How to Buy Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Tickets at the Train Station in Japan

Step-by-Step: Buying Shinkansen Tickets at the Station

1. Go to a major JR station
Look for stations with Shinkansen service, such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Ueno, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, or Osaka. Follow signs for the Shinkansen or JR Ticket Office.

2. Decide if you want to use a machine or ticket counter
You usually have two options:

• Ticket machine – faster, often has English

• JR ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi) – best if you want help from staff

3. Know your basic trip details before you start
It helps to have these ready:

• Destination

• Travel date

• Approximate departure time

• Number of passengers

• Reserved or non-reserved seat

• One-way or round trip

4. If using a ticket machine, switch to English first
Most major station machines have an English button on the screen. Press that before starting if needed.

5. Select the Shinkansen ticket option
Choose the option for buying a Shinkansen ticket. Depending on the machine, this may say something like:

• “Shinkansen”

• “Reserved Seat”

• “Buy Tickets”

• “Limited Express / Shinkansen”

6. Enter your destination and travel date
Type in or select where you are going, then choose the date and time you want to depart.

7. Choose reserved or non-reserved seating

• Reserved seat: You get a specific car and seat number

• Non-reserved seat: Cheaper/flexible, but you line up and sit where space is available

For longer trips or busy times, reserved is usually the easier choice.

8. Choose your train and seat preferences
The machine may ask:

• Departure time

• Smoking or non-smoking

• Ordinary car or Green Car

• Window or aisle seat

Pick what fits your budget and comfort.

9. Confirm the fare and pay
You can usually pay with:

• Cash

• Credit card

• Sometimes IC card, depending on the machine/station

After payment, the machine prints your ticket or tickets.

10. Double-check what you received
You may get:

• One combined ticket
  or

• Two separate tickets

  • Base fare ticket

  • Shinkansen/limited express ticket

Keep both if the machine gives you two.

11. Head to the Shinkansen gates
Follow signs for the Shinkansen platforms. At the gate, insert your ticket or tickets into the gate slot. The machine will return them—make sure to take them back.

12. Find your platform, car, and seat
Check the ticket for:

• Departure time

• Train name/number

• Platform

• Car number

• Seat number

On the platform, line up where your car number is marked on the ground.

13. Board quickly and store luggage properly
Once the train arrives, board promptly. Put smaller bags on the rack overhead. Larger luggage may need oversized baggage seating on certain routes if it exceeds the size rules.

14. Keep your ticket until the end of the trip
You may need it again when exiting at your destination.

Quick Tips

• Reserved seats are easiest if you have luggage, are traveling with others, or want less stress

• Non-reserved is fine for shorter routes or flexible plans

• Ticket offices are great if the machine feels confusing

• Try to buy a little early during weekends, holidays, and busy travel seasons

Common Words You May See

• Shinkansen = Bullet train

• Reserved Seat = Seat assigned in advance

• Non-Reserved Seat = Open seating in designated cars

• Green Car = First-class style seating

• Midori no Madoguchi = JR ticket office