How To Purchase Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Tickets

Planning to ride the Shinkansen in Japan? 
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore more of the country, navigating Japan’s high-speed rail system can feel overwhelming.
This guide—developed by experts with years of on-the-ground experience—will walk you through everything you need to know about buying bullet train tickets.
We explain the different seat types, pricing structures, and booking methods to help you make confident, informed decisions.

At Shinkansen-ticket.com, our team has helped thousands of travelers successfully reserve tickets in advance, even during busy seasons. With personalized support, seat customization options, and flexible delivery methods—including hotel drop-off, international shipping, or even QR code by email—we make booking your Shinkansen trip as smooth and secure as possible.

Let’s explore how and where to buy your tickets, the types of seats available, and how to ensure a hassle-free start to your journey.

Contents:

1. What is the Shinkansen?
2. Where and How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
   1. Booking Shinkansen tickets on Shinkansen-ticket.com
   2. Booking Shinkansen tickets on JR websites
   3. Booking Shinkansen tickets at the JR Stations
3. How to Reserve Seats with Specific Requests
4. Step-by-Step Ticket Purchase Instructions
5. Understanding JR Train Ticket Types and Charges
6. How to board the Shinkansen
7. What is Shinkansen-ticket.com?

1. What is the Shinkansen?

The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is Japan’s fastest and most reliable mode of long-distance travel.
Operated by Japan Rail (JR) companies, it connects major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakata—making it the go-to choice for domestic and international travelers alike. Known for safety, punctuality, and comfort, it’s a symbol of Japan’s world-class rail network.

Seat classes on the Shinkansen include:

• Unreserved (¥): Affordable but first-come, first-served.
• Reserved (¥¥): Guarantees a specific seat.
• Green (¥¥¥): Premium seating with added space and comfort.
• Gran Class (¥¥¥¥): First-class experience with full-service amenities (available on selected lines)

Unreserved / Reserved Class Seats

Green Class Seats

GranClass Seats

2. Where and How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets

There are multiple ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets, depending on your travel preferences, schedule, and comfort with the language. From online booking services and official JR websites to in-person purchases at stations, each method has its pros and cons.
Here, we outline the three main options to help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

1. Booking Shinkansen Tickets on Shinkansen-ticket.com

If you’re looking for the most convenient and stress-free option, our expert booking team at Shinkansen-ticket.com can handle the process for you.

• Early Access: Book tickets before they go on sale to the public (sales normally open one month before departure).
• Personalized Requests: Request specific seat preferences, such as:
  • Window or aisle seat
  • View of Mt. Fuji (on JR Central routes)
  • Seats for oversized luggage
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Grouped seating for families or large groups
    
    All of these personalized options are available at no extra cost.

• Flexible Delivery: Choose between paper ticket delivery to your hotel, post office, or home (international shipping available), or receive a QR code by email (valid for some train lines and stations).

The specific steps for purchasing your ticket are outlined at 3. Step-by-Step Ticket Purchase Instructions. 

Why Choose Us?

• We’ve served thousands of international travelers with customized, dependable service.
• Avoid language barriers and complicated booking platforms.
• Peace of mind with guaranteed seat reservations, even during busy seasons.

✅ Pros:

• Advance purchase before official release
• Seat customization options
• Delivery in Japan or abroad, or QR code
• No need to use local ticket machines
• Covers all Shinkansen routes across Japan

❌ Cons:

• Handling and shipping fees may apply
  

2. Booking Shinkansen Tickets on Official JR Websites

Japan Rail companies such as JR East, JR Central, and JR West operate their own reservation websites. These are official and usually offer multilingual support, but have regional limitations.

For example, if you’re traveling between Tokyo and Nagano, you must use JR East's site—this route cannot be booked through JR Central’s platform.

These platforms are trustworthy but can be confusing for international users due to the JR system’s regional fragmentation.

✅ Pros:

• Official channels with no added fees
• Multilingual interface (in most cases)

❌ Cons:

• Only cover tickets within that company’s region
• Complex for cross-regional trips
• Some require account registration

3. Booking Shinkansen Tickets at JR Stations

Once in Japan, you can buy tickets directly at any major station.

• Midori no Madoguchi (JR Ticket Counters): Staffed by agents, helpful for travelers with specific questions or routes. However, not all staff speak English fluently.

• Ticket Machines: Available in multiple languages. Good for last-minute travel, though popular routes can sell out.

✅ Pros:

• No service fees
• Ideal for spontaneous travel
• Machines are user-friendly and multilingual

❌ Cons:

• Long queues during busy hours
• Limited seat availability for same-day or peak times
• Risk of being separated for group bookings

3. Step-by-Step Ticket Purchase Instructions

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you complete your ticket purchase with Shinkansen-ticket.com. We’ll walk you through the process specifically for purchasing tickets on shinkansen-ticket.com, from selecting your preferred ticket to receiving your confirmation — as well as how to request changes or cancellations if needed.

Purchase Steps

1. Go to the product page of your choice (easily searchable via Collection or the search bar).
2. On the product page, select your preferred date, class, number of passengers (adults/children), and seat request (it's simple since all fields are dropdown selections).
3. On the next page, enter your personal information (name, date of birth, billing address, etc.).
4. On the following page, enter your payment card information.
5. That’s it — Completed!

You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours that includes your seat details (and a QR code if it's a QR ticket).
If your travel date is more than a month away, the confirmation email will be sent one month prior to the departure date.

For Cancellations/Changes

1. Please contact us via email or our contact form.
2. You can find the rules for cancellations and changes at our Refund Policy page.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q. Can I receive a QR voucher through email?
A. Yes, if you have purchased a QR voucher or a QR ticket, you will receive a QR code after your seat reservation is confirmed. 

Q. What are the options for receiving my paper tickets?
A. You can choose from hotel delivery, post office pickup, or international shipping.

Q. Is there a child fare?    
A. Yes, child fares are available for children aged 6-11. Children under 5 can travel free if seated on an adult's lap.

Q. What method of payment can I select?
A. You can pay with your credit/debit card.

If you have any other questions while purchasing, feel free to visit our FAQ page, where we address a wide variety of possible scenarios to support your experience.

4. How to Reserve Seats with Specific Requests

In most cases, reserving specific types of seats—such as those for oversized luggage or with scenic views—is either complicated or not available at all through many booking platforms. Travelers often find it difficult to communicate these preferences, especially when booking in a different language.

At Shinkansen-ticket.com, we simplify the process. Our online booking form allows you to easily request:

Our online form allows you to request:

Seat preferences, such as sitting on the Mt. Fuji side, or traveling with your group.
While some third-party services may charge extra for these options, we offer them free of charge.

• Oversized luggage spaces
• Wheelchair-friendly seats
• Scenic side views (like Mt. Fuji)
• Group seating

Just select the relevant checkboxes, and our bilingual support team will handle the rest with care and attention to your preferences.

We’ll gladly arrange seats with a view of Mt. Fuji upon request.

5. Understanding JR Train Ticket Types and Charges

When buying a Shinkansen ticket, the total fare typically consists of several components:

• Base Fare (乗車券): The standard fare for travel between two stations.
• Super Express Surcharge (特急料金): Required for riding the Shinkansen or other express trains.
• Seat Reservation Fee (指定席料金): Included in the surcharge for reserved seats.
• Green Car / Gran Class Fee (グリーン車・グランクラス): Additional charge for premium seating options.

Depending on the route and ticket type, these charges may be issued as two separate tickets or combined into one.

While the fare structure may seem complex at first glance, we ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.
At Shinkansen-ticket.com, we handle the ticketing process for you—including correct fare calculation and proper issuance—so you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about the details. 

6. How to board the Shinkansen

For detailed instructions on how to board and ride the Shinkansen, please refer to this page. 
We've provided a clear, step-by-step guide to help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

7. What is shinkansen-ticket.com?

Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.

We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.

Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.

Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.