How to Board the Shinkansen in Japan | Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve purchased your Shinkansen tickets—or received them from us via hotel, airport, post office, or QR code—you’re ready to ride.
For information on how to purchase Shinkansen tickets, please see this page.

Here’s how to board your train with ease:

🛤️ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Arrive at the station early.
Shinkansen stations can be large and confusing. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure, especially at complex stations like Tokyo Station.

2. Find your train platform.
Look for the electronic departure boards near the ticket gates. These display train names, departure times, destinations, and platform numbers.

3. Enter through the ticket gate.
Insert your paper ticket into the gate, or use the QR code at a compatible scanner (if your ticket was delivered that way). Don’t forget to collect your paper ticket after it passes through the gate—it’s needed for boarding.

4. Go to the correct platform and cabin.
Each ticket shows your train number, car number, and seat number (for reserved seats). Signs on the platform indicate where each car will stop.

5. Board the train.
Enter the designated car, find your seat, and enjoy the ride.

✅ Unreserved seat ticket?
Find cars labeled “自由席” (Unreserved Seat), as shown on departure boards. These seats are first-come, first-served and you can board any train on your travel day within your ticket’s route.

6. Missed your train?
No problem—you can still board any later train on the same day, but only in the unreserved seating section.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many hours prior to departure time should I be at the station?
A: We recommend being at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. Trains depart exactly on time and finding the correct platform may take a while.

Q: How can I check for the latest information if my reserved train is suspended due to inclement weather?
A: Check the official JR websites for real-time updates:

JR Central – Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Nagoya–Kyoto–Osaka)
JR West – Sanyo Shinkansen (Osaka–Hiroshima–Hakata)
JR East – Tohoku/Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo–Sendai–Nagano–Kanazawa–Aomori)

If your reserved train is confirmed canceled, you can usually get a refund at any JR ticket counter.
Refunds are available up to one year from the purchase date—no need to wait in line immediately on the day.

Q: Is there a child fare?
A: Yes.

Ages 6–11: Eligible for child fare (about half-price).
Ages 0–5: Free, as long as the child shares a seat with an adult. A ticket is required if a separate seat is needed.

If there are any more points that need to be cleared, please visit our FAQ page, where we have gathered all the questions we have received from our customers in the past, or simply contact us anytime. Our Shinkansen Booking Experts are more than happy to assist you!