Is Online Booking in English Available for Shinkansen?

Published on August 10, 2016
Last updated on August 20, 2025

Is Online Booking in English Available for Shinkansen?

Ultimate Answer: Yes, But With Limitations

To start with the conclusion: it is possible to book Shinkansen tickets online in English. However, official JR websites have significant limitations, and fully seamless reservations are still not available. For most international travelers, using Shinkansen-ticket.com is the most convenient and reliable option.

The Challenge of Booking Shinkansen Tickets in English

For travelers visiting Japan from overseas, booking Shinkansen tickets online can be surprisingly complex.

Limitations of Official JR Online Websites
Since the split of Japan Railways into regional companies in 1987, each JR company operates its own reservation system. These systems are not connected, making it impossible to book routes that span multiple JR companies in one transaction.
For example, traveling from Kyoto to Nagano requires separate bookings: Kyoto → Tokyo is under JR Central (JR Tokai), and Tokyo → Nagano is under JR East, with no combined online reservation available through official JR websites.
At Shinkansen-ticket.com, however, this route is available as a single product, allowing one-stop booking.
Limited English Support at Stations
Even at major stations, many staff cannot provide detailed English assistance, making inquiries and ticket purchases time-consuming.
Seat Availability During Peak Seasons
During busy travel periods, even buying tickets at stations may not guarantee preferred seats.

Why Travel Agencies and Intermediary Services Are Not Always Ideal

Some travelers use travel agencies or online intermediaries, but there are drawbacks:

Many require booking a full travel package rather than Shinkansen tickets alone.
Fees can be high, and procedures may be complicated.
Few agencies offer paper ticket delivery overseas, and QR ticket options are often limited.

These factors make advanced, stress-free reservations difficult for international visitors.

Key Features That Make Us Different

Flexible Ticket Options

At Shinkansen-ticket.com, we provide tickets tailored to your preferences:

Paper Tickets: Delivered to your hotel in Japan or shipped overseas so you can have your tickets in hand before departure.
QR Tickets: Scan directly at the gate for fast boarding.
Service Fees apply, but in some cases (e.g., Narita Express), we offer deals that can be cheaper than official prices. The fee includes shipping and 24/7 English customer support, making our service more convenient and reassuring than many other third-party options.

Nationwide Coverage

Reserve all JR Shinkansen lines, including Tokaido, Sanyo, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Akita, Yamagata, and more.
Cover all JR limited express trains, not just Shinkansen, allowing comprehensive nationwide travel.
Book routes spanning multiple JR companies in a single reservation (e.g., Kyoto → Nagano), which is impossible via official JR online sites.

Designed for International Travelers

English-friendly website: intuitive and easy to navigate.
24/7 English Customer Support: available anytime, whether booking from home or traveling in Japan.
Overseas Delivery Options: receive paper tickets before departure for peace of mind.

Travel with Confidence

Shinkansen-ticket.com offers a seamless, user-friendly experience that official JR websites and travel agencies cannot match:

Secure English online reservations
Nationwide Shinkansen and JR limited express coverage
Flexible delivery options: paper tickets (domestic or overseas) and QR tickets
24/7 customer support
In some cases, official JR prices may even be higher than our deals, and our fees include support and shipping, making it one of the most convenient options for travelers

While English online booking is technically possible via JR, for truly convenient and stress-free reservations, Shinkansen-ticket.com is the best choice.

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.