Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Reserving Shinkansen Seats?

kyjin
kyjin
almost 12 years ago
1 response

Hi there!

I will be staying in Tokyo for 7 weeks, and then my mom is flying in for a week. We are planning on buying the 7-day pass to travel in Tokyo/Yokohama for 2 days, shinkansen to Kyoto for 2 days, 1 day in Nara, 1 day in Hiroshima, then back to Tokyo for another day. The last time I was in Japan I stayed on a cultural studies visa and was ineligible for the pass, so I had to book my shinkansen tickets through a travel agent. How do we use the pass to book shinkansen tickets? Can we book reserved seats on the shinkansen lines eligible for the pass without upgrading the pass? Do I have to do this in person at a station or can I do it through a site?

Thanks for your help!

avatar
mari
1950 posts
almost 12 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Seat reservations are free with a Japan Rail Pass. The best way to make reservations for non-Japanese speakers is to visit the JR ticket office once you have activated your rail pass, and place your reservations in person. If you would like to make all your seat reservations at once, that is also possible provided you know your itinerary.

In general, unless you are travelling during rush hour, or during the Golden Week period (April 29th - May 5th), you should be fine to reserve seats on the day of travel before you board your train.

If you can read Japanese, then you can reserve seats online (again for free) through www.eki-net.com.

Hope this helps!


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 17329 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