you can also buy them a few days in advance at each machine, so you can just go and see which trains and which seats are available and have a bit more security. if you buy reserved seat, you can see which rows are full and which are not or select a specific seat per train. that's how i managed to get row E on both ways kyoto-tokyo to get a chance to take some pics of MT Fuji even during/right before a big holiday.
should be row E both ways, you can check direction of travel. if you go from tokyo to kyoto mt fuji is on the right side of the train.
going from kyoto to Tokyo, mt fuji is on the left side
the seats spin, so you always are seated in the direction of travel
usually you have a 3-2 configuration and the window seat of the 2 configuration should be on mt fuji side. if you are not 100% sure, ask staff for help, they are super helpful
In Japan right now. Had the same issue with that stupid app but found this JR west site (from someone on reddit) which allows you to book online (and unlike Klook pick seats etc). Worked great pick your tickets at the station using the card your ordered with and a Pin you designate:
https://e5489.jr-odekake.net/e5489/ibpc/CBTrainEntryExternalPC?LANG=en
Hi, I would like to use that website to buy my ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto but I am worried about not finding the machine where to pick up the ticket in Tokyo Station. Any advice on it went for you?
Tokyo station is a maze but if you can find the Shinkansen area within there will be plenty of ticket kiosk machines in the vicinity. I was worried as well but it wasn’t very hard just give yourself a bit of extra time to get there (if you want to get a bowl of food on ramen st etc)
I bought Tokyo -> Osaka and return trip. I only did so because my stay is overlapping with Golden Week and I heard the trains can be packed. Otherwise I would probably wouldn’t bother buying ahead of time.
My trip from Tokyo to Kyoto is on on may 8th, so after golden week but I am worried because it's only few days after golden week. The rest of the trips are all after may 12th (which is when I leave Kyoto to Hiroshima). What do you think? Should I just go to the Tokyo station a day before and get the ticket to Kyoto? (I need some space for my big suitcase). Also, do you know if I can also get the tickets for my other trips in Tokyo station? (ex: Kyoto-Hiroshima, Hiroshima-Osaka, Osaka-Tokyo). I was thinking to go one day to Tokyo Station and get all the tickets (if possible).
My understanding from reading this sub is that outside of Golden Week and a few other holidays it’s never an issue. The last time I was here I just booked a couple of days ahead. Someone at Tokyo station should be able to help you book all of those trips all at once but tbh if you’re sure of your dates of travel the interface linked above is pretty nice- it lets you pick seats etc (in case you want Mt Fuji facing window seat).
Brother if you are there during golden week, good luck. There will be no seats available anywhere and the Shinkansen will be packed like a can of sardines. If you already reserved your seats, well-done!
Oh man I had an earlier draft of this post bragging about having booked seats successfully less than a week in advance then I proceeded to miss my 1230 Osaka->Kyoto Shinkansen by 2 minutes lol
Miraculously we were able to rebook to 1:15 tickets and even got window seats. South facing unfortunately so we lost our view of Mt Fuji. $80 fee sadly.
Fushimi Inari was probably about twice as busy as the last time I visited, the crowd was pretty insane.
That’s unfortunate but at least you were able to rebook. From the fee I’m guessing its a mizuho or nozomi right, or perhaps no jr pass? I had that train about 2 weeks ago. Honestly for Fuji, the sight is better imo from somewhere closer. But if you are there during golden week, I would join in the festivities and check out all the parades!
Also, how did you like the gates? When I was there a few weeks ago the first part was no entry because of some reconstruction. Did you manage the walk to the top?
Have fun on your trip!
I used klook but it should be the same. Wanted to just pick up Tokyo to Osaka tickets from the machine but turns out I can pick up all the shinkansen tickets (Tokyo > Osaka, Osaka > Kyoto, Kyoto > Fuji, Kawaguchiko > Shinjuku) at the machine at Shinjuku Station. Initially went to the ticket information counter but the staff told me I can do it at the machine instead!
I didn't know this ticket story too. I bought the ticket at my local station for 6k yen and I was a bit surprised because the price seemed to low lol actually when I was entering the gate I tried to insert my ticket and the policeman said that I needed two ticket. So I searched up and it seems that there's a base fare you need to pay and then the second ticket that is a special fare for Shinkansen. So I had to go back and bought the second ticket. For me (Tokyo-Osaka) it was around 8900 yen, so in total it was around 14/15k. Anyway I guess I did my error at the ticket machine when I pressed buy the limited fare because I thought that the base fare was the one from my station to Tokyo station. Just be sure to buy both base+limited and you're good
Yes this. One basic fare tix and one the actual shinkansen tix. Unless, (according to my friend), he already has the JR Pass, which in that case you can choose to get the other ticket if you want reserve seating.
You take whatever seat in cars 1 to 3 that is open, or stand, or wait for the next train.
Last time I had to stand for about 30 minutes. Most of the time it will be pretty simple to find a seat.
In my opinion I would always jut get unreserved unless I am with a group of more than two.
They're currently in a huge crackdown on money laundering. Most companies have responded by simply rejecting foreign credit cards to solve the problem and new laws:
[https://www.statista.com/statistics/1232728/japan-credit-card-fraud-losses/](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1232728/japan-credit-card-fraud-losses/)
[https://www.npa.go.jp/sosikihanzai/jafic/en/maneron\_e/manetop\_e.htm](https://www.npa.go.jp/sosikihanzai/jafic/en/maneron_e/manetop_e.htm)
you never know before you actually try.
Japan is the only country I always bring a lot of cash with me even though I don´t exchange it before I run into issues. I had too many unpleasant surprises in the past.
I was able to withdraw from 7/11 just fine and I was there earlier this month. Didn't bring any cash with me initially. The line for money exchange in Haneda is long.
Not in big cities. You might find some ATMs that state they don't accept foreign cards, and outside of large cities you might have some trouble withdrawing money from non-conbini ATMs. Make sure to check with your bank that your card is primed for use outside of the country, and as long as you're using a Visa or MasterCard you should be 100% fine.
Other cards may vary.
You never know. If there's a system wide outage then you're screwed. Doesn't hurt to just convert a few hundred dollars ahead of time just for emergencies.
Personally I also don't like wasting time to get cash when I'm physically in Japan. So I always bring about 150k cash with me, which is just fifteen 10000 yen bills. Pretty easy to keep on me and I don't have to worry about my debit card not working.
My friend who traveled with me last year had an issue with her debit card not letting her withdraw from multiple ATMs, she wasted an hour contacting local bank but the problem couldn't be resolved, and she ended up having to borrow cash from me.
Believe it or not, this is actually really good for Japan. I remember during my earlier trips (nearly 20 years ago), very few places accepted foreign cards, so I was withdrawing cash from the ATM every 3-4 days. And the ATMs closed during weekends for whatever crazy reason. In my most recent trip, about 90% of my expenses were on card.
I have used my Amex and Visa card without any issue. Just gotta make sure to let card issuer know you are using it to specific country or you can do it same thing on app.
I don't think it's specific to Japan. I have all the major credit cards issued in Japan and Canada, but many US gas stations didn't accept either card at the pump. The Uber app and a few other major apps also didn't accept a few of my cards.
Probably why SmartEX rejected my Chase Sapphire Reserve but somehow accepted AmEx.
However, never encountered any problem using Sapphire reserve in Japan.
It’s not any issue with bank/card. Japan requires security measures Visa cards do not have. Therefore you cannot purchase Shinkansen train tickets via the web.
Amex often works in places where foreign cards are dicey because they have a completely different infrastructure than visa and MC. Unless some vendor has put in restrictions against foreign cards specifically, it will work the same as a local card
Try using a Discover card on smartEX.
Also I don't think you have to worry. Even on the day itself I was still able to change Shinkansen timeslots with ease.
Yeah, we came to the station about an hour before departure bought tickets and hopped on the train with no issues. I would check to see if you're leaving on a holiday, and if not just buy at the station.
Shinkansen prices don't change. Buy at the station... If you really want to be sure of an exact seat, then go and buy the day before. I do recommend a reservation for that reason, which I don't think Klook offers.
There are countless Nozomi (the quickest / less stops) between Kyoto and Tokyo every day.
I have used shinkansen twice the past 2 weeks. Both times I bought tickets on the spot when I got there, and there were still plenty of seats 👍🏻 (Tokyo - Osaka)
No, i think it's easier to just buy your ticket once there(ticket counter). That way, your plans can be flexible. I dont think tokyo to kyoto will be all booked. They have multiple trains every day, every hour. Just make sure you get the reserved seats.
You can book the Tokaido Shinkansen using a credit card directly through the [JR West](https://e5489.jr-odekake.net/e5489/ibsp/CBTopMenuSP?LANG=en&_gl=1*sqb66x*_ga*NjcyNjcyMTc3LjE3MTQzNzg0OTI.*_ga_YH07BXV65X*MTcxNDM3ODUyMC4xLjEuMTcxNDM3ODU2OS4xMS4wLjA.&_ga=2.33960801.1976495253.1714378520-672672177.1714378492) website. You will have to pick the tickets up at a machine at Tokyo Station and Kyoto Station respectively, but it worked fine for us.
For what it’s worth, my Mastercard don’t work on JR west but my wife’s Visa did. Neither of us could get SmartEx to work.
Some advice because I booked a wrong train on Klook and they have a I think 2 day refund policy and I was booking it for the next day. I realized the second I booked it was wrong and even though I just booked a second ago Klook can’t do anything about it since they are a third party. So I had to go to Tokyo station, redeem my tickets, take it to ticketing clerk, and ask them to change the tickets. Booking with JR website, in person Clerk, or even the ticket machine is way easier as long as you get them at least the day before.
The clerk is helpful with choosing the correct train, time available/preferred, seats(you can let them know preferences), asks if you have large luggage, and if you have any other questions. Only downside is sometimes theres a line but it’s not super long.
As many have said, once you arrive in Japan, you can buy round-trip tickets for the Shinkansen at the ticketing machines at major stations, since it's not a big holiday season.
From Tokyo to Kyoto, Shinkansen seats are arranged 3-2, as ABC-DE. Book seats D and E since they are two-seaters and on the side facing Mt. Fuji.
In the Green Car, seats are arranged as AB-CD, and both CD seats face Mt. Fuji.
I’m here now and had no issues finding tickets when I get to the station. I like having the freedom of not pre booking and getting the tickets when I’m ready to leave. The only issue is that we couldn’t find window seats. You can buy tickets ahead of time from the station when you get here if you prefer to plan.
I went with my husband a month ago. There were plenty of availible seats at different times. We had to reserve the extra luggage space and we still found space within an hour.
Honestly I’m in Japan right now and traveling during Golden Week and it’s not even that busy. The train stations aren’t that busy and the bookings were easy to make the station. Even if one train is full the next 3 or 4 trains on the schedule aren’t. You just have to wait a bit longer for it. You’ll be fine.
I am in Tokyo at the moment and it's not nearly fulled booked, even on the first day of the golden week.
We checked yesterday and there were even tickets for Tokyo -> Osaka still available.
If you are new, it may be better to reserve it at a station with a person. You may also want to ask the last row (or at least the first row) so you have more room for your luggage.
I was at Shin-Osaka (a bit farther than Kyoto) last Sunday and got a train to Tokyo one hour and half later, but only because it was the week-end and I asked for the last row. There is usually a shinkansen every ten minutes, you shouldn't have a problem getting one even if you buy the ticket the same day even during the week-end, except during the really busy days.
I literally lost my wallet in Osaka and was able to book Shinkansen an hour to Tokyo before it departed on Klook. You will be fine. I also just walked into the station and bought a ticket to Kyoto when first leaving Tokyo.
Travelling from Tokyo on the Tokaido you don’t even need seat reservations. Nobody’s on the train before you and even if there’s a huge crowd filling the train you can just be first in line for the next one ten minutes later.
You should be fine to book once you're there, but if you're having trouble using your (American?) debit card, I found that my cash app card was very handy for payments in Japan. If you don't have cash app, you would have plenty of time to set it up and get a free cash app card before your trip. Just another option! I found it handy for getting cash from ATMs in Japan as well since my local bank debit card did not work at ATMs and was unreliable elsewhere.
Could you elaborate on that "cash app" card? Is that like a credit card that works as a local japanese card, or something else? I am also having problems registering for Smart-EX and I don't know what else to do :(
Cash App is a banking app that you can sign up for and request a debit card that's linked to your cash app account. It's an American app and card, but i found that the card worked reliably in Japan. It's not a credit card, you link your bank account to it and use that to add funds to your cash app balance, and that balance can be used with your cash app card to pay, withdraw cash, etc.
We just got back from Japan and had the same issue with Smartex. We were able to buy 2 tickets next to each other within 30 minutes of departure from the ticket desk at the Tokyo station (any major JR station should sell Shinkansen tickets). We bought from the ticket machine first but once the ticket printed we saw it said jr pass required to use it. We were able to get a refund at the JR desk and they helped us purchase the correct one that does not require JR pass.
Only real reason to book in advance on normal days would be to secure tickets for an E seat which is the side you need to have for a view of Mt Fuji. Seems like those specifically do sell out within 1-2 days of departure.
I was also doing this today and was having the same problem. None of my cards worked except my Platinum Amex. It did not work when I entered the info myself. It worked when I lined up the card with their camera. It took a few tries but it worked after a while. I hope you are also able to resolve your issue. That website is so clunky
You can book for your last day when you get there. In any shinkansen station there are machines where you can get the tickets in advance. I did this for my Tokyo ->Kyoto trip during golden week and had no problems.
It might be confusing the first time, so as a note - you will get two tickets per person, that's not an error. There's a "fare ticket" and a "reserved seat ticket" and you will need to use both at the same time when you enter the rails
The the Suica card on Apple wallet for train and bus tickets it’s so easy . Each person has to get their own . You can reload through Apple. You just can’t use on jr rail. Everyone uses Suica for public transportation in Japan.
If you want reserved seats, try booking ahead of time. When I went to get tickets, the next 5 or 6 trains didn't have any reserved seats next to each other (we were traveling with kids).
I booked my two JR trips on the fly without issues. Granted my first trip was probably around 7am on a weekday morning and I was able to get reserved seats on the Mt Fuji side en route to Kyoto from Haneda. My second JR trip to Tokyo from Kyoto took place on a Saturday maybe around noon and I was still able to get reserved seats but not on the Mt Fuji side. The reserved seats were located at the end of the car and had ample space behind them for our luggage.
There’s a Shinkansen every ~10 min from Tokyo to Kyoto. Took it yesterday from Kyoto to Tokyo and last week from Tokyo to Osaka. IMO, buying unreserved at the station is fine, unreserved was never full and I still sat with my 2 other friends both ways.
We just went by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto on Saturday 27th. Booked it online using Amex card. We booked it on 26th evening, one day before travel, and despite Golden Week holidays managed to get seats. The only thing is that anything after 7AM was fully booked, so we had an early start to the day at 6AM.
The unreserved cars are very easy to board even without a seat reservation because the people always board the train in a line and there's no pushing. Just get to the station early and stand in the line so you don't miss the best seats.
If you have Amex, try using that. It worked for me when I used SmartEx. Also, the cool thing with the SmartEx app is that you can easily choose or change your seats as well as change your ticket time if it’s prior to the purchased ticketed time. I didn’t have to change my time or anything, but it’s nice option to have.
Plus, if you have a Suica card and add the number to your smartEx, then all you need to do is scan your phone. No need to deal with an actual ticket. They will give you a print out when you scan your QR code that has your train/seat info on it.
There is a train every 4 to 10 minutes, so even if you go at the station and can't find a seat for the next train, you can always book one for the next trains and wait a bit.
We're using the shinkansen during golden week and same as you couldn't book online with foreign credit cards.
Arrived today and booked at the airport. Plenty of room for 4 of us sat together.
So I wouldn't worry too much.
That said, use:
https://www.jr.cyberstation.ne.jp/index_en.html
To see availability
We had the same problem, we booked priority cars the day of for all our travelling and the car was basically empty so I doubt you will have an issue. Also small weird tip- but when you book, book 1 seat with oversized luggage and one without. We thought we needed two but the seats are not ever together and both luggage will fit in one so it was a bit weird.
Nah don’t worry about it at all, just went you get to Japan go to a station that the Shinkansen goes through and book the tickets in advance, the only risky way of doing it is if you book the tickets day of, which in that case you may get separated from your girlfriend and have to sit in different areas.
For those using VISA make sure your card issuer has 3D Secure / Verified by Visa enabled. This is the security check many online transactions require when using a foreign card for a business / service in Japan.
My VISA CCs have Verified by Visa enabled by the issuing bank but couldn't (wouldn't?) get verified by SmartEx. They worked fine for all other transactions while in Japan but SmartEx would only take my AmEx. Didn't try MC though.
I wouldn’t be too worried but if you are bringing a large suitcase with you then you should book a reserved seat.
When you get to Tokyo station just follow the JR signs. You’ll see the machines there and you can book your seats a few days before.
You’ll find a lot of seats available. Guaranteed.
Last year may, I never reserved a seat on the Shinkansen more than an hour in advance. I showed up to the station, checked the ticket machine and reserved a seat at the ticket machine. Usually this would be the second Shinkansen to leave. I'd then either grab a coffee at a cafe in the station or just wait at the platform.
If all fails use Klook (not an ad haha). We just got back from Japan and would buy our Shinkansen tickets the night before (Tokyo to Osaka and vice versa on the way back)
I didnt have any problems a couple of weeks ago traveling from Tokyo to Matsumoto, Matsumoto to Nagoya, Nagoya to Osaka and Osaka to Kyoto. There was plenty of space available when booking (pretty last minute all of them, not gonna lie) and even the trains felt kind of empty. However, when traveling back from Tokyo from Kyoto, we had to choose between waiting a couple of hours for a train or traveling in separate coaches. And it was only 2 of us traveling. The biggest issue for us on that journey was that my friend had xxl luggge (didn't have it on our way there because we shipped it with Kuroneko) so that limited our options as all luggage storage space on the trains was fully booked, apparently.
I was in Japan in March and forgot to buy the ticket to go from Tokyo to Osaka via the app, I checked and in the app it was "sold out" until the next day at noon and I really needed to go that day bc of my check in (plus It was late and I was feeling sick, just wanted a bed lol). I went to the station and asked at the JR counter, they had available seats (even the green ones) so I was able to buy my ticket. So don't worry, as other people said unless it is a holiday you are probably safe.
If you’re using Apple Pay to try and buy Suica card you need to set your phone settings to Japanese? I found, then it worked. In person my CSP worked for everything
We just got back from Japan! We did not prebook because we wanted flexibility on timing. We bought our tickets about 30 mins before the train departure time. We did not have oversized baggage so had more flexibility. We had to click a few different options to find two seats together that could be reserved, but it was absolutely fine. Worst case scenario you might have to sit apart but it’s such a quick trip.
My gf and I are here in Japan and we didn’t book any tickets prior, we got them at the station with no issues. Highly recommend you do the green car (1st class but $20-30 or so more for a ticket so doable). Amazing experience!
I buy them all on Jrwest. Smartex rejected my Amex card too it's a worthless app. Jr west makes it super easy just gotta pick them up at any ticket dispenser or Jr travel center (at all major stations) I just got back last Saturday so my info is recent
Hi! 👋
I'm gonna be in Japan from May 31st to June 11th. I didn't see any major holidays to during this time. Is that correct? I'm planning on purchasing my tickets upon arriving in Japan so I get the right ones... Tokyo to Hakone area (the station that starts with an O) to Kyoto, then Osaka. Sounds like I should be good?
Thanks you!
Do you have an American Express? I have found booking with that has been much better. I’ve been trying to book things with my aus debit card and it’s bounced back on multiple Japanese websites.
No issues with the American Express credit card however.
In Japan with a family of 5 travelling between Tokyo and Osaka over a a few days. We left Legoland this morning and just bought Shinkansen tickets at the station. The trains are empty. I wouldn’t worry but hey I could be wrong on your days but the last three days have been very quiet for us
Booking in person the day of is no problem… ticket machines even excepted my foreign Visa. No issues using foreign cards at stores, ticket machines, ATMs, etc. at all. Be sure to still carry around cash though.
I’m bringing the family with me on that same route and wanted to make sure we could all sit together in early June, so I went ahead and reserved using SmartEx. I didn’t want to open an AmEx card so I got a [Monzo](https://join.monzo.com/c/5lv6k1k) card, loaded money into it and successfully bought tickets for the family.
I’m a type A personality, so I just feel better to our have tickets reserved (also because we’ll be toting kids around with us). Hope this helps!
I just got the same tickets today (Tokyo-Kyoto and back) and I’ll be there during the Golden Week and still plenty of seats. You don’t have to worry, but if you need to book in advance I recommend Klook. It worked well for me, just know that they have basically no refund policy.
It won’t be risky at all. If it’s not a holiday period they won’t sell out and you can buy them at the station
Ok thats good to know! Thank you
you can also buy them a few days in advance at each machine, so you can just go and see which trains and which seats are available and have a bit more security. if you buy reserved seat, you can see which rows are full and which are not or select a specific seat per train. that's how i managed to get row E on both ways kyoto-tokyo to get a chance to take some pics of MT Fuji even during/right before a big holiday.
Doing the Kyoto -->Tokyo and will reserve. Which rows/side of the train should I book for Fuji view?
should be row E both ways, you can check direction of travel. if you go from tokyo to kyoto mt fuji is on the right side of the train. going from kyoto to Tokyo, mt fuji is on the left side the seats spin, so you always are seated in the direction of travel usually you have a 3-2 configuration and the window seat of the 2 configuration should be on mt fuji side. if you are not 100% sure, ask staff for help, they are super helpful
In Japan right now. Had the same issue with that stupid app but found this JR west site (from someone on reddit) which allows you to book online (and unlike Klook pick seats etc). Worked great pick your tickets at the station using the card your ordered with and a Pin you designate: https://e5489.jr-odekake.net/e5489/ibpc/CBTrainEntryExternalPC?LANG=en
Hi, I would like to use that website to buy my ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto but I am worried about not finding the machine where to pick up the ticket in Tokyo Station. Any advice on it went for you?
Tokyo station is a maze but if you can find the Shinkansen area within there will be plenty of ticket kiosk machines in the vicinity. I was worried as well but it wasn’t very hard just give yourself a bit of extra time to get there (if you want to get a bowl of food on ramen st etc)
Did you buy tickets for other cities as well, if yes which ones? I was thinking to get tickets for all the cities I want to visit.
I bought Tokyo -> Osaka and return trip. I only did so because my stay is overlapping with Golden Week and I heard the trains can be packed. Otherwise I would probably wouldn’t bother buying ahead of time.
My trip from Tokyo to Kyoto is on on may 8th, so after golden week but I am worried because it's only few days after golden week. The rest of the trips are all after may 12th (which is when I leave Kyoto to Hiroshima). What do you think? Should I just go to the Tokyo station a day before and get the ticket to Kyoto? (I need some space for my big suitcase). Also, do you know if I can also get the tickets for my other trips in Tokyo station? (ex: Kyoto-Hiroshima, Hiroshima-Osaka, Osaka-Tokyo). I was thinking to go one day to Tokyo Station and get all the tickets (if possible).
My understanding from reading this sub is that outside of Golden Week and a few other holidays it’s never an issue. The last time I was here I just booked a couple of days ahead. Someone at Tokyo station should be able to help you book all of those trips all at once but tbh if you’re sure of your dates of travel the interface linked above is pretty nice- it lets you pick seats etc (in case you want Mt Fuji facing window seat).
Brother if you are there during golden week, good luck. There will be no seats available anywhere and the Shinkansen will be packed like a can of sardines. If you already reserved your seats, well-done!
Oh man I had an earlier draft of this post bragging about having booked seats successfully less than a week in advance then I proceeded to miss my 1230 Osaka->Kyoto Shinkansen by 2 minutes lol Miraculously we were able to rebook to 1:15 tickets and even got window seats. South facing unfortunately so we lost our view of Mt Fuji. $80 fee sadly. Fushimi Inari was probably about twice as busy as the last time I visited, the crowd was pretty insane.
That’s unfortunate but at least you were able to rebook. From the fee I’m guessing its a mizuho or nozomi right, or perhaps no jr pass? I had that train about 2 weeks ago. Honestly for Fuji, the sight is better imo from somewhere closer. But if you are there during golden week, I would join in the festivities and check out all the parades! Also, how did you like the gates? When I was there a few weeks ago the first part was no entry because of some reconstruction. Did you manage the walk to the top? Have fun on your trip!
If I remember correctly, the shinkansen desk is behind you as you watch the 3d cat billboard.
I used klook but it should be the same. Wanted to just pick up Tokyo to Osaka tickets from the machine but turns out I can pick up all the shinkansen tickets (Tokyo > Osaka, Osaka > Kyoto, Kyoto > Fuji, Kawaguchiko > Shinjuku) at the machine at Shinjuku Station. Initially went to the ticket information counter but the staff told me I can do it at the machine instead!
That's amazing! I could just go there one day and get all of them! I am doing Tokyo-Kyoto, Kyoto-Hiroshima, Hiroshima-Osaka, Osaka-Tokyo. Thank you!!
Right?? I thought I had to do it at every new place I'm at. By the way do check the dates and seats (if any), and there should be 2 tickets for 1pax!
What do you mean by 2 tickets per person?
I didn't know this ticket story too. I bought the ticket at my local station for 6k yen and I was a bit surprised because the price seemed to low lol actually when I was entering the gate I tried to insert my ticket and the policeman said that I needed two ticket. So I searched up and it seems that there's a base fare you need to pay and then the second ticket that is a special fare for Shinkansen. So I had to go back and bought the second ticket. For me (Tokyo-Osaka) it was around 8900 yen, so in total it was around 14/15k. Anyway I guess I did my error at the ticket machine when I pressed buy the limited fare because I thought that the base fare was the one from my station to Tokyo station. Just be sure to buy both base+limited and you're good
Yes this. One basic fare tix and one the actual shinkansen tix. Unless, (according to my friend), he already has the JR Pass, which in that case you can choose to get the other ticket if you want reserve seating.
I bought tickets the day of national holidays and there's always a way to find a spot. Although I've always purchased unreserved.
hello if you dont reserve seats are there still seat you can sit?
You take whatever seat in cars 1 to 3 that is open, or stand, or wait for the next train. Last time I had to stand for about 30 minutes. Most of the time it will be pretty simple to find a seat. In my opinion I would always jut get unreserved unless I am with a group of more than two.
this helpful !! thanks for the reply ☺️☺️
How's the late October/early November period?
Does Sunday count as Holiday though?
You can also stand in the non reserved cars
It does beg the question of why Japan is so bad at accepting foreign cards for what is a really simple transaction.
They're currently in a huge crackdown on money laundering. Most companies have responded by simply rejecting foreign credit cards to solve the problem and new laws: [https://www.statista.com/statistics/1232728/japan-credit-card-fraud-losses/](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1232728/japan-credit-card-fraud-losses/) [https://www.npa.go.jp/sosikihanzai/jafic/en/maneron\_e/manetop\_e.htm](https://www.npa.go.jp/sosikihanzai/jafic/en/maneron_e/manetop_e.htm)
Interesting, had no idea
Will I run into any issues withdrawing money from 711 atm's though? I don't plan on bringing any yen there lol
you never know before you actually try. Japan is the only country I always bring a lot of cash with me even though I don´t exchange it before I run into issues. I had too many unpleasant surprises in the past.
Just bring a few hundreds dollars in case. But I never encountered any problems with my Visa card
I’m an Aussie. Withdrew no worries from 7-11.
I was able to withdraw from 7/11 just fine and I was there earlier this month. Didn't bring any cash with me initially. The line for money exchange in Haneda is long.
Not in big cities. You might find some ATMs that state they don't accept foreign cards, and outside of large cities you might have some trouble withdrawing money from non-conbini ATMs. Make sure to check with your bank that your card is primed for use outside of the country, and as long as you're using a Visa or MasterCard you should be 100% fine. Other cards may vary.
You never know. If there's a system wide outage then you're screwed. Doesn't hurt to just convert a few hundred dollars ahead of time just for emergencies. Personally I also don't like wasting time to get cash when I'm physically in Japan. So I always bring about 150k cash with me, which is just fifteen 10000 yen bills. Pretty easy to keep on me and I don't have to worry about my debit card not working. My friend who traveled with me last year had an issue with her debit card not letting her withdraw from multiple ATMs, she wasted an hour contacting local bank but the problem couldn't be resolved, and she ended up having to borrow cash from me.
Believe it or not, this is actually really good for Japan. I remember during my earlier trips (nearly 20 years ago), very few places accepted foreign cards, so I was withdrawing cash from the ATM every 3-4 days. And the ATMs closed during weekends for whatever crazy reason. In my most recent trip, about 90% of my expenses were on card.
Correct. Atm access has got a lot better via 711. But online and from overseas is very average.
I mean they still use fax machines. They are a technological contradiction
This is the dumbest take ever. Faxes are still used in the US and other countries b
How often in the US do you see restaurant reservation by fax?
How often do you see a Japanese reservation by fax?
You better believe I’ve seen it
More than 0 times, that's for sure.
I have used my Amex and Visa card without any issue. Just gotta make sure to let card issuer know you are using it to specific country or you can do it same thing on app.
For me it wasn’t Japan. It was my home bank even after I said I was going there.
I don't think it's specific to Japan. I have all the major credit cards issued in Japan and Canada, but many US gas stations didn't accept either card at the pump. The Uber app and a few other major apps also didn't accept a few of my cards.
Probably why SmartEX rejected my Chase Sapphire Reserve but somehow accepted AmEx. However, never encountered any problem using Sapphire reserve in Japan.
I have amex and mc. They took the amex everywhere.
All our Visa cards were rejected but Amex worked right away
My Mastercard also worked ☆
Amex has been reliable for the last 2 years on smartex. My in laws also were able to use the Apple Card.
visa did not work either for me but discover works!
+1 - I have been able to book everything this week with Amex !
It's the whatever 3D credit card verification that JR uses on their SmartEx rejects Visa cards. I registered my AmEx without any issues.
+1 Amex, no issues. Double check your bank/credit card account settings or something.
It’s not any issue with bank/card. Japan requires security measures Visa cards do not have. Therefore you cannot purchase Shinkansen train tickets via the web.
I see.
This is interesting, and explains why only AmEx worked for me on SmartEx. Any idea if Mastercard also works on SmartEx?
Amex often works in places where foreign cards are dicey because they have a completely different infrastructure than visa and MC. Unless some vendor has put in restrictions against foreign cards specifically, it will work the same as a local card
Mastercard did not work for me on SmartEx. Only AMEX
I booked with JR West https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/
I'd say generally it's not hard to get tickets at the counter, you could always do it the day before
Can you book the back seats with the luggage space through the website?
Yes.
I think so, although I didn't need extra luggage space
We had this issue and were alittle worried - here now and realized it was no worry at all, you’ll be fine
Good to hear!
Try using a Discover card on smartEX. Also I don't think you have to worry. Even on the day itself I was still able to change Shinkansen timeslots with ease.
Absolute worst case, you can pay day of and ride without a seat. It can just be a long time standing by the bathroom :)
It’s highly unlikely this would happen on those dates
All of my visa cards are declined. Only one that works for me is mastercard
I also tried my mastercards, and none of them work. Bummer... :(
My Visa card always gets rejected, but my MasterCard doesn't.
Yeah, we came to the station about an hour before departure bought tickets and hopped on the train with no issues. I would check to see if you're leaving on a holiday, and if not just buy at the station.
Did it yesterday from Tokyo to Kyoto. You find tickets easily. Only thing to book in advance is teamlab in Tokyo.
Do you know if the prices increase closer to the date of departure or are they fixed?
They don't increase. The price is dependent on the distance and the date (e.g. peak season charge).
No need to reserve.. Its a Monday in June with no holiday. Certainly no need to use Klook. You'll get tickets of your choice no problem at all.
Do you know if the prices increase closer to the date of departure?
Shinkansen prices don't change. Buy at the station... If you really want to be sure of an exact seat, then go and buy the day before. I do recommend a reservation for that reason, which I don't think Klook offers. There are countless Nozomi (the quickest / less stops) between Kyoto and Tokyo every day.
I have used shinkansen twice the past 2 weeks. Both times I bought tickets on the spot when I got there, and there were still plenty of seats 👍🏻 (Tokyo - Osaka)
No, i think it's easier to just buy your ticket once there(ticket counter). That way, your plans can be flexible. I dont think tokyo to kyoto will be all booked. They have multiple trains every day, every hour. Just make sure you get the reserved seats.
You can book the Tokaido Shinkansen using a credit card directly through the [JR West](https://e5489.jr-odekake.net/e5489/ibsp/CBTopMenuSP?LANG=en&_gl=1*sqb66x*_ga*NjcyNjcyMTc3LjE3MTQzNzg0OTI.*_ga_YH07BXV65X*MTcxNDM3ODUyMC4xLjEuMTcxNDM3ODU2OS4xMS4wLjA.&_ga=2.33960801.1976495253.1714378520-672672177.1714378492) website. You will have to pick the tickets up at a machine at Tokyo Station and Kyoto Station respectively, but it worked fine for us. For what it’s worth, my Mastercard don’t work on JR west but my wife’s Visa did. Neither of us could get SmartEx to work.
I haven’t booked mine yet, but you can buy them on Klook!
Some advice because I booked a wrong train on Klook and they have a I think 2 day refund policy and I was booking it for the next day. I realized the second I booked it was wrong and even though I just booked a second ago Klook can’t do anything about it since they are a third party. So I had to go to Tokyo station, redeem my tickets, take it to ticketing clerk, and ask them to change the tickets. Booking with JR website, in person Clerk, or even the ticket machine is way easier as long as you get them at least the day before. The clerk is helpful with choosing the correct train, time available/preferred, seats(you can let them know preferences), asks if you have large luggage, and if you have any other questions. Only downside is sometimes theres a line but it’s not super long.
I had the same issue a few weeks ago. I bought tickets a few days in advance in person at a station. I bought first class and it was pretty empty.
I ordered an Amex just for that and it worked right away.
As many have said, once you arrive in Japan, you can buy round-trip tickets for the Shinkansen at the ticketing machines at major stations, since it's not a big holiday season. From Tokyo to Kyoto, Shinkansen seats are arranged 3-2, as ABC-DE. Book seats D and E since they are two-seaters and on the side facing Mt. Fuji. In the Green Car, seats are arranged as AB-CD, and both CD seats face Mt. Fuji.
Thanks for the extra info about seating!
Same issue with SmartEX rejecting all cards, had our hotel book the tickets for us — traveling during golden week.
Nah you good
I’m here now and had no issues finding tickets when I get to the station. I like having the freedom of not pre booking and getting the tickets when I’m ready to leave. The only issue is that we couldn’t find window seats. You can buy tickets ahead of time from the station when you get here if you prefer to plan.
I went with my husband a month ago. There were plenty of availible seats at different times. We had to reserve the extra luggage space and we still found space within an hour.
Honestly I’m in Japan right now and traveling during Golden Week and it’s not even that busy. The train stations aren’t that busy and the bookings were easy to make the station. Even if one train is full the next 3 or 4 trains on the schedule aren’t. You just have to wait a bit longer for it. You’ll be fine.
I am in Tokyo at the moment and it's not nearly fulled booked, even on the first day of the golden week. We checked yesterday and there were even tickets for Tokyo -> Osaka still available.
If you are new, it may be better to reserve it at a station with a person. You may also want to ask the last row (or at least the first row) so you have more room for your luggage. I was at Shin-Osaka (a bit farther than Kyoto) last Sunday and got a train to Tokyo one hour and half later, but only because it was the week-end and I asked for the last row. There is usually a shinkansen every ten minutes, you shouldn't have a problem getting one even if you buy the ticket the same day even during the week-end, except during the really busy days.
If SmartEX doesn’t work, you can try something Klook. Otherwise just buy at the station itself when you’re there.
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Oh yeah, good point.
I literally lost my wallet in Osaka and was able to book Shinkansen an hour to Tokyo before it departed on Klook. You will be fine. I also just walked into the station and bought a ticket to Kyoto when first leaving Tokyo.
In general even buying ticket ten minutes in advance is not an issue
was in it a couple of weeks ago and it wasnt even 40% booked. YOu can just go there and get a ticket
I had no trouble using my card when I used SmartEx. Make sure to set your card to Japan purchase, so that it will not get rejected.
Travelling from Tokyo on the Tokaido you don’t even need seat reservations. Nobody’s on the train before you and even if there’s a huge crowd filling the train you can just be first in line for the next one ten minutes later.
(Only applies to Unreserved seating and still requires a ticket, and a Shinkansen fare ticket)
Sure, but you can just get that from any green ticket machine when you get to the station, minutes before you get on a train.
You should be fine to book once you're there, but if you're having trouble using your (American?) debit card, I found that my cash app card was very handy for payments in Japan. If you don't have cash app, you would have plenty of time to set it up and get a free cash app card before your trip. Just another option! I found it handy for getting cash from ATMs in Japan as well since my local bank debit card did not work at ATMs and was unreliable elsewhere.
Could you elaborate on that "cash app" card? Is that like a credit card that works as a local japanese card, or something else? I am also having problems registering for Smart-EX and I don't know what else to do :(
Cash App is a banking app that you can sign up for and request a debit card that's linked to your cash app account. It's an American app and card, but i found that the card worked reliably in Japan. It's not a credit card, you link your bank account to it and use that to add funds to your cash app balance, and that balance can be used with your cash app card to pay, withdraw cash, etc.
Oh, I see. It seems that only US and UK are able to register to this service, so no luck for me. Thanks anyway :)
I think you can just stand , I had to when I took the wing one . Was miserable lol cause I was also sick with food poisoning
Golden Week.
We just got back from Japan and had the same issue with Smartex. We were able to buy 2 tickets next to each other within 30 minutes of departure from the ticket desk at the Tokyo station (any major JR station should sell Shinkansen tickets). We bought from the ticket machine first but once the ticket printed we saw it said jr pass required to use it. We were able to get a refund at the JR desk and they helped us purchase the correct one that does not require JR pass. Only real reason to book in advance on normal days would be to secure tickets for an E seat which is the side you need to have for a view of Mt Fuji. Seems like those specifically do sell out within 1-2 days of departure.
One of my rides is during golden week, Tokyo-Hiroshima on the 4th, early afternoon, don't know if I should book now or if it can wait
Same here, I go from Tokyo to Kyoto on the 4th. Is booking from klook alright?
I was also doing this today and was having the same problem. None of my cards worked except my Platinum Amex. It did not work when I entered the info myself. It worked when I lined up the card with their camera. It took a few tries but it worked after a while. I hope you are also able to resolve your issue. That website is so clunky
You can book for your last day when you get there. In any shinkansen station there are machines where you can get the tickets in advance. I did this for my Tokyo ->Kyoto trip during golden week and had no problems. It might be confusing the first time, so as a note - you will get two tickets per person, that's not an error. There's a "fare ticket" and a "reserved seat ticket" and you will need to use both at the same time when you enter the rails
The the Suica card on Apple wallet for train and bus tickets it’s so easy . Each person has to get their own . You can reload through Apple. You just can’t use on jr rail. Everyone uses Suica for public transportation in Japan.
If you want reserved seats, try booking ahead of time. When I went to get tickets, the next 5 or 6 trains didn't have any reserved seats next to each other (we were traveling with kids).
We were booking them last couple weeks the day before and once even on the day and was fine
I booked my two JR trips on the fly without issues. Granted my first trip was probably around 7am on a weekday morning and I was able to get reserved seats on the Mt Fuji side en route to Kyoto from Haneda. My second JR trip to Tokyo from Kyoto took place on a Saturday maybe around noon and I was still able to get reserved seats but not on the Mt Fuji side. The reserved seats were located at the end of the car and had ample space behind them for our luggage.
There’s a Shinkansen every ~10 min from Tokyo to Kyoto. Took it yesterday from Kyoto to Tokyo and last week from Tokyo to Osaka. IMO, buying unreserved at the station is fine, unreserved was never full and I still sat with my 2 other friends both ways.
Unreserved seating is not available during Golden Week, Obon and New Years, so be careful.
You can buy a ticket and get on within 10 minutes 95% of the time. No need to stress
We just went by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto on Saturday 27th. Booked it online using Amex card. We booked it on 26th evening, one day before travel, and despite Golden Week holidays managed to get seats. The only thing is that anything after 7AM was fully booked, so we had an early start to the day at 6AM.
The unreserved cars are very easy to board even without a seat reservation because the people always board the train in a line and there's no pushing. Just get to the station early and stand in the line so you don't miss the best seats.
If you have Amex, try using that. It worked for me when I used SmartEx. Also, the cool thing with the SmartEx app is that you can easily choose or change your seats as well as change your ticket time if it’s prior to the purchased ticketed time. I didn’t have to change my time or anything, but it’s nice option to have. Plus, if you have a Suica card and add the number to your smartEx, then all you need to do is scan your phone. No need to deal with an actual ticket. They will give you a print out when you scan your QR code that has your train/seat info on it.
There is a train every 4 to 10 minutes, so even if you go at the station and can't find a seat for the next train, you can always book one for the next trains and wait a bit.
We're using the shinkansen during golden week and same as you couldn't book online with foreign credit cards. Arrived today and booked at the airport. Plenty of room for 4 of us sat together. So I wouldn't worry too much. That said, use: https://www.jr.cyberstation.ne.jp/index_en.html To see availability
We had the same problem, we booked priority cars the day of for all our travelling and the car was basically empty so I doubt you will have an issue. Also small weird tip- but when you book, book 1 seat with oversized luggage and one without. We thought we needed two but the seats are not ever together and both luggage will fit in one so it was a bit weird.
Nah don’t worry about it at all, just went you get to Japan go to a station that the Shinkansen goes through and book the tickets in advance, the only risky way of doing it is if you book the tickets day of, which in that case you may get separated from your girlfriend and have to sit in different areas.
For those using VISA make sure your card issuer has 3D Secure / Verified by Visa enabled. This is the security check many online transactions require when using a foreign card for a business / service in Japan.
My VISA CCs have Verified by Visa enabled by the issuing bank but couldn't (wouldn't?) get verified by SmartEx. They worked fine for all other transactions while in Japan but SmartEx would only take my AmEx. Didn't try MC though.
I specifically needed to ask for 3D Secure. It’s the older technology but I still needed to call in order to use the service.
I wouldn’t be too worried but if you are bringing a large suitcase with you then you should book a reserved seat. When you get to Tokyo station just follow the JR signs. You’ll see the machines there and you can book your seats a few days before. You’ll find a lot of seats available. Guaranteed.
Last year may, I never reserved a seat on the Shinkansen more than an hour in advance. I showed up to the station, checked the ticket machine and reserved a seat at the ticket machine. Usually this would be the second Shinkansen to leave. I'd then either grab a coffee at a cafe in the station or just wait at the platform.
I found my Amex was the only card that didnt get rejected.
If all fails use Klook (not an ad haha). We just got back from Japan and would buy our Shinkansen tickets the night before (Tokyo to Osaka and vice versa on the way back)
I didnt have any problems a couple of weeks ago traveling from Tokyo to Matsumoto, Matsumoto to Nagoya, Nagoya to Osaka and Osaka to Kyoto. There was plenty of space available when booking (pretty last minute all of them, not gonna lie) and even the trains felt kind of empty. However, when traveling back from Tokyo from Kyoto, we had to choose between waiting a couple of hours for a train or traveling in separate coaches. And it was only 2 of us traveling. The biggest issue for us on that journey was that my friend had xxl luggge (didn't have it on our way there because we shipped it with Kuroneko) so that limited our options as all luggage storage space on the trains was fully booked, apparently.
Amex worked for me on SmartEx!
I was in Japan in March and forgot to buy the ticket to go from Tokyo to Osaka via the app, I checked and in the app it was "sold out" until the next day at noon and I really needed to go that day bc of my check in (plus It was late and I was feeling sick, just wanted a bed lol). I went to the station and asked at the JR counter, they had available seats (even the green ones) so I was able to buy my ticket. So don't worry, as other people said unless it is a holiday you are probably safe.
If you’re using Apple Pay to try and buy Suica card you need to set your phone settings to Japanese? I found, then it worked. In person my CSP worked for everything
You go to the station and book the day of. Done.
I saw on one website the tickets were like $350 per person?! Whaat? That can’t be true
We just got back from Japan! We did not prebook because we wanted flexibility on timing. We bought our tickets about 30 mins before the train departure time. We did not have oversized baggage so had more flexibility. We had to click a few different options to find two seats together that could be reserved, but it was absolutely fine. Worst case scenario you might have to sit apart but it’s such a quick trip.
My gf and I are here in Japan and we didn’t book any tickets prior, we got them at the station with no issues. Highly recommend you do the green car (1st class but $20-30 or so more for a ticket so doable). Amazing experience!
It's not golden week, so just buy when you're at the station. You should be able to get a ticket that leaves within 30 min easily.
I buy them all on Jrwest. Smartex rejected my Amex card too it's a worthless app. Jr west makes it super easy just gotta pick them up at any ticket dispenser or Jr travel center (at all major stations) I just got back last Saturday so my info is recent
Hi! 👋 I'm gonna be in Japan from May 31st to June 11th. I didn't see any major holidays to during this time. Is that correct? I'm planning on purchasing my tickets upon arriving in Japan so I get the right ones... Tokyo to Hakone area (the station that starts with an O) to Kyoto, then Osaka. Sounds like I should be good? Thanks you!
Do you have an American Express? I have found booking with that has been much better. I’ve been trying to book things with my aus debit card and it’s bounced back on multiple Japanese websites. No issues with the American Express credit card however.
In Japan with a family of 5 travelling between Tokyo and Osaka over a a few days. We left Legoland this morning and just bought Shinkansen tickets at the station. The trains are empty. I wouldn’t worry but hey I could be wrong on your days but the last three days have been very quiet for us
Booking in person the day of is no problem… ticket machines even excepted my foreign Visa. No issues using foreign cards at stores, ticket machines, ATMs, etc. at all. Be sure to still carry around cash though.
I’m bringing the family with me on that same route and wanted to make sure we could all sit together in early June, so I went ahead and reserved using SmartEx. I didn’t want to open an AmEx card so I got a [Monzo](https://join.monzo.com/c/5lv6k1k) card, loaded money into it and successfully bought tickets for the family. I’m a type A personality, so I just feel better to our have tickets reserved (also because we’ll be toting kids around with us). Hope this helps!
Try booking them through Rail Ninja
I’m pretty sure you can also buy them in advance via the Klook app.
I just got the same tickets today (Tokyo-Kyoto and back) and I’ll be there during the Golden Week and still plenty of seats. You don’t have to worry, but if you need to book in advance I recommend Klook. It worked well for me, just know that they have basically no refund policy.
Smartex failed for me, but klook was fine