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One of many greatest misconceptions amongst foreigners visiting Japan for the primary time? The concept that a Japan Rail Go is required to experience the Shinkansen, or bullet prepare. Not solely is a JR Go not required; it’s not helpful normally, resulting from a dramatic value enhance in late 2023.
So, if you happen to don’t want a pre-paid go to board a bullet prepare, then how precisely do you do it? Properly, there are a couple of solutions to this query.
Over the following few paragraphs, I’ll clarify exactly methods to purchase Shinkansen tickets, providing you with a number of totally different choices that correspond to quite a lot of conditions. By the point you end studying, you’ll really feel like a bonafide bullet prepare professional!
You Don’t (Often) Must E-book Shinkansen Tickets in Advance
One factor that surprises a lot of my non-public shoppers about shopping for Shinkansen tickets? You typically don’t must do it very far prematurely, if you happen to do it prematurely in any respect. Many Japanese vacationers (particularly solo vacationers, and even {couples}) purchase bullet prepare tickets in-person the day of, generally simply minutes earlier than departure. That is particularly widespread for individuals who purchase non-reserved tickets, or who don’t care the place they sit.
Now clearly, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, in case you have a big household (or a small household, however with small children), and it’s important that you just sit collectively. Moreover, if you happen to’re touring throughout a busy time of yr (resembling cherry blossom season, close to the height of autumn colours or throughout Japan’s home “Golden Week” vacation), I normally suggest reserving not less than a couple of days prematurely, if in any respect attainable.
5 Methods to E-book Shinkansen Tickets
At a JR ticket workplace
As I discussed above, the overwhelming majority of Japanese vacationers purchase same-day Shinkansen tickets at any JR Ticket Workplace location. Even when the queues are lengthy, they have a tendency to maneuver quick; all employees can communicate or not less than perceive English. Plus, you possibly can pay with a bank card, which isn’t at all times attainable if you happen to avail the following choice I’m about to record.
At a Shinkansen ticket merchandising machine
I’m talking, in fact, about the truth that you possibly can’t at all times pay for Shinkansen with bank card (effectively, at leas tnot a international bank card) when utilizing a ticket merchandising machine. That is altering, fortunately (I’ve been in a position to take action, lately, utilizing each Visa and American Categorical), however I’ve had many, many playing cards declined previously, so be prepared for this chance (and go away some further time to queue, if mandatory!).
Utilizing Eki-net (plus PASMO or Suica)
Though the Eki-net web site operated by the JR East firm is considerably clunky, it will get the job executed. Even higher? When you have an IC card like PASMO or Suica (and ideally, a digital one in your iPhone—or, if you happen to dwell in Japan, Android system), you possibly can “hyperlink” it to your reservation, and enter the Shinkansen turnstiles just by tapping your cellphone or card. Straightforward-peasy!
Utilizing smartEX (plus PASMO or Suica)
One other option to pay for Shinkansen with ApplePay? Utilizing the smartEX web site or app, which is admittedly solely helpful for bullet trains touring between Tokyo and Kagoshima-chuo. In case your plans name for utilizing the Tokaido, Sanyo or Kyushu Shinkansen, nonetheless, you possibly can guide in seconds utilizing this app—and, in case you have a bodily or digital IC card card, “hyperlink” your reservation with the intention to faucet your cellphone or card to board your prepare.
Utilizing a third-party web site
I normally don’t suggest utilizing third-party web sites like Klook to guide Shinkansen tickets, though I earn a fee if you happen to do. And that’s not as a result of they’re something illegitimate or dangerous about doing so! Reasonably, I simply attempt to decrease issues when touring in Japan; the truth is that having to sift by means of third-party emails (which normally simply include official JR pick-up numbers or QR codes, anyway) simply provides stress to your life.
Do You Want a Japan Rail Go in 2025?
After having the identical value actually for many years, JR Go costs practically doubled in late 2023. Whereas I understood the necessity for this, notably given the power weak point of the yen and the truth that foreigners might typically experience trains for lower than half of what Japanese individuals paid, I refuse to disclaim the underlying actuality. Specifically, that in all however a couple of instances, the worth proposition of shopping for a Japan Rail Go not justifies doing so.
Now, there are some silver linings to this. First, selecting up your Japan Rail Go (sure, you do want a bodily go, even in 2025) can typically require ready in an extended line, particularly if you happen to do it on the airport proper after you arrive. Secondly, JR Go holders must pay an extra payment each time they use the super-fast Shinkansen Nozomi and Mizuho trains (i.e. essentially the most helpful ones), additional lowering the relative worth of the go.
Different FAQ About Shopping for Shinkansen Tickets
Ought to I purchase Shinkansen tickets prematurely?
You should buy Shinkansen tickets prematurely, although that is normally not mandatory. Typically, I solely suggest pre-purchasing bullet prepare tickets if you happen to’re touring throughout a really busy time (resembling cherry blossom or autumn coloration season), or if you happen to’re touring with mates or household and completely insist upon sitting collectively.
What’s the legit Shinkansen web site?
There are a couple of “official” shops for getting Shinkansen tickets, which differ relying upon which bullet prepare strains you’ll be utilizing. Vacationers alongside Japan’s predominant vacationer path can usually use the smartEX software, accessible on the Apple and Google app shops. If you happen to’re touring to Tohoku or Hokkaido, in the meantime, use JR East’s Eki-net web site.
Find out how to purchase Shinkansen tickets for foreigners?
Foreigners should buy Shinkansen tickets in precisely the identical manner as Japanese vacationers; we’re merely generally not as well-versed within the methodology. The overwhelming majority of international vacationers can merely queue up at a JR ticket workplace (or, in the event that they’re comfy, a merchandising machine) and purchase tickets on the day-of, or generally the day earlier than. Nevertheless, numerous on-line instruments additionally exist, together with the smartEX app and the official Japan Rail Go web site, if you happen to’ve bought a go (although I normally not suggest doing so as of late).
The Backside Line
Interested in methods to purchase Shinkansen tickets? Hopefully, I’ve simply answered all of your questions. In the perfect state of affairs, you will have suitable gadgets, and a excessive sufficient degree of technical acumen to board the Shinkansen just by tapping your cell phone. Within the worst-case state of affairs, you are able to do like most Japanese individuals do, and queue up inside a railway station to buy bullet prepare tickets from a real-life human. Want customized assist determining transportation in your subsequent journey to Japan. If you rent me to plan a customized Japan itinerary, I care for getting you from Level A, to Level B, to Level C, to Level…effectively, you get the purpose!
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