When you take the Shinkansen or the limited express train, you may have to book a seat because some trains require you a seat reservation. Though some limited express trains have some non-reserved cars, you should book a reserved seat if you can.
Especially if you use JR Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR East Pass, Tokyo Wide Pass, Sanyo San’in Area Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass, these passes cover a reserved seat fee. Use this benefit to ride a train with a peace of mind.
I also strongly recommend you to secure a seat if you travel in the peak seasons, such as late April to the first week of May (a.k.a. Golden Week), August 10 to 20 (It is called “Obon” which is a summer break.) and the year-end/New Years holiday (December 29th to the first week of January.)
I would like to explain you how to book a reserved seat in this post
Before you make a reservation
If you intend to use Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass), JR East Pass, Tokyo Wide Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass, you MUST turn in your exchange order to the actual Pass before booking your seat. You have to show your pass when you make a reservation. Exchange order does not work to book a train seat. Once you turned in, you can go ahead to make a reservation at any reservation windows and anytime. But if you use JR Easts’ online reservation, you can book a seat in advance before exchanging an actual pass. I will explain about this online reservation site later in this post.
Explaination by movie
You can watch the movie below which explains you about the booking in the station:
If you buy the JR Pass on the official reservation site, you can book a seat online. I explain how to use this site in the movie below:
I explain how to use JR East online booking step by step in the movie below:
Where you can book
First of all, I would like to tell you how to book a seat at the station. I will explain you about online booking later in this post.
You can book a seat at the ticket 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 images above and below.
“Midori no Madoguchi” is located at most of major JR stations. If you are in major cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Fukuoka, Sapporo, you cannot miss “Midori no Madoguchi”. 99% of JR stations in these cities have “Midori no Madoguchi”. Some major stations have a few Midori no Madoguchi.
The signage is different in JR Central area.
If you travel in JR Central (JR東海) area, you cannot find Midori no Madoguchi. Because “Midori no Madoguchi” is JR East’s trademark and JR Central avoids to use it. In JR Central area, such as Nagoya, Mishima, Shizuoka, Gifu, Takayama, it is shown as “Shinkansen and JR Line Tickets (新幹線・JR線きっぷうりば)” like image below.
JR Central operates the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. JR Central has a ticket office outside JR Central operation area, such as Tokyo, Shin-Yokohama, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka. In these stations, you can find two different kinds of the ticket office, “Midori no Madoguchi” and “Shinkansen and JR Line Tickets”. But you can use either ticket office to book any JR train tickets. This difference does not matter.
What kind of information you need
Please make sure the following information before you make a 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 is much easier to make a reservation for the staff and you can save your time. All Shinkansen trains and most limited express trains have the combination of the name and number. e.g. “Hikari 246”. - Departure and Arrival Stations
- Smoking or Non Smoking
Smoking seat is still available on a few trains. If you really want to have a seat in the smoking car, you may ask a staff to look for. If you do not mention, usually you will be assigned a seat on non smoking car. If a seat is available on only smoking car, usually a staff let you know and make sure that you accept it or not. - Passport
If you use JR Pass or other JR passes, you always have to carry your passport. You may be asked to show it by a station officer or a conductor when they want to check it.
When you can start booking
You can make a reservation anytime within one month prior the departure date. The ticket is on sale one month prior to departure date at 10:00am
e.g.
Departure date — August 23 at 10:00 am. the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka
Ticket is on sale at 10:00 am on July 23.
e.g.
Departure date — August 24 at 00:34 am. Sunrise Seto from Osaka to Tokyo
Ticket is on sale at 10:00 am on July 23, not July 24. Because this train originally depart from Takamatsu at 21:26 on August 23. Overnight trains are very few in Japan currently. But if you book a seat on overnight booking, please check the departure date at the original departure station.
The reserve seat on most trains can be reserved at Midori no Madoguchi only. So you have to be in Japan when you book. Online booking is still very limited.
Online booking
Japan Rail Pass official site
If you buy the JR Pass at the official site, you can make a booking through this website.
Japan Rail Pass official reservation website
You can book a seat on most JR trains. However the price of JR pass is higher than the prices at the authorized dealers. If you buy the JR pass at the authorized dealer, you cannot book a seat on this site.
JR East Train Reservation
This online reservation system is operated by JR East. Unfortunately this JR East Shinkansen Reservation is only English online reservation for the traveler who use JR Pass, Hokkaido Rail pass and JR East Passes. If you intend to use a regular ticket, you can use this site too.
This site offers a seat reservation for the trains which run in JR East and JR Hokkaido areas. So you CANNOT make a reservation for the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo-Kyoto or Osaka) and other limited express trains which does not run in JR East and JR Hokkaido area. And also there are some restrictions. The biggest restriction is the ticket pick up. You must pick up a ticket one day before the travel date. You cannot pick up a ticket on the day of travel. Please read Guide (FAQ) before you make a booking.
Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Reservation App “EX”
This app is available in a few countries only. And also this app is available for a regular ticket user only. You cannot use this app to book a seat for JR Pass or other rail passes. However any rail passes do not meet your trip plan and this app is available in your country, this is very convenient. You can book it in advance from your smartphone.
JR West Online Train Reservation
JR West has launched the online reservation site. However this online booking system does not cover any train pass user. You can use this online reservation as the regular ticket user only.
If you use a regular ticket, this online site may be a good choice. This online booking covers most of JR trains.
Eki-net (えきねっと)
I have received a comment from one of my readers, Tak. He mentioned me that we can use this Japanese online reservation system even for Japan Rail Pass or other travel passes users. This online reservation is in Japanese. So unfortunately this is not available for all of you. 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. You can do it with your friend in Japan and use this site.
This reservation system covers all over Japan. You can book for the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka which is not available on JR East Train Reservation.
How to reserve a ticket from outside Japan in advance
As you saw, online reservation does not cover all trains. I really wish Japan Railway have full online reservation system.
If you want to secure your seat before departure, the local travel agent may be able to help you. This is only way to reserve a ticket before you depart from your country.
One of my frequent visitors, James in Australia, left a comment. He did this way many years ago. But I would like to share this information:
*JTB actually charge MORE than $55 Australian dollar($56 US dollar March 2011 currency) per ticket, in fact JTB charge $75 Australian dollar(US$76) per ticket.
The $75 came from $55 service fee plus $20 courier fee to deliver your ticket to your hotel in Japan, $55+$20=$75 Funny my ticket for SL-Yamaguchi express is only $60 therefore altogether I need to pay $135 to get SL-Yamaguchi express ticket!
So, all I can say is, if you want to get a JR train ticket before you get to Japan, make sure you are ok with paying at least $75( $76 US dollar), it helps if you really need to get on a particular train that is very hard to book or if you are travelling during peak season. But if you are not in a hurry, travelling in leisure pace across Japan, perhaps think twice.
I hope is worthy many people told me SL-Yamaguchi express is the best steam train experience ever in Japan.
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.
Comments
Hi Takeshi san
My family and I want to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto during the busy Obon festival time (depart Tokyo 15 August) and then from Kyoto to Kagoshima (depart Kyoto 18 August).
As we cannot reserve our seats online beforehand what do you recommend for this busy period? We have 2 small children so need to be fairly organised and certain of a ticket. Should we pay a travel agent as suggested in your article/
thanks
SP
Hi SP san,
15th is not the worst day to travel in Obon period. Even if you pay extra to travel agent, you may not get a good result. Just try to book it right after you arrive in Japan. I think you can make it. Please see the link below to find some tips:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/2017-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-busy-period.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I’m from Malaysia and will be travelling from Noboribetsu to Hakodate on 21 November. Can i reserve a ticket online in advance (with reserved seats) from Malaysia or must i buy the ticket at Shin-Chitose Airport? I’m worried if i could only purchase the ticket on the same travel date, then I might not be getting a seat.
Hi SY san,
Online is available but you have to pick up a ticket day before travel date. Please see the link below to find the online reservation:
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
If you cannot reserve a seat, you still can take the train on non reserved seat car. But in worst case, you need to stand up.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takishe-san,
Thank you for this detailed information!
I am traveling with my son to Tokyo. We will be joining my other son who has been an exchange student for several months in Tokyo. When the two of us arrive at Narita, we will be exchanging for our JR Passes and reserving seats on several long-distance trains we will be taking during our time in Japan. Since my son who is already in Japan is not eligible for a JR Pass, I would like to purchase his tickets and reserve his seats with ours at the same time. Am I allowed to purchase reserved single tickets for someone else? He will not be at the airport with us to show his passport.
Hi Janet san,
It’s completely no problem. You can purchase a ticket for your son who is in Japan when you exchange JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I was wondering if when you book your tickets in person in Japan if it is a train ticket for two weeks away do they give it to you then, or do you have to pick it up closer to the date of the trip?
Thank you,
Ashley
Hi Ashley san,
If train ticket is booked at the window, a ticket is issued there. No one can pick it up later. The ticket must be corrected at the time of booking.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the fast response! I had seen something said about reserving seats at Midori-no-madoguchi and to make sure to pick up the tickets the day before the reservations. This made me think they didn’t give them to you there.
Hi Ashley,
If you use online site, JR East reservation in the link below, you have to pick up the ticket at the window by one day before trip date.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
As long as you reserve your ticket at the window, Midori no Madoguchi, ticket is issued and pass it to you right away.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I arrive in Tokyo Haneda airpot on the 9th of May and need to travel to Kanazawa the same day. I was planning on travelling on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Can i reserve a ticket online from the UK or must i buy the ticket at the station in Tokyo? Does the same apply travelling back from Kanazawa on the 13th May?
Thank you in advance for all your help.
MP
Hi Michael san,
You cannot book for train to Kanazawa but you can do for the train to Tokyo. JR East online site covers Hokuriku Shinkansen. But you have to pick up the ticket one day before trip date. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
So unfortunately you have to book a ticket to Kanazawa after you arrive in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
We are arriving on 22 April and leaving Hakodate to Tokyo on 3May. We will only activate our Jr PASS when we arrive in Japan. Are we able to reserve the seats from Hakodate to Tokyo via the website. Please advise
Hi Jasmine san,
You can do it in JR East online reservation before you exchange the pass.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
You will travel in very busy period. You should book it A.S.A.P.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san
Hi Takeshi-San,
One more question, we have bought the 14day Jr pass. If we reserve the seat fr Sapporo to Tokyo via JR east, do we have to pay and if we do, how much more.
Thank you
Hi Jasmine san,
No. it’s covered fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi,
Accessing the link you posted above, I found this:
“If you are traveling on an excursion type pass*, please also show the pass when you collect your tickets. (You will not be charged for Reserved Seat Limited-Express Tickets reserved under the pass.) ”
Our travel Shinkansen Tokyo to Hakodate is June 9. I arrive in Japan June 4 late (Haneda JR office closed) and will be unable to get to an office to turn in exchange order for a JR East-S. Hokkaido pass until June 6 or 7. So, with ONLY the exchange order, on May 10, I should be able to reserve seats online without being charged for the tickets–as long as I show my valid JR pass? Just checking because one travel agent said I could reserve with only the exchange order and another told me I MUST have the pass. you are very, very knowledgeable and I hope you can help!
Thank you,
Susanna
Hi Susanna,
You can do it. I have booked a seat online, JR East online reservation in the link below by exchange order only.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
You can do it by same way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We arrive in Haneda late on July 17 and will stay overnight in Shinagawa. The JR ticket office will be closed, so we need to exchange voucher for our rail pass the next morning. We want to go to Hakodate on July 18. Do you think it will be a problem to get seats? There is 15 of us traveling.
Hi Sheryl,
It’s very hard to say. July 18 is not a peak season yet. It’s not very hard to book a seat in this season. But your group is 15. This may be an issue. But there is no way to book in advance. If you really want to know the availability, please see the link below to find the way. You can find it after 1 month prior to travel date which is June 18.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-find-seat-availability-of-trains-jr-cyber-station-guide.html
If you purchase JR pass at the travel agent near your place, make sure that they can book a seat or not. Travel agent usually do not book a seat. But sometimes they accept group booking. If you purchase a pass online, they don’t do it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-San,
I will be traveling from Kyoto to Hirsohima by Nozomi on April 21 to join a city tour. It is not possible for me to buy the ticket from New York and I don’t want to pay the premium to travel agent. I will be in Tokyo on April 11th. Can I buy the ticket there and is the train going to be full with no seats?
Thanks
Hi Sam san,
You will be okay. Actually Shinkansen booking is not difficult because many train runs. And also Apr 21 is not a peck period.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you always for your informative / updated articles 🙂
Actually, we’re heading to Takayama from Nagoya a week after the golden week (May 11 to be exact). We are a group of 9 people. So my question would be: do you think it is possible to book a shinkansen ticket (from Nagoya to Kyoto) at Takayama Station?
Due to time constraints, I don’t think we can manage to drop by JR Nagoya Station before heading to Takayama. So we are thinking of making seat reservations at Takayama Station instead. What do you suggest?
Sincerely,
KL
Hi KL san,
Yes, you can. You can book it at any major JR stations. And Shinkansen reservation is not very difficult.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi-san!
All the best 🙂
Thanks,
KL
No worries, KL san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
We will arrive in osaka this saturday and stay until wed then travel to tokyo. Can we purchase shinkansen ticket online here in singapore or just buy when we arrive osaka?
Also, We want stay for a couple of hours near mt fuji before heading to tokyo. Can we do a stop over and use the same shinkansen ticket ?
Thank you in adavance
Cris
Hi Cris san,
Unfortunately there is no online available. You have to purchase and book after you arrive in Japan.
You can use same base fare ticket from Osaka to Tokyo but you must have two Shinkansen seat tickets. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com