Non-Reserved Seats (自由席 / Jiyūseki): First-come, first-served. These are more affordable but can be crowded during peak travel times.
Reserved Seats (指定席 / Shiteiseki): Guaranteed seating with assigned seats, ideal during holidays or busy hours.
Seats in the Ordinary Car are arranged in rows of 3 + 2 across the aisle, totaling five seats per row.
Green Car (グリーン車 / Gurīnsha)
The Green Car is the first-class section of the Shinkansen. It features:
More legroom and wider seats
2 + 2 seating arrangement (four seats per row)
Larger armrests and a quieter atmosphere, making it popular with business travelers
Power outlets at every seat for charging laptops and devices
On top of the basic fare ticket, each seat requires the following tickets:
| Car | Seat Type | Types of Tickets |
|---|---|---|
|
Ordinary Car |
Reserved Seat |
Shinkansen Super Express Reserved Seat Ticket |
|
Ordinary Car |
Non-Reserved Seat |
Shinkansen Super Express Non-Reserved Seat Ticket |
|
Green Car |
Reserved Seat |
Shinkansen Super Express Reserved Seat Ticket and Green Car Ticket |
4. Gran Class
Not every Shinkansen train has a GranClass car, but you can enjoy this premium service on the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen (Series E5 and H5), Hokuriku Shinkansen (Series E7 and W7), and Joetsu Shinkansen (Series E7).
With GranClass, you can enjoy premium services such as being welcomed aboard with complimentary water, snacks, and a wet towel. Additionally, you’ll receive a light meal during your journey. The seats in GranClass are wider and more comfortable compared to standard seating. For further informaiton, please refer to the GranClass website.
| Car | Seat Type | Types of Tickets |
|---|---|---|
|
GranClass |
Reserved Seat |
Shinkansen Super Express Reserved Seat Ticket and Green Car Ticket (GranClass) |
5. How to buy Shinkansen ticket?
Midorino-Madoguchi / みどりの窓口
One of the most reliable ways to buy a Shinkansen ticket is by visiting the Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口) — the ticket office located in major JR stations across Japan. Here, you can speak directly with a JR staff member to purchase your ticket.
Although it’s not an online method, using the Midori no Madoguchi can make the process simpler, especially for first-time travelers. You can ask questions in person, clarify routes, and confirm seat types — which is helpful, as Japan’s train network can be quite complex.
You can check where Midorino-Madoguchi here. The website is only available in Japanese. Please use a browser translator.
Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine / 指定席券売機
Another convenient way to buy a Shinkansen ticket is by using the Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines located near the ticket gates at major JR stations. These machines are user-friendly and typically offer language support in English, Korean, and Chinese, making them accessible for international travelers.
Using the vending machines is a quick option if you want to avoid lines at the counter. You can select your route, date, time, and seat preference all through the touchscreen interface.
JR Online Services
Each JR company offers official online services. Since each Shinkansen line is operated by different JR companies, there are separate websites for each line.
| Official Site | Routes | URL |
|---|---|---|
|
Ekinet / えきねっと |
All lines |
|
|
EX Press Yoyaku / EX PRESS予約 |
Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu Shinkansen |
|
|
JR Odekake Net |
Hokuriku, Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu Shinkansen |
|
|
JR Kyushu Internet Yoyaku / JR九州インターネット予約 |
Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu Shinkansen |
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Point to note
For example, with Ekinet, you can link your IC card or Mobile Suica to an e-ticket, or choose a paper ticket. Paper tickets can be tricky because you need to go to a Midori no Madoguchi (ticket office) or a Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine.
If you live in Tokyo and purchase a Shinkansen ticket from Osaka to Fukuoka, you won’t be able to get the ticket in Tokyo. Additionally, there are restrictions such as:
- You cannot receive tickets at stations without a Midori no Madoguchi or Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine.
- You cannot pick up tickets at JR West (except the Hokuriku area), JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu, or non-JR train companies (like Izu Kyuko Line or Fujikyu Railway Line).
If you can’t get your ticket, you’ll need to buy a new one at the station. While refunds are possible, you will need to apply separately.
Todokippu
To address the disadvantages of paper tickets mentioned above, there is a service called ‘Todokippu.’ This service allows you to reserve Shinkansen tickets online and have them delivered to you by mail.
Many people find online ticket booking websites complicated and difficult to navigate. While e-tickets are fine for frequent travelers, Todokippu is a good option for those who don’t often ride the Shinkansen or don’t want to wait in line at the Midori no Madoguchi.
The downside of Todokippu is the 550 yen delivery fee and handling charge. However, you can save money with special offers, so it’s worth checking out if you’re interested.
Latest Campaign:
- Summer campaign, 10% off the handring charge
- Free delivery fee
Here is an example of purchasing a Shinkansen ticket. The total price is shown in the table below (as of July 19th, 2024). It is a ticket from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka using the Nozomi train on August 13th at 10:00.
Currently, Todokippu is offering an 8% discount on handling fees and free delivery, so the price reflects these discounts. Unlike Eki-net, which requires registration, Todokippu does not.
If you’re interested in Todokippu, please find the URL or banner below.
| Eki-net | Todokippu | |
|---|---|---|
|
Total |
¥14,920 |
¥16,458 |
|
Tokyo – ShinOsaka / Nozomi |
¥14,920 |
14,720 |
|
Handring Charge |
– |
1,738 |
|
Delivery Fee |
– |
Free with campaign |
|
Registration |
Must Register |
No Need |
