Where and How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets: Online and Ticket Machines

Summary

This video guide explains how to buy Shinkansen tickets in Japan, whether at the station or online. It covers the two main fare types: basic fare and super limited express fare, along with reserved and non-reserved seating options. Viewers learn how to navigate ticket machines, select train routes, and pay via credit card or cash. It also introduces online booking through websites like smartEX and Ekinet, offering tips on booking in advance, choosing seats, and collecting tickets using QR codes or IC cards. The video also highlights booking platforms like Klook for even earlier ticket reservations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shinkansen is an efficient and popular way to travel between cities in Japan, with various options for ticket purchasing.
• 😀 You can purchase a JR Pass for unlimited Shinkansen travel, but this video focuses on buying individual tickets.
• 😀 Shinkansen fares consist of two components: the basic fare and the super limited express fare.
• 😀 Most Shinkansen offer both reserved and non-reserved seating, with reserved seats requiring a small additional charge.
• 😀 At ticket machines, select the English language option to buy tickets. Then, you can choose reserved or non-reserved seating.
• 😀 You can book Shinkansen tickets online up to a month in advance via websites like smartEX for specific lines (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu).
• 😀 When using the smartEX website, you must register an account and provide payment details before booking tickets.
• 😀 After booking online, tickets can be collected at the station using a QR code or linked to an IC card like Suica for easy access.
• 😀 Ekinet is another website option for booking tickets, which doesn't require account registration, though it only offers reserved seats on some lines.
• 😀 The Ekinet website offers e-tickets with a discount when linked to an IC card, providing a more affordable option for booking tickets.
• 😀 Other online booking options like Klook allow booking tickets in advance, but they charge a small service fee of around 1,000 yen.

Q & A

What are the two main components of a Shinkansen fare?

Shinkansen fares are made up of two parts: the basic fare and the super limited express fare. These may either be combined into one ticket or issued as two separate tickets.

What is the difference between reserved and non-reserved seats on the Shinkansen?

Reserved seats are guaranteed for the traveler but cost a bit more. Non-reserved seats are first-come, first-served and are usually located in the first few carriages of the train.

How do you buy Shinkansen tickets at the station?

To buy tickets at the station, start by selecting the 'English' button on the ticket machine, choose either reserved or non-reserved seats, input your departure and arrival stations, select your desired time, and then confirm your seat choice and payment method.

Can you book Shinkansen tickets online before arriving in Japan?

Yes, you can book Shinkansen tickets online before arriving in Japan using dedicated websites like smartEX, Ekinet, or others. Bookings can typically be made up to one month in advance.

What is the smartEX website and how do you use it?

The smartEX website allows you to book Shinkansen tickets for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines. After registering with your details and a payment method, you can choose your departure time, train, and seat, then proceed with payment.

What are the different ways to collect tickets booked on the smartEX website?

Tickets can be collected in three ways: 1) Using a QR code to pick up tickets at the station, 2) Connecting the ticket to an IC card like Suica for easy gate access, or 3) Using a separate QR code for entry at specific gates.

What is an IC card and how does it work with Shinkansen tickets?

An IC card, such as Suica, is a rechargeable card used for fare payment on trains. You can link your Shinkansen ticket to an IC card for easier access through gates without needing to present a paper ticket.

How is the Ekinet website different from the smartEX website?

The Ekinet website is similar to smartEX but does not require an account to be created before booking tickets. It also offers options like Shinkansen e-tickets, which can be linked to an IC card for discounts.

What is the benefit of using the Kyushu Shinkansen website?

The Kyushu Shinkansen website sometimes offers discounts for travel, providing a cost-saving opportunity for passengers traveling in the southern region of Japan.

What is the main disadvantage of using Klook for Shinkansen tickets?

The main disadvantage of using Klook is the additional service fee of approximately 1,000 yen. However, the benefit is the ability to pre-book tickets well in advance, beyond the one-month limit typically set by official websites.