Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Booking Shinkansen at a mid-route stop

december03
december03
over 8 years ago
2 responses

If I wish to book a seat on a train from,say, Sendai to Tokyo, do I need to make the booking before the train has left its original station at Shin-Aomori, or can the seat be reserved at any time up to actual departure from Sendai.

I might wish to do the same with a train from Hiroshima to Osaka. Can I book the seat any time up to departure from Hiroshima, or do I have to book it before the train has left its original start station, which may be 2 or 3 hours beforehand ?

I will have a Japan Rail Pass for the Green Car, for which I believe reservations are mandatory ?

Thank you in anticipation.

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Seat reservations can be made at any time before boarding the train, even if the train is already on its way. In short, seat reservations can even be made 5min before boarding the train. The JR Staff can exactly see what seats are takes and which are not.

Green Class is indeed only by reservation. You can however always use a non-reserved seat in ordinary class if you are in a hurry and there's no time to reserve a seat.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Seat reservations can be made at any time before boarding the train, even if the train is already on its way. In short, seat reservations can even be made 5min before boarding the train. The JR Staff can exactly see what seats are takes and which are not.

Green Class is indeed only by reservation. You can however always use a non-reserved seat in ordinary class if you are in a hurry and there's no time to reserve a seat.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

december03
december03
2 posts
over 8 years ago

That is SO helpful, knowing that I do not have to commit to specific services hours or days in advance. Thank you so much for your prompt reply.


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $343.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 17323 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes