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When you take Shinkansen, Limited Express train or Express train, you may take a reserved seat. Though some of the express train have a non-reserved seat, you should better take an reserved seat if you can. If you are Japan Rail Pass user, why don’t you take a reserve seat. Japan Rail Pass includes a reserved seat surcharge. You should use it! And also I strongly recommend to secure your seat especially in peak season, such as late April to the first week of May, August 10 to 20 (It is called “Obon” in Japan. It is a Summer vacation week) and December 29 to the first week of January.

Let’s learn how to get a reserved seat.

Before you make a reservation

If you are Japan Rail Pass user, you need to turn in your exchange order to actual Japan Rail Pass. You need to show your pass when you make a reservation. Once you turned in, you can go ahead to make a reservation any reservation window and anytime. But if you use JR Easts’ online reservation, you don’t need to have an actual pass. Please see the below to see the details about online reservation.

Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口)

Where you can

You can make an reservation at the reservation office that is called “Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口)”. You can find “Midori no Madoguchi” very easily. You will find a big green sign easily like the above image. “Midori no Madoguchi” is located at most of major stations. If you are in major cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, you cannot miss “Midori no Madoguchi”. You know why? Almost every stations have “Midori no Madoguchi”. You don’t need to worry that you cannot find it.

What kind of information you need

Please make sure the following infomation before you make an reservation:

• Date and time
• Train name and number
  This is not required. But if you want to take the specific train, please tell the train name and number. It’s much easier to make a reservation. Every express trains have the combination of the name and number like “Hikari 246″.
• Departure and Arrival Stations
• Smoking or Non Smoking
  It’s good news for the smoker. Some JR trains still have the smoking seat. But it’s getting strict for smoking in Japan too. Especially in downtown Tokyo smoking during walking is the against regulation. Plaese be careful!
• Passport
  Japan Rail Pass Holder always have to have a passport! You need to show it when a station officer or a conductor want to see it.

When you can

You can make an reservation anytime within one month prior the departure date. The ticket is started to sell one month prior to departure date at 10:00am

ex1)
Departure date — August 23, 2011 at 10:00 am. Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka
Ticket is started to sell at 10:00 am on July 23, 2011.

ex2)
Departure date — August 24, 2011 at 00:34 am. Sunrise Seto from Osaka to Tokyo
Ticket is started to sell at 10:00 am on July 23, 2011, not July 24. Because this train originally depart from Takamatsu at 21:26 on August 23. Be careful when you reserve the ticket for overnight trains.

Most of trains can be reserved at Midori no Madoguchi only. So you need to be in Japan when you book. Only JR East offer online reservation service. Even if you are Japan Rail Pass user, you can make a reservation in advance.

Online booking

JR East Shinkansen Reservation

This online reservation system is operated by JR East. Unfortunately this JR East Shinkansen Reservation is only English online reservation for Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass and single ticket users. You can book your seat for these following trains only.

• Hayabusa, Hayate, Yamabiko and Nasuno on Tohoku Shikansen (Tokyo-Shinaomori)
• Toki and Tanigawa on Joetsu Shikansen (Tokyo-Niigata)
• Asama on Nagano Shinkansen (Tokyo-Nagano)
• Komachi on Akita Shikansen (Tokyo-Akita)
• Tsubasa on Yamagata Shinkansen (Tokyo-Shinjo)
• Narita Express (Narita airport-Tokyo/Shinjuku/Yokohama/other stations in greater Tokyo)
• Limited Express Hitachi (Fresh Hitachi and Super Hitachi) (Ueno-Mito/Iwaki/Sendai)
• Azusa, Super Azusa and Kaiji (Tokyo/Shinjuku-Kofu/Matsumoto/Minamiotari)
• Limited Express Hakutaka (Echigoyuzawa-Naoetsu)
• Limited Express Odoriko/Super Odoriko (Tokyo-Atami/Ito)
• Spacia Nikko, Nikko, Spacia Kinugawa and Kinugawa (Shinjuku-Omiya)

This site offer the seat reservation for the trains that operate in JR East area. So you CANNOT make a reservation for Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo-Kyoto or Osaka). And also there are some restriction. For example, you can make a booking for Nikko. This train goes to Nikko. But you can make a booking between Shinjuku and Omiya only. You cannot make a booking between Omiya and Nikko, because this train is operated on Non-JR line between Omiya and Nikko. So please read Guide (FAQ) before you make a booking.

Eki-net (えきねっと)

I have received a comment from one of my readers, Tak. He told me we can use this Japanese online reservation system even for Japan Rail Pass users. This online reservation is in Japanese. So unfortunately anyone cannot use. However some of my readers asked me that we can use a friend in Japan to make a reservation for Japan Rail Pass user in outside of Japan. Yes. You can do it now.
This reservation system cover all over Japan. So for example, you can book for Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin Osaka. We cannot do this in JR East Shinkansen Reservation. But this online reservation is not perfect. I tried to book for several overnight trains, like Sunrise Seto, Hokutosei and Twilight Express. I could get some of overnight trains. I found Akebono and Hokutosei. But this site showed only Type-B berth. It did not show me any compartment. I have received so many questions about Nobi Nobi seat of Sunrise Seto/Izumo and Carpet car of Hamanasu. But I could not make it for these trains.
So even if you have a friend in Japan or speak Japanese, you still cannot make a reservation for most of overnight trains.

jr-odekake.net (JRおでかけネット)

This way is also added by my reader, Tak. This is reservation call center by JR West. Unfortunately this is Japanese speakers only. I don’t think everyone can use this service. But some readers have a contact in Japan. So I would like to share this information with you.

I agree with Tak. Even though Japan Rail Pass cover surcharge and reservation fee, you need to pay. Because this reservation call center is basically for common users. They don’t take any request without pay. But if you have someone who speak Japanese and you really want to secure your seat, this way of booking may work for you.

How can we reserve a ticket from outside of Japan before departure?

As you saw, online reservation do not cover all trains. I really wish Japan Railway have full online reservation system!!!
Anyway, if you want to secure your seat before departure, you need to use a travel agent. This is only way to reserve a ticket before you depart from your country. It is not cheap. One of my frequent visitor, James in Australia, left very useful comment. I would like to share this information with you.

Do you think it’s rip off? But unfortunately this is only way to do it. You can find Japan Rail Pass authorized agent at JR Pass official site. They may be able to reserve a ticket for you too. But some of the agent do not want to reserve your seat. They want to book whole things, like hotel, air ticket, attraction tickets. Because it is too small profit to make a reservation for only train ticket.

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Narita 10 min from airport by complimentary shuttle
Karasuma Hotel Kyoto Traditional tatami room

Tokyo (Shijuku Shinagawa Asakusa Tokyo station Ginza Haneda airport Tokyo Disney Resort Odaiba )
Sapporo Hakodate Furano, Biei Kushiro Abashiri, Shiretoko
Sendai Hakone Yokohama Kusatsu Kawaguchiko (Fuji) Karuizawa Nagano Nagoya Kanazawa Takayama Shirakawago
Kyoto (Kyoto station Gion, Higashiyama Arashiyama )
Osaka (JR Osaka, Umeda Shin-Osaka Namba, Shinsaibashi USJ Kansai airport )
Kobe, Arima Kinosaki Hiroshima Miyajima
Hakata Nagasaki Beppu Yufuin

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132 Comments to “How to reserve the train seat of Japan Railway. Is Online reservation available for Japan Rail Pass user?”

1. Lorraine says:

   May 8, 2013 at 8:30 am

   Hello, your website has been really helpful.
   I just have a quick question.
   The Eki-net (えきねっと) that your friend provided you with.
   Does it only work with an address in Japan?
   I understand Japanese and would like to reserve seats before I get to Japan from Canada.
   As I need to reach Takayama on the day where I arrive at Narita so I don’t wish to end up stranded and unable to get tickets on the Shinkansen Hikari from Shinagawa to Nagoya and Nagoya to Takayama on the Hida Limited.

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     May 8, 2013 at 12:57 pm

     Hi Lorraine,

     Thank you for your comment about my website.

     If you register Eki-Net, address in Japan is required. When you register, you have to choose one of 47 prefecture in Japan.

     I understand you are not comfortable without reservation to arrive in Japan. But there is only way to book before departure.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
2. Bruno says:

   May 3, 2013 at 6:18 am

   Hi!

   I am traveling to Japan between the 5th and the 22nd of August (middle of obon >.<), so I'm thinking of reserving most of the ticket I will be using the moment I get to Japan (I going to Kamakura, Kyoto, Takayama and more). I'm thinking of getting a JR Pass.

   I have some questions:

   1) How much in advance should I reserve a seat? How much of a problem will be traveling on thos dates?

   2) Does the Midori no Madoguchi staff speaks english? My japanese is awfully basic.

   Thanks in advance!!

   Regards!
   Bruno

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     May 3, 2013 at 10:08 pm

     Hi Bruno,

     1. Ticket will be sold one month before departure date. So try to book it as early as possible after ticket starts to sell.
     In this year, these dates are expected to be the busiest.
     Aug 9 (Fri), Aug 10 (Sat) From Tokyo/Osaka and other major cities to outside. Because everybody will go back to hometown.
     Aug 16 (Fri), Aug 17 (Sat) Other direction. Everybody will be back.
     So try to avoid these dates and direction.

     2. Major stations in Tokyo, like Tokyo station, Shinjuku station, Narita will be okay. They know how to communicate with the tourist from outside of Japan. You will be fine at other stations. Even if they cannot speak English fluently, they will try to communicate. Things will be easier than what you think.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
3. Prashant says:

   April 24, 2013 at 10:13 pm

   Hi,

   I have a JR pass for me and my wife but as per advise by local travel agent, I dis not buy a JR pass for my 5 years old kid as the ticket is not required for kids less than 5 year old.

   Please let me know can we make reservation of seats for us or do we have to travel unreserved as I heard that if w etravel reserved, my kid’s tickets will have to be bought alongwith reservation.

   Can you please advise?

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     April 24, 2013 at 10:23 pm

     Hi Prashant,

     I visited Japan with my wife and my 4 years old daughter. I faced same situation but I bought child pass for my daughter.

     As your travel agent said, child under 6 years old travelling with adult is free. But basically you have to share your seats. If you take non reserved seat and there are lots of empty seats, you can use three seats. Of course, nobody knows you will get three seats or not. If you book reserved seat, you can book only two seats. That means sharing two economy class seats among three people, you, your wife and your kid. I think 5 years old kid cannot share the seat with one of the parents.

     The choice is yours. But if you want to secure seats for all part of your trip, I recommend you to buy one more pass for your kid.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
4. Lily says:

   March 16, 2013 at 1:11 pm

   Hi Takeshi-san,

   Great informative site!

   I am travelling during the Golden Week peak season. (Yikes!!) I am very scared that I won’t be able to get on any of the trains I wanted at specific times!

   I noticed you mentioned eki-net. I have relatives in Japan. Can they make my bookings for me now even though I have not exchanged my pass yet? (Just bought the voucher yesterday) Or is the website for only JR Pass already exchanged passengers?

   Because I am travelling during the peak days, I’d like to plan as advanced as possible as I am arriving on the 27th of April to Tokyo. By then I’m assuming the trains are all already reserved with everyone planning their holiday travel already!

   Please let me know, thank you!!!!

   Lily

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 16, 2013 at 2:58 pm

     Hi Lily,

     Thanks for you comment about this website.:)

     I am not 100% sure you can ask them. Technically you can ask your relatives to book it before your get the pass. As long as ticket is already sold, you can ask them to book it anytime.
     But when you pick up the ticket, they need to be with you because they have to show credit card to verify the booking. When they make a booking, they have to make an account on Eki net and register credit card information. Eki net do not charge to credit card until you pick up the ticket. I am worry about that Japan Rail Pass holder is different from person who booked. If JR East accept it, they can give the tickets to you. But if they want holder and booking person to be same, they don’t give the tickets at free of charge.

     The best way is that you give your credit card information to them and ask to make your account. And then they can book it under your account. Once they’ve done it, they don’t need to be with you because you can show your credit card by yourself.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
5. Yul says:

   March 11, 2013 at 8:04 am

   Hi Takeshi,

   When I look up fare for shinkansen Nozomi 225 (Tokyo-Shin osaka) using Hyperdia; It shows Total:¥ 14,250(Fare:¥ 8,510 Seat Fee:¥ 5,740).
   Is it the total fare using the reserved seat?? How much for non reserved ?

   Thanks,
   Yul

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 11, 2013 at 6:54 pm

     Hi Yul,

     It is total fare that you need to pay. If you take non reserved, the fare is 500 yen cheaper than reserved in normal season, 300 yen in peak season, 700 yen in shoulder season.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
6. stefano says:

   March 8, 2013 at 12:38 am

   hi, i need to buy one ticket from odawara to kyoto and from kyoto to kansai airport…can i buy directly in japan? thanks

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 8, 2013 at 12:45 am

     Hi Stefano,
     Yes, you can. Just go to station and purchase it.
     Cheers,
     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
7. Veronica says:

   March 6, 2013 at 6:36 am

   Hi,

   Can I purchase online ticket for below infor copy “Osaka-Takayama”new line?

   And also we have one more round trip between Osaka (大阪) and Takayama via Gifu and Gero. As of December 2012, the timetable is the following:
   Osaka 08:02 -> Takayama 12:13
   Takayama 15:36 -> Osaka 19:51

   I’ve check the fare using Hyperdia but don’t know how to make reservation. Arriving 12 Apr, traveling 13 Apr, to Takayama, worry too short of time to purchase upon arrival or not seat available as it’s only 1 train per day. Also still trying to book my 2nd night (14 Apr) accommodation.

   Thanking in advance.

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 6, 2013 at 7:32 am

     Hi Veronica,

     As I wrote above, only Odekake net is available for Wide View Hida. They said there are some staff who can speak English, but I think not always available. There is no online reservation available. Only speaking with them over the phone is the way that you can make.

     If you cannot make it, there are some non reserved seat. You may be able to get a seat in non reserved seat. Show up the station 30 minutes before departure time. It will be fine.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
8. Samara says:

   February 20, 2013 at 7:20 am

   If I have a seishun 18 kippu and I want to make a reservation for Moonlight Echigo… Do I need to pay at the time of reservation?

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     February 20, 2013 at 12:57 pm

     Hi Samara,
     If you book it at Midori no Madoguchi, you have to pay. If you use Ekinet, it is charged when you pick up the ticket.
     Cheers,
     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
9. Gary says:

   February 16, 2013 at 9:14 am

   Your help is so valuable, Takeshi! Some questions on Reservations:
   (1) Can you ask for a window seat whem making a reservation? (2) Can you ask for either left side or right side of the train–for rides along the sea,etc? (3) If you have a Green Car Pass, must you always sit in Green, or can you take an unreserved seat elsewhere if it happens to be a preferred location when you see it on the train?(4) For travel April 10-20, are the resrvation lines very long? What is a good time to avoid crowds at the ticket office?
   “Arigato”

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     February 16, 2013 at 10:40 am

     Hi Gary,

     1. Yes.
     2. Yes. But you need to know which side will be along the sea before booking. They know which side will be right or left. But they don’t have all information about scenery.
     3. Of course, you can take reserved/non reserved ordinary seat with Green Pass. Because there are lots trains that do not have Green class.
     4. It depends on the station. Usually around 10:00 am is the busiest. But you don’t need to worry about it. You can go there anytime. I have never waited the line for more than 10 minutes. Usually you can book it in less than 5 minutes.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
10. Lizzie says:

    February 4, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Hi there what a wonderful website. I have just seen that the 3,4,5 ,6 of may are public holidays. I need to travel from Tokyo to takayama on the 3rd. Do you think I will be able to reserve a seat when I arrive in Japan on the 30th of April or should I pay the fee and get a travel agent to reserve a seat. Thanks.

    Reply
    • JPRail says:

      February 4, 2013 at 8:50 pm

      Hi Lizzie,

      It is hard to say. Maybe 50:50. If I were you, I don’t ask the agent. I will try to book it after arrival. If I cannot make it, I will take non reserved seat.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      Reply

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