How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets: 3 Methods Compared

Method 1: SmartEX App (Recommended)

SmartEX is the official online reservation system for Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. It’s the most convenient option for tourists and residents alike.

What SmartEX Covers

• Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Hakata (Fukuoka), and Kagoshima
• Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura trains
• Does NOT cover JR East Shinkansen (Tohoku, Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu, Hokuriku)

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download the SmartEX app (iOS / Android) or use the website at smart-ex.jp.
2. Create an account with your email and a non-Japanese credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, Diners).
3. Link your IC card (optional but recommended). If you have Mobile Suica or Pasmo on your phone, link it to SmartEX. This lets you tap through the Shinkansen gate without a paper ticket.

Booking a Ticket

1. Open the app and select departure and arrival stations.
2. Choose your date and time.
3. Select train type (Nozomi is fastest) and car class (Ordinary or Green).
4. Choose reserved or unreserved seats. For reserved, pick your specific seat from the seat map.
5. Confirm and pay with your registered credit card.
6. You receive a QR code or can use your linked IC card at the gate.

At the Station

• With linked IC card: Tap your phone/card at the Shinkansen ticket gate. Walk through.
• Without IC card: Use the QR code on the SmartEX app at the QR reader on the gate. Alternatively, pick up paper tickets at the ticket machine using your booking confirmation.

SmartEX Discounts

SmartEX occasionally offers Early Bird discounts (早特, hayatoku) for bookings made 21 or 3 days in advance. Savings range from ¥500 to ¥3,000 depending on route and timing.

Method 2: Ticket Counter (Midori no Madoguchi)

The manned ticket counter (みどりの窓口, Midori no Madoguchi) is the traditional way to buy Shinkansen tickets. Look for the green sign with “Midori no Madoguchi” at major JR stations.

When to Use the Counter

• You want staff assistance in English
• You’re buying complex multi-leg journeys
• You need to use a Japan Rail Pass
• The ticket machine isn’t working or you’re not comfortable using it

Step-by-Step

1. Find the counter. At Tokyo Station, it’s on the Yaesu (east) side near the Shinkansen gates. At Shinagawa, it’s on the main concourse. Counters exist at all major stations.
2. Take a number from the queue machine and wait.
3. Tell the staff: destination, date, time, number of passengers, reserved or unreserved, and class (Ordinary or Green).
4. Pay by cash or credit card.
5. Receive your tickets: usually two pieces of paper (base fare + express supplement). Keep both.

Tips

• Prepare your request on paper if your Japanese is limited. Write: destination, date, time, number of people. Staff at major stations speak basic English.
• Wait times can be 15-30 minutes during peak periods. Plan accordingly.
• Note: JR East is reducing Midori no Madoguchi counters at smaller stations. Major stations (Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Osaka) still have them.

Method 3: Ticket Machine (Shinkansen Ticket Vending Machine)

Most Shinkansen stations have ticket vending machines with English support. They’re faster than the counter once you know how to use them.

Step-by-Step

1. Find the machine. Located near the Shinkansen gates, labeled “指定席券売機” (Reserved Seat Ticket Machine) or “Shinkansen Ticket Machine.”
2. Press “English” on the touchscreen.
3. Select “Shinkansen” from the menu.
4. Choose departure and arrival stations from the list.
5. Select date and time.
6. Choose train from available options (Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama).
7. Select seat type: reserved (指定席), unreserved (自由席), or Green Car (グリーン車).
8. For reserved seats, choose your seat from the seat map or let the machine auto-assign.
9. Insert payment: cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). Some machines accept IC cards.
10. Collect your tickets. Two tickets print: base fare (乗車券) and express (特急券).

Tips

• Machines accept ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 bills plus coins.
• Credit cards with PINs work best. Contactless is not widely supported on these machines.
• If the machine rejects your card, try the counter instead.

Price Comparison Table (2026, Ordinary Car)

Route	Nozomi Reserved	Nozomi Unreserved	Hikari/Kodama Reserved
Tokyo to Kyoto	¥14,170	¥13,640	¥14,170
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka	¥14,720	¥14,190	¥14,720
Tokyo to Nagoya	¥11,300	¥10,770	¥11,300
Tokyo to Hiroshima	¥19,760	¥19,230	¥19,760
Tokyo to Hakata	¥23,810	¥23,280	N/A (Nozomi/Mizuho only)

Note: Hikari and Kodama reserved seats cost the same as Nozomi reserved seats on the Tokaido Shinkansen. The difference is travel time, not price. Nozomi is fastest (Tokyo-Kyoto in 2h 15m), Hikari about 2h 40m, Kodama about 4h.

Children (ages 6-11) pay half price. Under 6 ride free if not occupying a reserved seat.

Which Method for Which Situation?

Situation	Best Method
Planning ahead, comfortable with apps	SmartEX
At the station, need help	Ticket counter
At the station, want to be quick	Ticket machine
Using a Japan Rail Pass	Ticket counter (or JR East machines for JR East Shinkansen)
Peak season (Golden Week, Obon, New Year)	SmartEX (book 1 month ahead)
Same-day unreserved seat	Ticket machine (fastest)

Troubleshooting

SmartEX won’t accept my credit card

Some foreign cards are declined. Try a different card. Visa and Mastercard have the highest acceptance rate. If none work, use the ticket counter or machine at the station.

I missed my reserved train

If you bought a regular (non-discount) ticket, you can ride a later train on the same day in the unreserved cars. Your reserved seat is forfeited, but you don’t need a new ticket. Discount tickets (早特 etc.) have stricter rules — check the terms.

I need to cancel or change my booking

On SmartEX, you can change the train, date, or time for free until departure. Cancellations incur a fee (¥340 for standard tickets, higher for discounts). At the counter, the same rules apply.

I don’t know which station to depart from

For Tokaido Shinkansen heading west (Kyoto, Osaka), depart from Tokyo Station (most trains) or Shinagawa Station (also many Nozomi). Shinagawa is often less crowded and quicker to board.

For more on reserved vs. unreserved seating, see our reserved vs. unreserved guide.