I have received many inquiries about Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka one way trip. I always recommend to use a regular ticket for this one way long distance train ride, such as from Tokyo to Kyoto, from Osaka to Tokyo. Because this one way trip is not enough to get the worth of JR Pass 7-day. I have written the post about the fare calculation before.
But I think this post was not enough to explain the fare rule. JR single ticket rule is very complicated for the tourists from oversea. But you do not need to know everything. If you understand some basic rules, single ticket is more useful and it gives you a trip at more affordable rate.
In this post, I will show you some basic rules of the regular ticket for the long distance train ride and how to use and purchase it.
How to purchase it
Simply you can purchase it at the station. If you make a short distance trip in the city or city to just outside city, you can purchase a ticket at the vending machine.
e.g.
Ueno to Tokyo (inside city)
Tokyo to Yokohama (city to just outside place)
Osaka to Universal City (inside city)
Osaka to Kyoto (city to outside place)
If you make a long distance trip, you still can buy a ticket at the vending machine. But the ticket window may be easier to purchase a long distance ticket for the foreign travelers. Especially if you intend to make a stopover on the way, you have to buy a ticket at the ticket window. Because you have to explain your trip plan.
If you want to take a limited express train, you have to purchase a limited express surcharge ticket too. Even if you want to take a non reserved seat on a limited express train, you have to purchase it. You can purchase both a reserved and a non reserved ticket for a limited express (the Shinkansen as well) at “Midori no Madoguchi”. Midori no Madoguchi is the name of JR reservation ticket window. You can purchase a base fare ticket at Midori no Madoguchi too. Please get the detail about reservation at the post below.
In the case of purchasing both base fare ticket and limited express surcharge ticket, you can purchase it in advance. An express surcharge ticket is on sale one month prior to a departure date.
e.g.
Tokyo to Kyoto travel on Dec 1
You can purchase the tickets after Nov 1.
You also can purchase the tickets at any JR stations if you buy both base fare and limited express surcharge at same time. For example, if you start to travel from Tokyo station, you can purchase it at Narita airport station on the day of arrival.
Base fare ticket can be purchased at any JR stations where station staff is on duty. There are many station without station staffs in remote area. In major cities and major stations, there are station staff. Even if you take a train at the station without station staff, you can purchase it from the conductor in the train.
How to get a fare
You can use Hyperdia to get the fare quite easily.
As you see above capture image of Hyperdia, you can get base fare and seat fare (includes surcharge). In this image, total fare is the following:
Base fare – 9560 yen
Shinkansen Nozomi (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka) – 5740 yen (reserved seat)
Ltd Exp Haruka (Shin-Osaka – Kansai airport) – 820 yen (reserved seat)
Total – 16120 yen
*The above image was captured in 2013. The fare was raised in April l, 2014 because of consumer tax was increased to 8% from 5%. The actual fare is different from the fare in the image above.
The price of Japan Rail Pass 7 days ordinary is 28300 yen. (New price is 29110 yen.) Total single fare is more than 10000 yen cheaper than 7 days pass price. This is the reason why I recommend to use single fare for Tokyo – Osaka one way transfer.
Validity
Please see the above capture image of Hyperdia again. You also can find a distance at Hyperdia. This is a key to use single ticket. Actually long distance ticket can be used in multiple days.
| Distance | Valid days |
|---|---|
| 101 – 200 km | 2 days |
| 201 – 400 km | 3 days |
| 401 – 600 km | 4 days |
| 601 – 800 km | 5 days |
| 801 – 1000 km | 6 days |
- From 1001 km and up, add 1 day every 200 km.
- If you travel more than 101 km but it is in Tokyo or Osaka zone only, ticket valid in one day only.
So in above capture image, distance is 613.4km. This ticket valid in 5 days.
Stopover
You can stopover as many as you want. Of course you cannot go back. Once you start to travel, you have to go forward. You have to care only one thing. When you depart/arrive to travel at the following areas, you cannot stopover in same areas.
- Sapporo
- Sendai
- Tokyo 23 wards
- Tokyo Yamanote line
- Yokohana
- Nagoya
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Hiroshima
- Kitakyushu
- Fukuoka
These areas are same as city limit. I show you some examples.
1. Above ticket (Tokyo – Kansai Airport)
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards. For example, after you start to travel from Tokyo, you cannot stopover at Shinagawa.
You can – Stopover at Kyoto, Osaka and anywhere outside of Tokyo 23 wards.
By the way, you can start to travel from anywhere in Tokyo 23 wards.
2. Ticket from Narita airport to Osaka
You can NOT – Stopover at anywhere in Osaka city. For example, you cannot stopover at Shin-Osaka. Once you exit at any stations in Osaka city, your ticket will be expired right away.
You can – Stopover at Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and anywhere outside of Osaka city.
By the way, when you travel through Tokyo downtown core, ticket will be calculated by the shortest route. For example, most typical route from Narita to Osaka via Tokyo, via Tokyo station and Shinagawa station. But if you want to go to Osaka via Akihabara and Shinjuku, you can take this route and stopover.
But in case of using limited express, you have to purchase limited express surcharge ticket for each segments.
ex) Tokyo – Osaka trip, stopover at Nagoya.
You have to purchase two Shinkansen tickets, Tokyo – Nagoya Shinkansen surcharge ticket and Ngoya – Shin-Osaka surcharge ticket.
Sample ideas
Please see above capture image of Hyperdia again. If you use this ticket, you can do the following itinerary.
Day 1 Tokyo – Kyoto (Stopover at Kyoto)
Day 2 Kyoto (no use single ticket)
Day 3 Kyoto – Osaka (Stopover at Osaka)
Day 4 One day trip to Kobe (purchase another single ticket.)
Day 5 Osaka – Kansai airport
When you arrive in Tokyo, you can use other deals, such as Suica & N’ex. And you have 5 days after you finish to see Tokyo. If you add Suica & N’ex one way ticket, total amount is 19620 yen. It is about 9000 yen cheaper than JR Pass 7 days.
I believe this is the perfect solution for Tokyo – Osaka one way travellers.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
That’s great… Seems that I’m all organised and ready for my first Japan trip. Yayyyy..
Thank you so much for all advice you have been provide me.
Cheers,
Xinlie
No worries, Xinelie.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Hope all is well.
I need your expert advice on a few things. I’ll be flying in from Singapore to Osaka (Kansai) and then flying out from Tokyo (Narita).
I plan to stay in Osaka for 6 days 5 nights and 7 days 6 nights in Tokyo (or vice versa).
During my stay in Osaka, I plan to travel to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara on day trips.
During my stay in Tokyo, I plan to travel to Hakone and possibly Kawasaki or Yokohama on day trips.
In this case, will a JR 7 day pass be better or a single ticket?
Looking forward to hear from you and many thanks in advance!
Hi Flo,
Local deals in both cities and single fare for Tokyo-Osaka is your choice. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-make-the-itinerary-of-tokyo-osaka-one-way-trip.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your prompt response.
So, what I can comprehend from your response about 2x Tokyo Subway 72 hours regardless I need it or not, each person is actually allowed to purchase more than one of the same type of pass, yeah..?
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
You can purchase Tokyo subway ticket as many as you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for this post!
I’m planning to buy a Tokyo to Osaka ticket on Day 1 and have a stopover in Kyoto then travel to Osaka on Day 3 with the same ticket. It will still be valid & cheaper right?
Raisa
Hi Raisa,
You can use same ticket from Tokyo to Osaka with stopover at Kyoto. However if you buy Tokyo to Kyoto and Kyoto to Osaka separately, total cost is not much different. And also if you don’t stay near JR station in Kyoto and/or Osaka, you may take other railways from Kyoto to Osaka, such as Hankyu railway, Keihan railway. Please see the link below to find the info about the railway network in Kansai area.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hey Takeshi,
Im planning to buy a one way ticket for 18040¥ on Nozomi from Tokyo to Hiroshima.
1. Why cant I get Hyperdia to show Kodama even when I uncheck Nozomi and check only Bullet train (Shinkansen) box.
1. Can I stop in Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe during 6 days, since its 894.2 km?
2. Do I need to notify the stopovers from the beginning when I purchase the ticket or just as I go?
Thank you
Brendan
Hi Brendan,
>1. Why cant I get Hyperdia to show Kodama even when I uncheck Nozomi and check only Bullet train (Shinkansen) box.
Hyberdia shows the fastest option. Kodama is the slowest train on Shinkansen line. Even you uncheck Nozomi, it usually shows Hikari and/or Sakusa because Hikari and/or Sakusa are much faster than Kodama.
>1. Can I stop in Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe during 6 days, since its 894.2 km?
Yes, you may. But in Kobe, you can get off at Shin-Kobe only. You need to pay extra fare for taking subway to get downtown Kobe, such as Sannomiya.
>2. Do I need to notify the stopovers from the beginning when I purchase the ticket or just as I go?
No. You can do as you go. But you have to buy Shinkansen seat fee ticket beside base fare ticket for each segment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your prompt response.
Just to sum up from what you have replied.
1. Kyoto-Fukuchima = Kansai Wide Pass
2. Fukuchima-Miyazu (Tango Railway) = also covered by Kansai Wide Pass..?
3. Kobe-Maiko = Kansai One Pass… or single ticket…?
4. Arimaonsen JR Bus = Kansai One Pass…or single ticket..?
5. Is there any different fare for adult and child on single ticket..?
Thank you very much, Takeshi.
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Kansai one pass
4. single ticket
5. It depends on the transportation. Train fare is usually half amount of adult fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks heaps for your continuous assistance.
Referring to Q4, we will be commuting mostly by Kyoto subways and buses, so will that be a child fare for 12yo kid on single ticket..?
Is it possible to get someone in Tokyo to buy me Fuji-Hakone Pass..? How does it work ..? (I can send my passport detail to my friend there)
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
Adult fare is applied to 12 years old. Basically most of transportable requires adult fare for 12 years old.
You cannot ask someone to purchase Fuji Hakone Pass. You need to show your actual passport and your status in Japan. This pass is available exclusively for overseas tourist who enter Japan as short term stay. So you can purchase it after you arrive in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank your very much for your information.
I have done my itinerary for Mt. Fuji and Hakone as following:
DAY 15 :
(I). Odawara – Gora – (cable car) Togendai – Sightseeing cruise – Hakonemachi-ko – Gotemba Outlet – Fujisan (Hotel). Which way do you think is quicker to get to Gotemba , (a) via Hakonemachi-ko or (b) from Togendai (cruise round trip)….?
(II). Odawara – Hakonemachi-ko – sightseeing cruise – Togendai (cable car) – Gora – Gotemba – Fujisan (Hotel)
DAY 16 :
Fujisan – Fuji Q – Benifuji Onsen – Fujisan (back to Hotel)
DAY 17 :
Fujisan – Chureito Pagoda – Kawaguchiko – Kachirope – Music Museum – KonoHana Museum – Lake Saiko – Sengen Shrine – Fujisan (hotel).
DAY 18 :
Fujisan – Shinjuku – Hanzomon
As you can see, I have made two alternatives routes.. I would like to get your opinion which route is a better options. FYI, I would love to see Deyama Bridge.
My question will be:
1. Which option do you recommend; (I) or (II) , if option (I)-route (a) or (b) in terms of the fastest route to reach Gotemba ..?
2. Fuji-Hakone Pass does cover those routes (on day 15 to17), doesn’t it..?
3. On day 18, what pass should I get ..?
Many many thanks, Takeshi.
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
1. Option 1 is recommended. You should take Cablecar and ropeway from Gora to Togendai via Sounzan. You should drop by Owakudani. This is Must-see in Hakone. You can take either a or b. Not much different.
2. Yes.
3. Just take an express bus by single fare to Shinjuku and take subway to Hanzoumon.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
That’s brilliant, thanks a lot.
Yes, I will be definitely stopping at Owakudani and taste its renowned-boiled eggs.
There is one thing I want to be sure about the suitcase locker, is it available at Gora Station , as I will be checking out from Hotel in Kyoto….?
Many thanks, Takeshi.
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
There is luggage storage but I recommend you to ship your luggage from Kyoto to your hotel in Lake Kawaguchi. Even if you store your luggage in Gora, you need to go back to Gora after you visit Owakudani. It’s wasting time. Most of hotel can handle luggage shipping service. It costs usually 2000 to 3000 yen and it take 1 night to deliver. If your hotel do not, you can do it at Kyoto station.
http://carry-s.com/
So pack small for last night in Kyoto and ship it one day before you leave in Kyoto. You can visit Hakone and Gotemba without luggage.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
What a great information you have provided me.
Definitely use that service and make my journey easier…so I can go to Gotemba station direct from Togendai (48 mins).
ありがとうございました
(*hope google translator does properly with translation 🙂 )
Regards,
Xinlie
No worries, Xinlie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Hope you are well.
Gee time really flies and my departure date is getting closer. I have done my itinerary for Tokyo…
Would like to get your opinion about what pass I should be getting to best suited my trip around Tokyo.
DAY 1 : Shinjuku sightseeing – hotel (kiyosumi-shirakawa) – Oidaba
DAY 2 : Asakusa area – Tokyo Skytree – Ryogoku – Hotel – Roppongi
DAY 3 : Tokyo Imperial Palace – Tokyo Station – Hotel – Akihabara
DAY 4 : Harajuku – Shibuya – Jiyugaoka – Musashikoyama – Yurakucho – Ginza – Tsukiji – Hotel – Shinjuku (Golden town)
DAY 5 : TOBU – Akasaka (Ninja Restaurant)
DAY 6 : Haneda – Australia
Do you think I should buy 3 days Tokyo Subway Pass…? Can I buy two tickets to cover the whole duration of my stay in Tokyo ..?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
You may have Tokyo subway ticket. But I don’t think you need 2 X 72 hours.
Odaiba is not covered by subway pass. You need to add single fare from Shiodome or Shinbashi.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Haneda, Jiyuugaoka and Musashi-Koyama cannot be accessed by subway. You need to take Tokyu which is not subway. Single fare is required.
I don’t understand what “TOBU” is on day 5.
I think even though some places are not covered by subway pass, you can use it for the first 4 days. On day 5, I don’t know. On day 6, subway is not covered anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hai Takeshi, im planning to have one way from tokyo to osaka with stopover at kyoto. I think this guide will work for me very well.
I have a very newbie question though. I understand that i buy the ticket at tokyo and have to go to kansai airport in 5 days after the purchase. So in order to do this itenerary, i go to Midori no Madoguchi at any JR station in tokyo, and say i want a ticket from tokyo to kansai airport? And after that i’m free to go to kyoto and osaka along the way and then, when i want to go to kyoto – osaka, then osaka – kix just show them the ticket?
One more question is can i purchase this ticket in advance? I mean, on day 1 or 2 after i arrive at tokyo, can i buy it and use it a couple days later? Or i should buy it on the same day when i want to go to kyoto? Thanks. Any advise will be useful.
Hi Selvia,
You can purchase a ticket at any Midori no Madoguchi in advance. When you make a stopover, you have to go through man gate and tell a station staff that you want to make a stopover. Don’t slot your ticket into machine gate. It will be gone and you will lose it.
By the way, if you do not stay around Kyoto station, you may use a single ticket for just Tokyo to Kyoto and take other train to Osaka. There are other non JR railways, such as Hankyu Railway, Keihan railway. These trains are not covered by JR ticket but the fare is around 500 to 600 yen for Kyoto to Osaka. It’s not a big deal.
https://jprail.com/destinations/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
And also if you do not stay near JR station in Osaka, you may take other train. There are some deals available for Osaka to Kansai.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Of course you can use one ticket to Kansai and make stopovers. But you can use simply one ticket for Tokyo to Kyoto, buy other ticket for Kyoto to Osaka and use other ticket or deal from Osaka to Kansai. This may be easier for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hai Takeshi, thank you for the quick reply.
I am thinking to stay near kyoto station, but not at osaka (probably near USJ). Buy yea, using that itenerary only gives me 5 days between kyoto and osaka, which i don’t know if it will be enough.
I am pretty sure that I will not use a JR pass. I will use one of tokyo passes and odakyu pass to go to hakone. On kyoto i will buy kyoto pass, and then osaka amazing pass. I dont think i need kansai thru pass as I will not travel to kobe or nara due to time constraint.
My itenerary is still blur because i will be going on may next year. But that is the outline that i have been working on.
Do you think my plan is good so far? Any advise will be apreciated. Thanks.
Hi Selvia,
If you stay near USJ, you should use one base fare ticket from Tokyo to Universal City. You don’t need to use it for Tokyo to Kansai because Universal City (station near USJ) is not located on the way to Kansai airport. And also there is a direct bus to KIX from USJ. It’s much easier than trains.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/NU
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ah! Arigatou gozaimasu! It will simplify my trip to airport so much, just the missing pics that I need.
So If i buy ticket from tokyo to kansai, it will still give me 5 days right? So i can use 3 days in tokyo. And by the way, during purchasing of the ticket, at Midori no Madoguchi, i say that i want to buy ticket from tokyo to osaka base fare (with seats), should i specify which station at tokyo i will depart and at osaka that I will disembark? And also, should i the ticket person that i want to do stopover at kyoto?
And just to be clear, upon reaching kyoto, i exit through gate with security, and when im going to osaka from kyoto, also enter from man gate? Just show them the ticket right?
And one more thing, if i plan to use some JR lines at tokyo, should i purchase suica/pasmo on top of the tokyo pass that i have?
Sorry for a lot of questions, but i’m really excited because my headache around the transport system is gone. Thanks agan for the advise Takeshi.
Hi Selvia,
As I mentioned, you need a ticket for Tokyo to Universal city, not to Kansai airport. It’s valid for 4 days and you can stay in Kyoto for 3 days.
When you purchase a ticket at Midori no Madoguchi, you can tell which station you will take a train and which station you will go. You don’t need to specify train station name but you should. It’s much easier.
When you reenter the station, it’s same. Just show your ticket and go through man gate. You also need to purchase a ticket to take Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. You don’t need to take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Universal city. It’s takes about 45 minutes ride with two transfers at Osaka and Nishikujo by local train. Even if you take Shinkansen, it’s not much faster and also you need to change trains one more time at Shin-Osaka.
You may add Suica or Pasmo on top of Tokyo subway pass if you meant Tokyo pass is Tokyo subway pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi. 4 days should be good enough for me. So i get 2 full days at kyoto.
After running the numbers on hyperdia. This is what i get:
Tokyo – osaka with kyoto stopover 8,750 + 5,900 = 14,650
Tokyo – kyoto + kyoto – osaka 8,210 + 5,900 + 560 = 14,670
Are my calculations correct? Only 20 yen difference. Or do I read the numbers wrongly?
Hi Selvia,
Kyoto to Universal city is 800 yen. Other part is correct so the difference is 260 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Im sorry, please ignore 2nd paragraph. I forget that it’s already answered on the top of the article. 🙂
Hi Takeshi,
I have just realised that Kansai Thru Pass doesn’t cover Tonzai Line, am I right ..? As I will be staying in Higashiyama area where aligns with Tozai Line, Im wondering if Kansai Thru Pass worth buying.
Also, Im thinking of visiting Amanohasidate area in Day 13 and Koka in day 14 (my total days is 22 Days).. I know these areas aren’t covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Do you think is it worth getting 7 Days JR Pass and validate it on the Day-13..
I can use it to go to Odawara too.
Thanks, Takeshi
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
Kyoto subway Tozai line is covered by Kansai thru pass.
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Amanohashidate and Koga are not enough to use JR Pass. You may add Kansai wide area pass. Both places are covered.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very very much for all information you have provided me.
Just want to touch base our all correspondences here…
1. Can I purchase Fuji Hakone Pass in other station than Odawara ? Online purchase..?
2. Can ICOCA be used in all Japan, such as Kansai area, Tokyo etc..? I realise that this IC card can be top up and no expiration date, less hassle than buying ticket from the vending machine every time we get on the trains or buses.
I will make my itinerary for Tokyo soon and hope to hear your opinion again.
Many thanks, Takeshi..
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
1. You cannot purchase it online. That is why I mentioned you need to go to Odawara.
2. You can use ICOCA in other areas, such as Tokyo too. But ICOCA includes 500 yen deposit. If you want to refund this deposit, you have to return ICOCA before leaving from Kansai area. You cannot get a refund in other area, such as Tokyo. ICOCA is valid for 10 year from the day of last usage. So you can keep it and you may use it if you go back to Japan in next 10 years.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks again for your response.
Im still bit baffle with the difference between Kansai Thru Pass and ICOCA and Kansai One Pass.
1. Are those three available for Overseas Tourists..?
2. Is there any limit to purchase these Passes..? For example, can I buy Osaka Amazing Pass, Osaka Visitor Ticket, Kyoto Bus Pass, Kansai Thru Pass and ICOCA…?
3. From Kyoto to Fujisan, I will get off in Mishima instead then take either bus or train to Gotemba then another bus to Fujisan. If I purchase Fuji-Hakone Pass, can I still use it from Gotemba to Fujisan and other in the coverage areas, such as Hakone..?
4. How to reserve a seat, considering Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass doesnt valid for reserved seat.. I will be travelling with my hubby and daughter, thus we prefer to sit together. Do I need to pay extra and how to do it..?
Regards,
Xinlie
Hi Xinlie,
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes. You can take a bus between Gotemba and Lake Kawaguchi as many as you want. It covers most of bus in Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone area. Please see the link below again and find the coverage map. Actually it covers the bus from Mishima to Gotemba too but unfortunately it’s not sold in Mishima. That is why you need to go to Odawara.
4. If you use Kansai Hiroshima area pass, it’s not a good idea to reserve a seat because it covers only base fare. Please see the link below to find more about reserved seat and non reserved seat.
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