How to Board the Shinkansen with a QR Voucher

If you have purchased a QR Voucher, you will need to use it to issue a paper ticket at a ticket machine in the station.
The process is simple and takes about three minutes to complete.

The station and ticket machines may be crowded.
If you plan to issue your ticket on the day of travel, please make sure to allow extra time at the station.

Important Stations: KYOTO & SHIN-OSAKA

If you plan to issue your tickets at Kyoto or Shin-Osaka Station, please note that some ticket machines (operated by JR West) are not compatible with the QR code and cannot be used.

[At KYOTO Station]
✅ The ticket machines near the Shinkansen gate (Hachijo Exit / Shinkansen Central Exit) are operated by JR Central and CAN ISSUE your ticket.
⚠️ The ticket machines near the Karasuma Exit are under a different jurisdiction and CANNOT ISSUE your QR code.

[At SHIN-OSAKA Station]
✅ The ticket machines located near the Shinkansen gate are operated by JR Central and CAN ISSUE your ticket.
⚠️The ticket machines near the local train platforms are under a different jurisdiction and CANNOT ISSUE your QR code.

If you are unsure, please show the "Eki-net" logo to a station staff member and ask them to direct you to the correct ticket machine.

Issuing Your Tickets

At some stations, the 'Eki-net' logo (below) is displayed—just use a machine with this logo to be sure.

The QR code issued to you can only be used at ticket machines operated by JR East or JR Central (JR Tokai). 
Please note that the QR code cannot be read by JR West ticket machines.
Look for the ticket machines that display the "Eki-net" logo shown above – these are machines not operated by JR West.

Step by Step: How to Issue Your Tickets

1. Select your preferred language using the button at the top of the screen.
Note: The printed tickets will only display information in Japanese and English

Click the "Read QR code" button at the bottom right of the screen.

2. Hold the QR code over the camera reader located at the bottom right.
Your tickets will be printed, and you're ready to board.

3. That's it — you're all set!
Just make sure to board the train you reserved, and don't miss it!

In case the QR code does not work:
Please select "Receive using a pickup code."

When using a pickup code, input the pickup code (up to 17 digits) and then press the "Confirm" button.

If you have any questions, please ask the station staff nearby.

Note: A QR code is issued for the whole group (up to 6 passengers per QR code)

How to read the information on the tickets

Please refer to the following page for how to read tickets printed in English.

https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/tickets/read/

Seat guide

Shinkansen Seats are available in four levels, depending on the comfort and services you require.

Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)

Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets, allowing you to head to the station with peace of mind.
Think of it as "economy class" seating.

Green Reserved Seat

Enjoy better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business people, executives, and those who prefer a comfortable travel experience.
Consider it "business class" seating.

GranClassGran Class Seat (only for limited lines)

Known as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seats.
Available only on the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, these seats offer airline-like amenities and meals (only on select trains).
They are the most expensive option.

Unreserved Seat

You can take any open seat in the unreserved cars on the departure date (no departure time will be indicated on your ticket).
This is the best option if cost is your priority and you are traveling during less crowded seasons or times.