Shinkansen and Train Ticket Booking

Inquire about websites or platforms for purchasing train tickets from Matsumoto to Osaka, as Trip.com does not seem to offer this route directly.

Eating and drinking on Shinkansen (bullet trains) in Japan is not only acceptable but common. Bento boxes and beverages, including alcoholic options like beer, sake, and imported wines, are readily available for purchase at stations and on the train. While bringing your own alcohol is generally fine, purchasing it onboard is a convenient option.

To purchase Shinkansen tickets online: if you have an international card, use the official JR website. Alternatively, platforms like Klook or Trip.com accept Russian cards. Note that the 'Hello Kitty' themed Shinkansen is no longer in operation. However, the 'One Piece' themed trains are now running on the Fukuoka-Shin-Osaka route.

A reserved Shinkansen ticket can be used for travel in non-reserved cars on the same day, either earlier or later than the original reservation, provided such cars are available on the train. This offers flexibility for travelers whose plans may change.

Tickets for the Shinkansen can be purchased at major JR stations. While it might be possible to buy tickets at Namba Station, it is more reliable to purchase them at Shin-Osaka Station, which is a dedicated Shinkansen station. For the Kyoto-Tokyo route, purchasing at Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka Station is recommended.

Travelers planning to use the Fuji Excursion train from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo are seeking information on purchasing tickets online in advance and the possibility of collecting these tickets at Kawaguchiko Station if they do not pass through Tokyo beforehand.

When purchasing train tickets in Japan, if ticket counters offer limited availability or inconvenient times, travelers should also check self-service ticket machines. In one instance, earlier tickets were available through a machine when the counter only offered later departure times.

Holders of Shinkansen reserved seat tickets can use them on earlier trains on the same day, but they must sit in non-reserved cars. If non-reserved seats are unavailable, they may need to wait for the next train. Arriving early and queuing in the first or last car increases the chances of finding a seat. During peak seasons like Obon, all cars might be reserved, requiring a ticket exchange or new purchase. The price difference between reserved and non-reserved seats can be minimal.

For the Shinkansen route from Kyoto to Tokyo, choose seat 'E' (left side) for the best views of Mount Fuji. If seeking a warmer carriage, look for designated cars with reduced air conditioning; these are often marked on the platform signage. Be aware that Japanese trains are fixed-direction, so seats are manually rotated at the end of the line by staff.

For Shinkansen travel in Japan on October 7th, purchasing tickets on the day of travel is generally feasible, provided it's not a major holiday like Golden Week or Obon. Trains run frequently (every 10 minutes), and ticket availability is usually good. The price difference for same-day purchase is minimal (around ¥100). While advance booking is not strictly necessary, it offers peace of mind.

Booking specific seats on the Japanese Shinkansen via platforms like Trip.com may be limited to general preferences (window, aisle, etc.). For selecting exact seats, it is recommended to use the official JR website, which accepts foreign credit cards. Alternatively, inquire about seat selection options directly with the train operator or at ticket counters.

If you exit a station at a stop different from the one designated on your paper ticket, use the 'Fare Adjustment' (Norikoshi) machines located inside the ticket gates before exiting. Alternatively, pay the difference to the station staff. IC cards automatically handle fare adjustments.

For inter-city train tickets in Japan, it's generally advisable to purchase them after visa approval, unless traveling during major holidays like Obon or on popular routes where advance booking is recommended. For visa applications, including pre-booked train tickets might be beneficial. For transit passengers in China, a migration card is not required if staying within the transit area. However, exiting the transit zone necessitates filling out the card.

Tickets for Shinkansen (bullet trains) purchased without a reserved seat are typically valid for any train on the specified route and date, in non-reserved cars. You are not restricted to a specific departure time. However, if the ticket includes a reserved seat, it is valid only for that specific train and time.

'No transfer' (без пересадок) on Japanese train routes means you remain on the same physical train even if the line or train number changes during the journey. You do not need to disembark and re-board.