How to Book and Redeem Shinkansen Train Tickets for Japan from Klook
Now that the price of the whole Japan Rail Pass has increased by 70%, most travelers will save money by purchasing individual shinkansen train tickets vs the JR Pass. While you can purchase your shinkanse ( aka bullet train ) tickets in person, it can be intimidating especially with all the crowds. This is where Klook comes in and makes it easy to both purchase and pick up your physical train tickets.
Why Book A Shinkansen Ticket (Bullet Train) on Klook?
Save Time at the Train Station
Once you purchase your ticket, you can redeem it at a ticketing machine, pick it up at the airport, or have it delivered. No need to wait in line at the ticketing office or purchase through a ticketing machine, which is usually cash-only and can be confusing.
It is very easy to buy shinkansen tickets: It is easy to search and find what you are looking for. All you need to do is enter your starting point and destination. Checkout is a breeze, with many options for payment accepted. This is the easiest method we have ever used to purchase a shinkansen ticket.
Shinkansen Bullet Train Rail coverage:
Klook sells tickets for all 2900+ shinkansen routes throughout Japan.
You can go from Tokyo to Hokkaido, Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Hiroshima, Fukuoka to Shin-Fuji and everywhere in between where the bullet trains travel.
Multiple language options:
Klook’s site has been translated into many languages. This makes it so much easier to understand and book tickets.
Payment Gateway:
Klook accepts a ton of payment options, not just credit cards. Including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Grab Pay, and others.
Availability:
You can purchase up to 90 days in advance.
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How Do I Buy Shinkansen Tickets with Klook?
Let’s go through the process of buying a shinkansen ticket on Klook’s website. Purchasing tickets are just as easy on their mobile app.
You can purchase both unreserved and reserved seats in ordinary class, as well as green class ( first class ) reserved tickets.
Depending on your journey you will be given different options for the delivery of your tickets. More on this later.
Go into section of getting email with QR code then redeeming.
If you are traveling within the Golden route of Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka or all the way up to Hokkaido and everywhere in between then you will most likely be able to use the QR Code method.
Let’s go over an example using a QR code
You will receive an email like this one. It will contain the QR Code as well as a link to instructions on how to use the reserved ticketing machine. I recommend that you have it available on your phone, as it walks you through the steps depending on your location. There is a slight difference in the process based on location because there is more than one JR Company. If you are in the Tokyo area you will use the JR East machines, if in the Osaka/Kyoto area you will use JR Central machines.
We used the ticket machine in Tokyo. Even here you have more than one option. Here is how we used it [ watch video ]
To get your ticket you will need to visit a reserved ticket vending machine at the train station. They look like this. [ please watch video ]
Please install Google Translate on your phone
If you cannot find a machine that is fully in English or your language, please have the google translate app installed on your phone. Then as an extra measure of security download the Japanese language [ show how ] – This way google lens will still be able to translate the text in your image even if you don’t have an internet connection, which can be the case in a train station.
The machine will print out two tickets.
You will get two tickets if you purchase non-reserved
Base Fare Ticket: This ticket covers the basic fare for your journey, which is calculated based on the distance you are traveling. It’s similar to the fare you’d pay for a regular train journey like on a local train.
Limited Express Ticket: The Shinkansen is considered a limited express service due to its high speed and premium features. The limited express ticket covers the additional cost associated with using the Shinkansen & allows you to board the Shinkansen.
Therefore, you need to insert both of these tickets at the gate.
If you purchased reserved then you will get a third ticket, which really isn’t a ticket but your seat reservation. You normally do not need to insert this one into the machine. Just hang on to it as it has your car and reserved seat number. It is possible that a train attendant may ask to see your seat reservation.
JR Express Train Tickets
You can also purchase Express train tickets. For example, a very popular route traveling from either Kyoto or Osaka to Kanazawa. Since there currently is no shinkansen available on this route your best option is an express train. Fortunately, the system is smart enough to know and will show you the appropriate available train. [ show example of Kanazawa to Kyoto ]
There are so many options, which train should I take?
Let me give you some examples. If you are traveling on the popular route from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka then take the Nozomi. The Nozomi is the fastest shinkansen going south from Tokyo. If you are heading north from Tokyo towards Hokkaido the fastest shinkansen is the Hayabusa, our favorite. The Nozomi is the same prices as the other trains when purchasing individual shinkansen tickets so you may as well ride it.
The Kodama is typically the slowest as it stops at all stations. Perfect if you want to get off at a smaller, less popular station.
How Far in Advance Can I Purchase Shinkansen Tickets?
You can pre-order up to 90 days in advance. However, you will not be issued tickets and seat number until 30 days before your trip as this is when the official JR system allows tickets to be purchased. The benefit of pre-ordering farther in advance is if you are purchasing a reserved seat you have a higher chance of getting seats together if traveling in a group. It could also be beneficial to reserve in advance during a holiday, as you will have a higher chance of getting a seat, though there is no guarantee. Or maybe you like to plan far in advance and not have to worry about it later.
How Do I Reserve a Seat on Shinkansen?
First, reserved seats cost more than riding in unreserved cars. The cost of the seat reservation will depend upon where you are going. It is common to see seat reservations costing an additional 540 – 640 JPY. When purchasing through Klook, you will not get to choose your exact seats. Instead, the system will try first to assign adjacent seats for a group of travelers, if not then they will be assigned based on the available seats for the booked train class. Unfortunately, you will not be able to select a window or aisle seat.
You can check your seat number using the Klook mobile app.
If you are not satisfied with the seat you are assigned, you can change your seat reservation at the ticketing machine. Alternatively visit the ticketing office for assistance.
How do I get my Shinkansen Ticket After Purchase?
There are three ways and it depends on your journey.
We already discussed the most common method of receiving a QR code. There are two other methods and these depend on where you will be using your ticket.
Delivery of your tickets
For most routes west of Shin-Osaka (not including Shin-Osaka): You will have your tickets delivered to an address in Japan such as your hotel. Enter your delivery and contact details when booking the tickets and you should get your tickets the day before the departure date.
Airport Pickup
This method only really makes sense if you are flying into Fukuoka.
Hopefully, this will be updated soon and give everyone the option to use the QR code option. Because without this option, you will not be able to purchase a ticket at the last minute.
Here are the earliest you can purchase a shinkansen ticket based on your journey
If picking up from Fukuoka International Airport, the soonest you can purchase and travel is three days from now.
If in the Delivery region the soonest is 5 days from today. Klook wants to be sure there is time to have your ticket delivered.
If your journey is using the QR code you can travel as soon as the next day.
Oversized Luggage Reservation on Bullet Trains
If your luggage is over 160cm L+W+D then you will be required to have a dedicated reserved seat IF you are traveling west of Tokyo south to Kyushu.
Seat reservations are required for oversized luggage on Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen trains.
For example, if you are traveling from Tokyo to Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen and have oversized luggage then you need a reserved seat which has dedicated space for your luggage. In order to do this, you must first book a reserved seat. Then once you have your reserved seat ticket in hand, the easiest option is to visit the JR ticketing office and have them change this to a dedicated seat for oversized luggage. If you need more information on oversized luggage there will be a link in the description below. Note, it is possible you may have to pay an additional fee.
The other option is to purchase a non-reserved seat then once you redeem your for your ticket at the train station you can purchase a dedicated seat. The easiest way would be to visit the ticketing office or you can also use the ticketing machine where you get your tickets.
Does Klook Charge Additional Fees?
Yes. There is a fulfillment fee of about 10% per transaction. However, even with this additional cost the price is still competitive.
Any Discounts?
It is possible you may be able to get discounted tickets. However, this is up to JR and if JR puts them on sale then you will see that on Klook. But don’t expect any discounts during holidays and busy times.
But we have a discount for you! Use coupon code KenshoQuest during checkout to save 5% on your purchase.
Additional benefits purchasing through Klook
Klook offersAn exclusive discount voucher up to 10% off at BIC Camera. There are some restrictions, such as no discounts on Apple products but you can save a lot. We purchased a few items on our last visit were given the 10% discount.
Additionally you get a coupon up to 5% OFF at Don Quijote. We forgot to use this coupon, but there is a very high chance you will be visiting Don Quijote during your visit, just don’t forget to use it like we did.
Buying Shinkansen Tickets from Klook: Summary
Klook is an easy way to purchase Shinkansen tickets online, especially if you are traveling on the Golden Route which includes Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, where you can scan your QR code at the ticketing machines to quickly get your train tickets. But keep in mind, if you are traveling in other areas south of Osaka you may not be able to use the QR Code system. Instead, you will either be offered delivery to your accommodation in Japan or airport pickup at Fukuoka Intl.
You can also pre-order up to 90 days in advance which could be a big selling point for some of you.
( Affiliate link ❤️ )
Next, you might be interested in our Guide to Pocket Wifi or Sim or Mistakes to Avoid.
Book Shinkansen Tickets on Klook: https://geni.us/shinkansen
Guide to redeeming via QR Code: https://www.klook.com/notice_content/20312