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,
I have made my reservation for a few trips
1) Narita Express: Shinjuku – Narita Airport
2) Rapid Airport: New Chitose – Otaru
3) Super Hokuto: Sapporo – Toya
4) Super Hokuto: Toya – Hakodate
5) Hayabusa: Shin-Hakodate to Tokyo
I am trying to book Otaru to Sapporo, thought I see 822 train (JR Hakodate line) but when I tried to book, only Rapid Airport available, and the earliest is 930. Any other option?
Thank you.
Hi PeiJy,
Train runs frequently between Otaru and Sapporo fro 5:30 am. But before 9:30 departure, trains do not have reserved seat. You cannot book a seat.
Train is very busy before 9:00 to Sapporo because of lots of commuters. If you move to Sapporo with luggage, I don’t recommend to take a train before 9:00. It’s very busy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ah, just saw your reply. This is very helpful (as usual). わかりました。ありがとうございました
No worries, PeiJy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Thanks for the useful info.
However I have a question. I will be arriving in Narita on 23rd December morning and want to reserve Narita Express from now as it’s already below 1 month which is eligible to reserve seat. However, when I go to the online reservation, it stated that I need to be in Japan to reserve seats? Because I will be going with my big family (13 pax), is it possible not to reserve seats in Narita Express from Narita going to Tokyo Station?
Thank you.
Regards,
Handy
Hi Handy,
If you use online reservation, you have to pick up a ticket one day before. So you cannot book a seat for arriving day.
However it’s usually not hard to book Narita Express. I think you can make it right after you arrive in Narita.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the reply.
Well then in my case, it is not possible to reserve seats in Narita Express. Is Narita Express is a “must reserve” train? Meaning if I don’t make any reservations, I won’ t be able to board the train? So for my case, when I reach later on 23rd December, I go to JR East Travel Service and exchange my JR Pass ticket (Around 8 AM), and then there, I directly reserve seats for an upcoming Narita Express (9.19 AM) train, that’s possible?
As per my itinerary later, on the following days, I will be travelling to Osaka, then to Kyoto, Takayama, etc using JR Pass. Is it possible to book all those online and pick up during my arrival day on 23rd?
Or I only be able to reserve seats on my arrival at Midori no Madoguchi?
Thank you.
Regards,
Handy
Hi Handy,
You may book a seat for Narita Express when you exchange JR Pass.
Unfortunately online book site does not cover train to Osaka, Kyoto and Takayama. You may book a seat for these trains when you exchange the pass. Of course you can book later. You can book it at any Midori no Madoguchi throughout Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San—
We arrive in Narita airport at 15:40pm. We plan to pick up our rail pass at Narita before leaving.
We would like to take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station on the Narita Express 40, leaving at 17:16 and arriving 18:18 (looks like this is the earliest direct?)
We want to head directly to Kyoto, on the following train: SHINKANSEN HIKARI 527, departing at 18:33 and arriving at 21:11.
We had a few questions:
1) We are curious if there is a way to make reservations for either of these tickets prior to leaving for Japan since we will be taking the trains the day we arrive and will be arriving in Kyoto later in the evening. I saw that we can make reservations for JR East travel, but I am not sure if that applies to these tickets. Help?
2) Also, do we need to pad in more time between the Narita Express to the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station?
Thank you so much for your help,
Jenni
Hi Jenni san,
1. JR East side does not cover Shinkansen to Kyoto. Narita Express is covered but you need to pick up a ticket day before, so you cannot use this site either. If you travel in the end of December, you will have a big trouble. But if you travel other than these dates, it’s not hard to book a seat for Narita Express and Shinkansen.
2. If you book a seat for Shinkansen at Narita airport station, 15 minutes is okay to change trains in Tokyo station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/tokyo-station-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-shinkansen-narita-express-and-other-local-trains.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
I am arriving at HND airport on Dec 31 6:30pm which means the JR office is closed. I need to take the train to Hamamatsucho to exchange my ticket, but I want to leave for Kyoto on the same day. My friend told me if I get on at Tokyo station it’s possible to get a seat in the unreserved carriage. Should I risk having to stand for 3 hours or stay one night in Tokyo and take the train the next day?
Should I do Tokyo first and then Kyoto later? Also do you think 4 days in Kyoto is enough? Plus I would be making a day trip into Himeji/Kobe as well during that time.
Thank you!
Hi Carmen san,
First of all, if you intend to use JR pass, you need to go to Tokyo station anyway. It’s only place to exchange the pass on arrival day.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html
If you don’t use JR pass, go to Tokyo, and it’s easier to get a seat in non reserve car. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
But if I were you, I will stay in Tokyo on arrival day. Because you will spend at least one hour to clear custom and immigration. And then move to Tokyo or other stations in downtown Tokyo. It will be 20:00 to 20:30.
The last train to Kyoto is 21:23 departure. If you use JR pass, you can take Hikari or Kodama. That means the last one is 20:03.
If your flight is late, you cannot make it. It’s a bit risky, isn’t it?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for the information. Will customs really take that long? Last time it took me 20mins to clear customs and 30mins to get to tokyo station. But then it is New Year’s Eve when I arrive this time and I also might get lost in the subway. Is there usually a line at the JR office to exchange?
Let’s say the best case scenario happens, when do you expect me to arrive at Tokyo station?
Hi Carmen san,
In my experience, I usually spend less than 30 minutes. But I have spent 1.5 hours before. So it’s hard to say.
New Year’s Eve is not such a busy day. Don’t worry about it. Especially in late night, it’s very quiet except temple and shrines. Long distance train, such as Shinkansen is slow.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
We will be arriving in Haneda Airport on 18 Dec 0940h and will be heading to Nozawa Onsen (Iiyama) after that. I am thinking of getting the Shinkansen tickets for Green Car. Is it possible to purchase all the tickets online from Haneda to Iiyama or I have to purchase the rail & Shinkansen tickets separately? Kindly advise. Thank you!
Hi A Yap san,
You can purchase all tickets at Haneda airport. Please see the link below:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/customer_support/service_center_haneda.html?src=gnavi
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Is it possible for me to reserve the seats before buying the tickets? I read on JR East website that tickets have to be collected a day before departure. This means that I cannot puchase any online ticket/ pass? Please advise. Thank you.
Hi A Yap san,
Yes, you can. I have reserved seats many times before I exchanged and purchased JR pass. If you use JR East Pass, it’s same.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’ll be arriving in Nagoya on Nov 19, can I already exchange the JR Pass voucher even if we’ll start using it when we travel to Tokyo on Nov 23? Or will it be better to exchange it on Nov 23?
If we can exchange it on Nov 19, can I already do the reservation for the shinkansen trip to Tokyo? Can I also do the reservation to my other shinkansen trips like Tokyo to Hakodate on Nov 24?
Hi John san,
You can exchange the pass on 19th and make a reservation on 19th too even if you start using in on 23rd.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
We will be arriving at Narita airport, Terminal 2 at 5.30pm on 29 November. By the time we go through immigration and customs, pick up baggage, it’ll be around 6.30pm. Then, we will be heading to Exchange Office for our 7 Days JR Pass.
We plan to take the Narita Express to Shinagawa and catch the Hikari Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Nagoya on the same day of arrival Tokyo. We can only book the seats right after we arrive in Japan. Do you think we can make it?
I have checked the last 2 Hikari Shinkansen to Nagoya as follows:
Hikari 537 Dep 21:37 Arr: 23:24
Hikari 539 Dep 22:07 Arr: 23:49
Could you please also advise if our itinerary is ok? Thanks.
29 Nov – Arrive Narita Airport at 5.30pm to Nagoya
30 Nov – Nagoya tour
01 Dec – Kanazawa and Shirakawago Day trip
02 Dec – Osaka tour
03 Dec – Kyoto tour
04 Dec – Nara and Osaka tour
05 Dec – Osaka to Tokyo
06 – 08 Dec – Tokyo
09 Dec – Back
Due to time constraints, should we do Kanazawa and Shirakawago or Takayama and Shirakawago as this is our first time there?
Am I right that 29 Nov to 5 Dec (Day 1 to Day 7) will be covered by JR pass including Narita Express except Nohi bus to Shirakawago and some local trains/subways/buses that are not run by JR? Could we make an online reservation for Nohi bus?
Many thanks.
Hi Lee san,
I usually try to get Narita Express to Tokyo 2 hours after departure time. Please see the link below:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_nex_u/06.html
So your choice will be Narita Express 48 (19:12/20:23) or 50 (19:46/21:00). So you can catch Hikari earlier.
But I always got the earlier connections. Of course I have arrived at Narita many times. I sometimes could custom, immigration and baggage pick up in 45 minutes. You may be able to take even earlier Narita Express, such as 46. Anyway you can be optimistic.
Your itinerary is okay. You can use JR pass 7 days from day 1 to 7 as you think.
I recommend Takayama and Shirakawago more than Kanazawa and Shirakawago. Takayama is smaller than Kanazawa and closer to Shirakawago. It’s easier for day trip from Nagoya.
You have understood the coverage of JR pass correctly. You can make a booking for Nohi bus in the link below:
https://japanbusonline.com/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, we will be landing at Haneda airport October 24, where we will change our JR Pass Exchange for the JR Pass. We plan to take shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka October 26, and them take return trip by shinkansen again from Osaka to Tokyo October 29. Can I make seat reservations for the trip from Osaka to Tokyo at a midori no madoguchi in Tokyo? Or can I only reserve these seats when I get to Osaka?
Hi AnjB,
You can book all bookings at once. Of course you can book for Osaka to Tokyo in Tokyo. You can book when you exchange the pass if you want. Even if you will not start using the pass on arrival day, you can use book. As long as you exchange the pass and get an actual pass, you can start booking right after that.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you!
No worries, AnjB.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Can I book Shinkansen Hokuriku from Kanazawa to Ueno in Osaka/Shin-Osaka Station?
Yes, you can, KenAlog.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Great information and very well presented. Thank you!