Shinkansen tickets can be confusing because their pricing has two components, and purchase options differ between JR Pass holders and non-holders. Here is the complete guide.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) ticketing system has two components that are purchased together: the base fare (for the distance travelled) and the limited express supplement (for travelling on a Shinkansen-class train). Both are printed on the same ticket or charged together. JR Pass holders have both components covered, but still need to reserve seats on most services.
Understanding Shinkansen Ticket Pricing
Base fare: Calculated by distance. Covers the right to travel between two stations.
Limited express supplement: The additional charge for travelling on the Shinkansen. Varies by service class (Hikari, Nozomi, Kodama on the Tokaido; Hayabusa, Hayate, Yamabiko on the Tohoku).
Reserved vs unreserved: Most Shinkansen have both reserved-seating cars and unreserved free-seating cars) cars. Reserving costs a small additional supplement over unreserved. The Nozomi and Hayabusahad, with no unreserved cars.
JR Pass note: The JR Pass covers both fare components for Hikari, Kodama, Hayabusa, and most other Shinkansen services. The JR Pass does NOT cover the Nozomi on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. See the JR Pass guide for the full coverage list.
Purchase Option 1: Ticket Machines at Stations
Every major JR station has English-language Shinkansen ticket machines. These accept credit cards and IC cards. The process:
- Select ‘Shinkansen’ from the main menu
- Enter your destination
- Select the service type and departure time
- Choose reserved or unreserved seating
- Pay and collect your tickets
Machines are available 24 hours a day and do not require booking. You can buy immediately before departure if seats are available.
Purchase Option 2: Green Window (Midori no Madoguchi)
The green window (みどりの窓口) is the JR ticket counter at major stations. Staff can help with complex bookings, group tickets, and JR Pass seat reservations in English at most major tourist stations (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Shinjuku, etc.). This is the right option for:
- JR Pass holders reserving seats (free of charge)
- Complex itineraries with multiple legs
- Any questions or problems with a booking
Purchase Option 3: Online (Advance Booking)
Domestic rail companies’ own websites:
- JR-East (Tohoku, Hokuriku): eki-net.com English available
- JR-West (San’yo, Hokuriku): English booking available through smartex.jp
- JR-Central (Tokaido): smartex.jp (Nozomi and Hikari bookings)
Online booking requires creating an account. Tickets can be collected at station machines or, in some cases, delivered as a QR code. Advance online booking is particularly useful for popular routes during peak season.
Purchase Option 4: JR Pass Seat Reservation
JR Pass holders do not pay for Shinkansen travel but must still reserve seats on most services. Reservations are free and made at the green window or at JR Pass reservation machines (available at major stations). Bring your JR Pass and passport. Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance and for same-day travel if seats are available.
See the full Shinkansen luggage guide for rules on what you can bring on board and the oversized luggage reservation requirement.
