Shinkansen fare consists of two components: the basic fare (distance) and the express surcharge (speed/reserved seat)
Shinkansen fare consists of two components: the basic fare (distance) and the express surcharge (speed/reserved seat). Buying via ticket counters is recommended for beginners to ensure correct fare combination.
It is generally not necessary to book Shinkansen tickets in advance during the off-season in Japan
It is generally not necessary to book Shinkansen tickets in advance during the off-season in Japan. Tickets can usually be purchased at the station on the day of travel. The price for a standard ticket is approximately 11,550 JPY.
When traveling to Japan from late September to early October, consider advance Shinkansen ticket purchases for popular…
When traveling to Japan from late September to early October, consider advance Shinkansen ticket purchases for popular routes. While Kyoto-Tokyo, Tokyo-Kamakura, Tokyo-Katsuta, and Tokyo-Kawaguchiko might allow same-day purchases, it's advisable to book at least a day in advance for Nikko and potentially Kawaguchiko to secure preferred seats. Purchasing tickets within Japan a day or two prior is recommended over waiting until the last minute.
When purchasing Shinkansen tickets, first check the official JR website if you have an international card
When purchasing Shinkansen tickets, first check the official JR website if you have an international card. If the JR site is unavailable or the specific route is not listed, consider aggregators like Klook or Trip.com. For routes operated by specific companies like Tobu, searching directly on their website (e.g., 'Tobu Nikko') can yield results. Be aware that 'reserved' seating assignments are automatic and may not guarantee adjacent seats for groups; advance booking is recommended to secure preferred seating.
When booking Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets in Japan online, children under 6 years old travel for free if they do…
When booking Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets in Japan online, children under 6 years old travel for free if they do not occupy a separate seat. You can purchase adult tickets and travel with the child without a separate ticket. For children aged 6 to 11, a 50% fare applies, which may require booking at the ticket counter as it might not be available through automatic ticket machines.