Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
You can buy Shinkansen tickets at the station on the day for most journeys, but booking ahead is wise for weekends, holidays, the cherry blossom and autumn seasons, and if you're travelling with large luggage. Here's how the main booking systems work.
Which website for which line?
| Lines | Booking service |
|---|---|
| Tokaido, Sanyo & Kyushu Shinkansen (Tokyo–Nagoya–Kyoto–Osaka–Hiroshima–Hakata–Kagoshima) | smartEX (JR Central / JR West / JR Kyushu) |
| Tohoku, Hokkaido, Joetsu, Yamagata, Akita and Hokuriku (to Kanazawa/Tsuruga) Shinkansen | JR-EAST Train Reservation |
| West Japan lines, Sanyo, Hokuriku and Kansai limited expresses | JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION |
| Kyushu lines | JR Kyushu Rail Pass / train reservation site |
Each service has an English version and accepts major foreign credit cards. You usually collect tickets at a station ticket machine (using a QR code or reservation number and the card you paid with) or, on smartEX, tap through the gates with a linked IC card.
Booking with smartEX (Tokyo–Osaka and beyond)
- Register an account with a credit card.
- Choose your route, date and train. Nozomi are fastest on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen.
- Pick a seat from the seat map or let the system assign one.
- Link an IC card (e.g. Suica) to ride ticketless, or collect paper tickets at a machine.
- Changes are generally free before departure (with limits); cancellations incur a small fee — check current rules.
Reserving seats with a JR Pass
JR Pass holders can reserve seats for free at ticket machines (many accept the pass), staffed ticket offices, and on the official JR Pass reservation website. Note that from October 2023 the nationwide pass covers Nozomi and Mizuho only if you buy a special supplementary ticket; otherwise use Hikari and Sakura services.
Best seats: Mt Fuji and more
- Mt Fuji view: travelling from Tokyo toward Kyoto/Osaka, sit on the right side — seat E in ordinary cars (window on the 3-seat side) or D in Green cars. The view is best between Shin-Fuji and Mishima, usually about 40–45 minutes after leaving Tokyo, on clear days.
- Legroom & space: seats at the back of each car (behind the last row) are where the oversized-luggage spaces are.
- Groups: rows of three (A–B–C) can be rotated to face each other.
Oversized luggage rules
On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, bags with total dimensions (length + width + height) over 160 cm (up to 250 cm) require a reserved "seat with oversized baggage area" at no extra charge. Boarding with such a bag without a reservation incurs a fee. Book these seats early — there are few per train. Alternatively, forward your luggage (see our luggage forwarding explainer).
Green Car and Gran Class
Green Car is first class: wider seats, more legroom and quieter cars, for a significant surcharge. Gran Class, on some JR East and Hokuriku trains, is an even more premium option. Useful on long journeys or when ordinary cars are full.
Non-reserved cars
Most Shinkansen have some non-reserved cars (jiyūseki), cheaper and fine off-peak. During peak periods such as New Year, Golden Week and Obon, some Nozomi services run all-reserved. See our how to ride the Shinkansen guide for the step-by-step on travel day.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the Shinkansen is Mt Fuji on?
Travelling from Tokyo toward Kyoto/Osaka, Mt Fuji is on the right side: seat E in ordinary cars. Travelling toward Tokyo, sit on the left side: seat A.
Do I need to book Shinkansen tickets in advance?
Not usually, except on busy dates, for oversized luggage seats, or when you want specific seats. Booking a few days ahead is sensible on weekends and holidays.
Can I book Shinkansen tickets online as a foreigner?
Yes. smartEX, JR-EAST Train Reservation and JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION have English sites and accept foreign credit cards.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: