How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets Online 2024 🚅🚅🚅 (including SmartEX & Japanese express trains)

[@1986kerrichinchilla]

thank you so much. Ive tried so many youtube guides but they just confuse me. You are so great at explaining how to get tickets. I have a fear of trains but you have really helped my anxiety

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks, that's great to hear! You might also find this one useful - it's an old video but still valid, about taking the train within Tokyo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKfUmqeoqdKtn7s

[@1986kerrichinchilla]

@@cakeswithfaces Thank you much. Ive bookmarked both for the future.

[@QueenJaneway]

How do I know the seats have extra space for luggage? Or do you just mean the seats at the back of the carriage? Thank you for this super helpful video!

[@cakeswithfaces]

In most trains, it's the seats at the back of the carriage. However, some trains have a luggage rack instead. If you select the option for seats with luggage, you'll know you've got them for sure.

[@markaidan3020]

Thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much for the support, that's much appreciated! 🙏 Glad you're enjoying my videos! ✨

[@cameralabs]

Comprehensive video with solid advice and well-presented, thanks! I used the 3 day Tokyo Wide pass in February and found it really useful for a one day ski trip to Kagura, followed by a one day trip to Nikko...

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sounds good! I think regional passes are the way to go now, instead of the full JR Pass if you don't need it.

[@anthonygrabosh7085]

Thanks. Your video saved us around $600 on train tickets. We recently traveled from Fukuoka Hakata to Yokosuka with stops in Yufuin, Kyoto, Kamakura, and Shimoda. We took the Sunflower overnight ferry from Beppu to Osaka Bay with an easy transfer via local trains to Kyoto. So the trick was to do the long segment via ferry. The semi private room on the ferry cost less than a hotel room plus train tickets. And it came with a balcony and private lounge. I want to add that the local express Odoriko to Shimoda has ample baggage storage above the seats. And the connection we used from Kamakura to get to the Odoriko in Yufuna was via Enoshima electric railway to Shonan Monorail. A very easy and pleasant route.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Amazing! Thanks for reporting back - that sounds like an amazing trip! I'm so glad you went to Kyushu, I love it there. What was the highlight(s!) of your trip?

[@anthonygrabosh7085]

@cakeswithfaces This time it was the ferry from Beppu. It's not just the comfortable ride. It is also that the Beppu train station has a nice supermarket, a soba shop immediately outside the south exit, and the easy transfer to the ferry. Last time it was Galleria Midobori with the in room onsen. We are in our 70s so we look for comfortable travel and stops.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@anthonygrabosh7085 Excellent! I love how they say "Beppuuuuu" on the station announcement when you arrive there too. 😂

[@tavyrosner8480]

Thanks for the informative video, much appreciated. Quick question - SmartEX lets me book seats with additional luggage 12 months out, does that mean that i'm guaranteed that they system will get me whatever seats with extra luggage space when the seats open 30 days out? Or there is a chance the system wont find any?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'm not sure exactly how it works, but I'd assume that if you request a seat with space for luggage it'd allocate you one automatically when it can. You could always log in and check it 30 days out, and make sure it's all good! (You can make changes up until a few minutes before the train leaves).

[@nicoleh1680]

We had difficulty getting Shinkansen tickets in Dec 2023 just after Christmas. We were traveling from ShinOsaka to Hakone. We bought our tickets in the station at the machines just 2 days in advance. We did get reserved seats because we were taking our luggage with us, but we were not able to sit together. We were lucky that the lady next to me noticed that my husband was in another row and offered to trade seats with him!! This next trip I will look for tickets MUCH earlier and will probably use SmartEX since it looks quite convenient.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It may have been because people had started travelling for New Year. New year's bigger than Christmas in Japan, and many people travel to spend time with their families, so that's probably why it was busier than usual on the shinkansen.

[@saadiahhashim94]

Thank you very much. Your content is very informative indeed.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! I just remember how many questions I had when I first went to Japan! ☺️

[@jessel5138]

Does anyone know what card she is talking about at 14:23? I rewatched that sentence 10 times and i'm still so confused what that person did wrong to have to re-buy their tickets.

[@cakeswithfaces]

The credit/debit card used to purchase the tickets online didn't have the card details (card number, expiry date, etc) printed on the card. Most credit/debit cards have the card number, and expiry date printed on them. However, some newer cards from certain banks don't have the card number, etc on the physical card (for security - they're available in an app instead). That meant the person at the desk in Japan couldn't check that the card number was the same as the one used to buy the tickets online. Hope that makes sense! :-)

[@janicesmith9706]

Thank u so much! I come to japan this Saturday. I am exploring the idea of individual first class whole Japan JR pass versus separate tickets and the process of buying them. I’ll be visiting my military son in northern Japan then we will come down to Tokyo move to Kyoto and Osaka and Hiroshima. I’m watching several of your videos and you did a really nice job. Thank you.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! I remember how many questions I had when I first went to Japan! Have a wonderful trip - hopefully your son will be able to show you some great local places.

[@flyffpsy]

3:17 If you start in Tokyo, you do not need a reservation. It is the start train Station. No one will sit in the unreserved seats. If you board the train some station before Tokyo and want to travel to Tokyo, it is probably better to make a reservation,

[@cakeswithfaces]

That's a good point - you'd just need to get there early and make sure you're in the queue for the unreserved car.

[@williaml2579]

hi Amy, thank you for this VERY helpful video. Have you posted the video about purchasing Shinkansen tickets from the ticket machine at the station?

[@cakeswithfaces]

The process is very similar to this video, about reserving seats - except you have to pay at the end ☺️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4G3c6Coqb9rhNk

[@sammyshrimali]

Thank you for informotive video. Which train do I take from Kyoto to Osaka and back? How far in advance should I book it. I am planning to go first week in November.

[@cakeswithfaces]

There are several options for trains between Kyoto and Osaka, depending on your budget and how fast you want to get there: www.japan-guide.com/e/e4006.html?aFROM=2157_2158 Apart from the shinkansen, you don't need to book in advance, you can just used your IC card at the ticket gates. For the shinkansen, they're quite frequent and it's a very short trip so you'd probably be fine buying the ticket when you get to the station, or you can book it on SmartEX if you prefer. Another option is the Kyo Train Garaku, which is decorated in traditional Japanese style: www.hankyu.co.jp/kyotrain-garaku/en/ Again, you don't have to reserve, just use your IC card - but get there early to get a seat as it'll be popular!

[@TheDrCamilla]

thank you, this is the information we needed, we're travelling in June/July

[@TheDrCamilla]

We would like further information on the regional passes, as we're considering buying JR West passes

[@cakeswithfaces]

Excellent, hope it helps! :-)

[@matf1036]

Thank you Amy, setting off to Tokyo tomorrow for my 3rd time in Japan. Can't remember anything about the subways lol. Beautiful country, can't wait!!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

How exciting!! Have an amazing time - enjoy getting lost on the subway!! 😛

[@mra6335]

Hi there. I'm in tokyo from now till may 21st? . Do you want to hangout?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@mra6335 I'm in the UK now, but have a great time! Have a Fanta Grape for me!

[@mra6335]

@@cakeswithfaces thank you :)

[@alysonfordyce3415]

Yes! A regional pass video please :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! It helps to know what you guys are interested in!

[@Sutefusparky]

@@cakeswithfaces I second this!! I'm looking at the most cost-efficient way to do our tickets for our trip this Sept. We're doing Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto(with Nara day trip)-Mt Fuji-Tokyo. And I'd love to know if the region pass for the Osaka/Kyoto part would be worth it!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Sutefusparky The rail pass calculator on Japan Guide's really useful - and now includes regional passes! www.japan-guide.com/railpass/

[@Just_Danny5]

Bought shinkanen tickets on smart ex with a starling debit card no problem - thanks for doing this video

[@cakeswithfaces]

Excellent! The more 'modern' cards like Starling seem to have more success, I think because of the app authentication.

[@onionbag9]

Hi Amy. Great and useful video as ever. On our trip next April we’ll be using a few non-Shinkansen lines (Kyoto > Kinosaki, Kinosaki > Himeji, Kokura > Beppu). Is there a website you’ve used to book tickets on those types of express trains in advance or would you think it would be ok to book them while we are in Japan on the day. As there are less trains on those lines I’d like to book them in advance if possible so I don’t risk messing up our travel plans. I’m also not sure if a regional pass to cover a short period based around JR West to cover a journey from Kyoto to Hiroshima via Kinosaki and Himeji plus a day trip to Nara. Appreciate any insight you might have

[@cakeswithfaces]

I know what you mean about wanting to book the express trains that run less frequently, as it'd mess up your plans if you don't get a seat. You can book them online on the JR West website. When I went to Kinosaki, I was using a JR Pass so I made a list of the seat reservations I wanted and did them all on the first day when I got to Japan, and it worked out fine. For regional passes, the JR Pass calculator on Japan Guide is really good for working out which is the best one: www.japan-guide.com/railpass/ Whether it's worth it also depends on whether you're doing all those long distance trips within the right amount of days for the pass. Sometimes it can still work out cheaper to get a pass, then an extra single ticket for the last trip(s) that don't fit in while it's valid.

[@sheree2108]

This video is so helpful! I would love to see a video about the regional passes. I am planning on getting the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass and would love to find out how to use it efficiently and to book trains online with it

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! Glad there's a regional pass that works out for you - it can also give you ideas for places to go on day trips!

[@brinnyful]

Super helpful thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad it helps! :-)

[@nathanbates1260]

This is helpful. Ive booked 2 seats from Osaka to Tokyo via the smart ex app. How do i now get my actual ticket at the station? Do i enter my reservation booking number? Thanks

[@cakeswithfaces]

Here are the instructions from Smartex: smart-ex.jp/en/entraining/ticket/place/ In the end, I thought it was easier to scan the QR code at the ticket gates instead of picking them up, and it worked perfectly.

[@kevinceruleocava4543]

Just today i was going to check this information and this video pops up 🎉🎉

[@cakeswithfaces]

What a coincidence!! Hope it's useful!

[@MissiBoo]

Thank you for the information Amy. I would definitely be interested in seeing a video on the regional passes 🫶

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks, there are lots of different options! They can be good for getting ideas of places to go actually.

[@MissiBoo]

@@cakeswithfaces It would be good to get away from the crowds 😂😊

[@imortaal]

Hello! Thanks for making it so easy to understand! I still got a few questions regarding the bank cards. I would like to use a virtual card to register in smart-ex and pay for my reservations, but I've read other people have had troubles receiving their tickets at the station. Since it is a virtual card, staff won't see it as valid. My question is, if I don't print the tickets at the station but I use the QR code in my phone or print it beforehand, would I have any trouble? Do staff check the credit card info at any moment before, after or in the middle of the train trip? EDIT: By the way, I'm going from Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka and back, do you know if there are gates with QR readers available in those stations? Tysm!!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

If you use the QR code at the ticket gates, you'll be absolutely fine. No one will ask to see your card unless you pick the tickets up (optional - I think it's much easier to use the QR code, then you don't have to queue up at the ticket office). I used the QR code at those very stations earlier this year and it worked perfectly!

[@imortaal]

@@cakeswithfaces That really is comforting to hear. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@dwarfagp]

Each time Ive gone, I gone to the shinkansen ticket counter, and the people their have always been very helpful. 😁 Always booked on the day without problem. But we go in Winter, which is probably not as busy. But thanks for the Info, will give the app a go on at least 1 of the legs of our upcoming trip 😁

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad it went well - I've always found the service really good at the counter too! There are lots of advantages to going in the off-season when everywhere's less crowded!

[@Malkaras]

Great information! We are planning to take the Gran Class on the Hayabusa from Tokyo station to Shin-Aomori when we visit! I know I will want to purchase Tickers at least 30days out

[@cakeswithfaces]

Gran Class looks amazing, I'd love to try it one day! Super-luxurious! 🥂

[@Malkaras]

@@cakeswithfaces This is My bucket-List trip to Japan so I am willing to spend the extra ¥ on the Super fancy Ride up North as we make our way to Hokkaido.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Malkaras I'm sure it'll be worth it! It'll be an unforgettable trip!

[@gailcrockett9883]

Going to Morioka and Aomori in September via Narita to TS then in Hayabusa too!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@gailcrockett9883 Sounds like a great plan!

[@MrSacola123456]

Excelente video! Vou para o Japão em Outubro!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! Have a wonderful trip!

[@GodAtum]

smartex is so amazing. I make the bookings 1 month in advance (the max amount). on the day if I need to change the departure time (eg in Hiroshina i finished sightseeing an hour earlier, so I changed my booking so I didn't need to wait around), I can do that for free. so much better then in UK!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Trains in Japan are better than in the UK in every way!! 😂 It really is so convenient.

[@gopalmehrotra8082]

This is highly informative video. Thanks to your channel.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! I remember how many questions I had when I first went to Japan! :-)

[@andreafidrmucova9580]

Hello Amy, great video! I never been to Asia...looking for your advice please. Next month I am travelling to Japan for the first time with my family(2 teenagers), we are very excited. We would like to travel from Osaka to Kyoto and back on the same day with Shinkansen. I am aware it is short trip, but we would like to experience Shinkansen. SmartEx app is not working over here in Europe. Do you think it would be okay to buy tickets 1 days in advance when we are in Japan? Do they have return ticket or should I buy single tickets? In general, I prefer to book everything in advance to avoid stress 😁 What is ticket (return) price approximatelly? Any recomendation from you? Thank you so much! 🍀

[@cakeswithfaces]

Have you tried the SmartEX website? It's available in more countries than the app. There's also the JR West website to try. You'll need to get single tickets for the shinkansen; they don't do return tickets. From Tokyo to Osaka it's just under 15,000 yen per person each way. Slightly less if you don't reserve a seat, but I'd recommend reserving seats to make sure you can all sit together. Trains on this line are very frequent (even every 10 mins!) so you should be ok buying tickets when you're there if you need to. Like you, I prefer to have things booked too! When you're booking, note that the shinkansen station in Osaka is called Shin-Osaka Station. Is there anything in particular you wanted to do in Osaka/Kyoto? It might be difficult to do very much in a day trip, especially visiting both places. If your main objective is to go on the shinkansen, there are other, closer places you could go and have a bit more time when you get there - just let me know if you'd like any ideas!

[@BeatOfTheStreet]

I’m spending all my time in Tokyo, however I’d like to experience a bullet train. Any advice on a quick trip I could do out of Tokyo using a bullet train just to experience it, preferably with some nice views whilst on it. Would only want it to be an hour or so each way, and quick stop at the destination.

[@cakeswithfaces]

The bullet train is amazing! On my first trip, I did a day trip to Mount Fuji on the shinkansen. Other ideas: - Atami: Seaside and hot springs (free footbaths around the town) - Odawara: Has a castle - Omiya: Very short trip and not much in terms of views on the way, but there's a railway museum and bonsai nurseries you can stroll round.

[@BeatOfTheStreet]

@@cakeswithfaces Thank you for the suggestions A day trip to see Mount Fuji sounds great, so what station would I go to for that ?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@BeatOfTheStreet There are lots of options for Mount Fuji, and not really just one definitive place to go. I went on a day trip with Viator that included a coach there and shinkansen back, with cablecars and a boat trip on Lake Ashi. Nowadays I'd prefer more freedom, but that was the easiest option for a first trip to Japan! Getting close to Fuji involves taking further buses and trains, but you could go to Mishima Station and do the Mishima Skywalk: www.japan.travel/en/ph/spot-activity/mishima-skywalk/ Or if you go to Shin-Fuji Station, there are Fuji views from the port area: www.fujisan-kkb.jp/english/fujisanpo/seaside.html You can get a bus from there to Lake Kawaguchiko, which is a popular Fuji view (about 50 mins). Note that a view of Fuji is never guaranteed, as it's often hidden by clouds!

[@BeatOfTheStreet]

@@cakeswithfaces Thank you so much for the detailed information. I’ve read about the weather needing to be clear to get a view, so I’m going to leave it open until I get there, then decide options based on the weather. I don’t want to make the trip if weather is cloudy, rather stay in Tokyo and do something. Thanks again

[@Matto-91]

Thank you for the video ! We are going to Japan for ~ 5 Weeks. We are planning on using Tokyo as our main hub ( as we have a place to stay there) but planning on getting a JR Pass and doing multiple day trips to Osaka / Kyoto / Nara , but then doing some overnight trips to Fukuoka and Akita or maybe even Sapporo, I think the JR pass will pay off for us, just wondering how much of a hassle it is to do day trips to Osaka or when the last train leaves from Osaka back to Tokyo 🤔

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you'll be exploring lots of places and making full use of your JR Pass! You can check train times on the app Japan Travel by Navitime (the free version does everything you need). It's better than Google because there's a filter to only see trains covered by the JR pass. While Osaka is do-able as a day trip from Tokyo, personally I think it's better to stay there as a side trip. The train there is 2 hours 40 mins, so it's a long journey for a day trip. Kyoto, Osaka and Nara are so close together that you can stay in Kyoto or Osaka and conveniently visit them all on easy day trips without much travelling time.

[@Matto-91]

@@cakeswithfaces thank you for the info! I will definitely get that app and will consider staying in Osaka or Kyoto instead of day trips :)

[@alastairmurray5061]

Yes to a regional pass video. Looking at taking the Hokuriku Arch Pass in October.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's a good option! I hope the regional passes encourage people to explore different places.

[@the_activefoodie]

Thank you so much for the info! This will definitely help make my next trip (hopefully the end of this year) a little cheaper! lol

[@cakeswithfaces]

Always good to save a few yen where you can! Hopefully the excellent exchange rate (well excellent for tourists anyway..!) will hold up for you!

[@bexxcooper2969]

how easy was it to buy the ferry tickets? and do you feel the ferry was worth it?

[@cakeswithfaces]

The ferry was a fun experience! It cost less than the train tickets and hotel would have been, so I'm glad I tried it out. The booking process was a little odd but not difficult - it involved the office in Japan manually confirming the booking and emailing me back, then I had to pay at the ferry port on the day. There'll be a video coming up about it, can't wait to edit it!

[@DebayanRana]

Are the tickets more expensive on Klook coz I have seen they charge some fulfillment fee?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I haven't compared them myself, but as with any third party they need to make money somehow, so would probably add a bit on for their services. That's why I always try and go direct if possible - plus there are no middle-men if there are any issues.

[@DebayanRana]

@@cakeswithfaces thanks for the info.

[@troutdude891]

Amy, Your videos are very informative - thank you. Quick question, if I have a party of 5 and use SmartEX (and buy all 5 tickets at once) will each person need a copy of the QR code or will I tap it once and we all go through the gate?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! You'll get a QR code per person so you can all scan one each. :-)

[@osobear7781]

For people registering with kids, if you want to get the discounted seats, you have to book them separately. Otherwise the discounted fares will not appear. I just came back from a trip from Japan and the IC card assignment was really, really convenient as my whole family just go through like a normal train ride.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Good tip, thank you! It's great that it works so smoothly. The kids must have enjoyed scanning their IC cards.

[@shinraboss]

Klook has updated their purchases and now you can select what you want within the app and select mt fuji side and oversized luggage seats! It will also be a QR code for the Shinkansen. I will reply to myself once I make the purchase.

[@cakeswithfaces]

That's very helpful!

[@hwangjoanne]

Is there a processing fee for booking on the JR official website or SmartEx? I know that Klook charges a processing fee (on top of the ticket price). Thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Processing fees are annoying! Thankfully there were no processing fees from SmartEX or JR Kyushu. 🙏

[@carissarigiltomo2666]

Hi. I'm from UK as well. What card do you use?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It was a Mastercard debit, that uses an app.

[@DCSWCCkingpin1]

The reason for the shinkansen pick-up code being separate from the QR code is that some stations do not have turnstiles with QR code readers.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, you have to make sure you use the right one!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@8bg201 Yes - JR East and a number of other train companies are actually getting rid of tickets with magnetic strips and only using QR codes, so they'll be more and more common.

[@TomDorantes]

Such great information. Thank you. I’m so excited to be planning my family trip in October.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! I love trip planning! Where are you thinking of going in Japan?

[@TomDorantes]

@@cakeswithfaces Tokyo (Disneyland and Disney Sea), Kyoto and Osaka(Universal Studios) my eldest turns 30 on the trip and he loves anime. I’m want to see Akihabara and anything Godzilla

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@TomDorantes Sounds like a great plan! Don't miss Nakano Broadway for anime stuff, and there's more and more in Ikebukuro recently. As well as the famous one in Kabukicho, there's also a Godzilla statue in Hibiya (also Tokyo) - it's on Google Maps!

[@stuff8575]

Thanks for the great info Amy. Think we will just take a chance and get our tickets on the day. With regards to not being able to buy tickets online during out of Japan working hours. I had this issue with my Suica mobile top up too on my apple wallet. It happened twice before I realised that this may be the case but all ok now though. 😊

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's strange isn't it, especially as Suica mobile top-up must be automated - there must be some reason! :-)

[@KenshoQuest]

We've been trying various different ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets, but there are so many! I'm still a fan of regional passes, when they are applicable, for the convenience of being able to change plans and take any included train. 🌸Heidi

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, with a regional pass it's nice to know you could go anywhere and hop on any train to go explore! :-)

[@Just_Danny5]

Daft question - for QR codes with SmartEX tickets if there are 2 people travelling do you get 2 QR codes on 1 email - so the first person has to go through then pass the phone over to the second person? Sorry said it was a daft question :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

You get a QR code per person. I printed mine out, but Phil used his phone. When he held it to the ticket gates, it automatically opened Apple Wallet, so either save it to your apple wallet, or screenshot it and turn off that functionality temporarily.

[@Just_Danny5]

@@cakeswithfaces Thanks & Thanks for all the useful videos :)

[@deborahachen7214]

Thank you. Very helpful. Is it possible to cancel a booking for a refund on Shinkansen, eg., if you book early and reserve a seat on Tōhoku Shinkansen ? Thank you.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I haven't tried cancelling a booking myself but it looks like you can: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/ticket/changes.html That info's from JR East (who run the Tohoku shinkansen), so I'd check the details from the company/site you're buying it from, just to be sure, in case they're different.

[@luzgoodman-estrada6590]

Do you need an IC card for SmartEX?

[@cakeswithfaces]

No. You can add your tickets to your IC card if you want to, but you don't have to do that and you don't need an IC card. IC cards are more for local trains and the metro.

[@Bloodrunsreddownthenile]

We booked the seats with the oversized luggage and several times other foreigners still had their luggage behind our seats when we got on. So I had to make them move them, or just moved them myself.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I've heard of that happening - it's annoying that not everyone knows the rules!

[@Bloodrunsreddownthenile]

Even more annoying when they know, but still don’t follow them…

[@skylarq1218]

hii thank you so much this is a very informative video!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Sounds like the Northern Kyushu Pass will be perfect for you! You'll be able to pick it up once you get to Kyushu. That's because it's issued by JR Kyushu counters, and they don't have counters outside Kyushu. Here's a list of where you can pick it up: www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/railpass/how_to_purchase/reception_place.html

[@kc3302]

Great video as always Amy 😎 Spot on regarding Japanese websites being temperamental with credit cards. It's frustrating but often the only thing you can do is try another card if you have one. Similarly *some* train ticket machines don't accept certain cards but if you go to the counter your card works fine. One tiny correction to the Tokaido Shinkansen now being reserved seats only during holiday periods - this is only for Nozomi trains (the fastest ones). The slower Hikari and Kodama trains still have unreserved carriages at all times.

[@cakeswithfaces]

And other train ticket machines don't accept cards at all! I made sure I had cash for mine just in case. Yes, it can be frustrating so fingers crossed you're blessed with a card that works! 😅

[@ebotebot5]

Hi there. Im travelling with a group of 11. All of us has 1 big luggage each. May I ask should we book the Shinkansen Osaka to Tokyo early? And from which station in Osaka to take the train?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Shinkansen between Osaka and Tokyo are very frequent, however if you all want to sit together, consider booking earlier, at least at the start of your trip when you arrive in Japan. If you're going at a popular/busy time of year, consider booking earlier. Note that there are 4 seats per carriage with extra space for luggage (the back row). The front row probably has more space in front of your knees too. Otherwise, options for where to put your luggage are shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpy4oo18bdqfbdk The shinkansen station in Osaka is called Shin Osaka Station.

[@callmecosmic]

We will be taking the shinkansen for the first time soon. If we purchase normal shinkansen tickets, do we also need to also tap in for the basic fare cost? Will there be two taps if so? 1 For the basic fare, and 1 for the QR Shinkansen ticket? Thanks!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

If you buy shinkansen tickets, that's all you need. You can allocate them to your IC card if you want to, and tap in with that, or just scan the QR code on the ticket at the gates. But if you buy the tickets (eg on SmartEX or at the ticket machine), there's no extra fare to pay.

[@roskorabbit1763]

Super helpful thank you, so pleased to find your videos for planning our upcoming first trip. Is it possible to get around Tokyo using JR pass alone? Wanting to do Teamlab planets, Sunshine City mall for all the Pokemon 😂, Tokyo tower , possibly some other things we haven't planned yet. We are getting the pass as taking a crazy trip to Rabbit island/ Okunoshima via Osaka for USJ and I think it will pay for itself and so hoping to avoid buying any other passes.

[@cakeswithfaces]

In Tokyo you can use the JR Pass on the JR Yamanote line, which is a loop line, and the JR Chuo /Sobu line which goes across the middle. You might need to take the metro sometimes, so for that I'd recommend getting a Suica (or other IC card) that you can top up with a small amount of credit and use it when you need to. You can use it in other areas of Japan too, if you need to go on any non-JR train lines.

[@londoncreative]

Thanks Amy, we were about to book tickets today for our travel from Osaka to Tokyo but now we are going to buy our tickets next week, as the smart-ex and all the other sites you mentioned are under redevelopment on the 16/17/20/23/30th May (typical you posted the video this week!). We have discovered an issue with the IC cards, we are flying into Osaka and all the IC cards have to be activated in Tokyo first - unless you know otherwise?! 13 days and counting 😁

[@cakeswithfaces]

Of course they'd be down for maintenance now...! 😅😝 I've never heard of that - which IC cards do you have? Are they cards you have already or have you ordered them from somewhere?

[@londoncreative]

@@cakeswithfaces No we are in the process of trying to buy them, but we can't get them because we are not flying into Tokyo. We may be able to get the ICOCO but only in person when we land, that seems to work in JR West but then we have to get out deposit back when we leave and buy another card in Tokyo. Unless you know different?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@londoncreative Most of the regional IC cards work throughout Japan, so you'll be fine getting an ICOCA and using it there and in Tokyo - and everywhere else! :-) ICOCA also hasn't had the availability issues that Suica's had, so you should be able to get one with no problems!

[@davidebert8034]

I’m going to Tokyo in a month. Looking online, I believe that there is no discount on the Shinkansen line that goes from Tokyo to Osaka , Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Is this true? Great video!

[@cakeswithfaces]

There are some blackout dates on the discount fares in August because of Obon (a major summer festival): smart-ex.jp/en/topics/detail/?id=505

[@davidrona]

i was about to book a shinkansen then heard it's cheaper if I buy an IC card and attach it to my EX app - any thoughts on how to save by connecting shinkansen to jr pass? thanks

[@cakeswithfaces]

That's a special IC card called an EX-IC card, which is different to adding your tickets to your regular Suica card, etc. I haven't tried it, but it seems like it might only be for residents of Japan. When you apply for the card, it's posted to your card's billing address, which I'm guessing would only be possible within Japan.

[@dmorisawa8621]

The account was fully set up, it would not let me log back in. I started over so I’m hoping it will work now. Thank you for the reply

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hope you get it sorted!

[@buffalomasatomo]

If I need to go from Shin-Osaka to Yokohama via Shin-Yokohama by using. Shinkansen and a local train, will SmartEx work?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Smartex is only for shinkansen so you can book the shinkansen part of the journey on there. You'll be fine just jumping on the local train on the day - you can use a Suica or other IC card.

[@buffalomasatomo]

@@cakeswithfaces Thank you very much.

[@miriamom4369]

Hi, I'm trying to make a booking but I can't see the seat map. I am travelling with another person and we have 1 large and 2 small suitcases, if I make a booking for 2 people and select ‘large suitcase compartment’ will it charge me for two suitcases or does it give the option to choose 1 only as if the other two are small cabin ones it is not necessary, right?

[@cakeswithfaces]

There's no charge for taking suitcases on (unless it's oversized and you don't reserve the oversized luggage space - then there's a fine). On most shinkansen, the spaces with extra space for luggage are the last row of the carriage, and the luggage space is behind the seats. You can see what it looks like in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpy4oo18bdqfbdk On some trains, there's a luggage rack, which is allocated to particular (seemingly random!) seats in the carriage. So if you book 2 seats with space for luggage, they'll be next to each other, and you'll both have a luggage space, which should be plenty for 1 large and 2 small cases. You can only view the seat map if it's within 30 days of your trip - maybe that's why it's not showing?

[@nagasako7]

I've been to Japan 3x. I've only just bought reserved ticket from kiosk day before departure lol.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I've always made my reservations when I arrived in Japan too! Apart from my trains for the Sapporo Snow Festival as everyone wanted the same route at that time.

[@axios101]

Question: can You buy from SmartEx also the Saphir Odoriko tickets? Ho far in advance? 28 days because You have to choose the seat?

[@cakeswithfaces]

SmartEX is only for bullet train tickets. Saphir Odoriko is run by JR East so you can book it on their site.

[@AlanVByrnes]

Appreciate more helpful train tips from Japan Amy, I’ll be sure to keep these in mind and save this video for sure, 🤩🤩🤩

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@fuzexi]

Does anyone know what the situation is with the Suica cards? We're going next week and don't know whether we're going to be able to get one.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Availability has been on and off. If you can't get one, these are your options: - Mobile Suica if you have an iPhone. - Welcome Suica (availability also hit & miss) - Suica card from another region of Japan - you can get Icoca from Tokyo Station.

[@flyffpsy]

I'll be at the fireworks in Nagaoka at the beginning of August this year. Unfortunately, I didn't get a hotel there although I kept looking for hotels 1 year in advance. Now I have a hotel in Niigata. So I have to come to Niigata in the evening. Although I will buy the JR-Pass for 3 weeks (worthwhile for me despite the price increase) I have now bought the tickets for the two evenings at Klook. I hope that they will be booked. Otherwise I probably won't make it to Niigata that evening.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hotels usually don't go on sale until 6 months or sometimes even 3 months in advance, so that's why they weren't available a year before. I hope it works out - I'm sure the fireworks will be amazing! Japanese fireworks are on another level. 🔥

[@aturouoomura9504]

Climbing Mt. Fuji now requires advance reservations. Please introduce.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, that's in my recent Japan News video! 🗻

[@jdub2343]

Hi all, if I use the the QR ticket from my phone or print off, does the gate produce the seat information ticket that is needed for reserved seats? I've heard that you absolutely need this on the train or they'll charge a basic fare/charge.

[@cakeswithfaces]

The seat information ticket is the slip that the ticket gates printed automatically when I scanned the QR code. Don't worry about being charged extra ☺️

[@jdub2343]

Perfect! Thanks for replying Amy. Your channel and book have been amazing assets for booking my trip. Thanks again!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@jdub2343 That's great to hear, thanks so much!

[@Nemuimori]

I forgot what platform you originally posted on it about, and I don't know if it was used in this video, but thank you for investing in the anti-flicker tool. Flickering lights/strobe effects are a migraine trigger (and not sure if the are the frequency for triggering epilepsy like Pokemon back in the day) so it's more than just an annoyance you are protecting your viewers from

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ah really, I didn't realise that (I don't know much about migraines tbh). I'm glad it helps! Next I need to invest in a new computer as the anti-flicker plug-in takes so long to run...! 😅 Wish I'd realised about the frame-rate on my new camera before I filmed all the videos... you live and learn!

[@j_609]

We ended up buying the JR pass and to us, it was still worth it. We didn't have to worry about going out of our way to buy tix. But I did notice that the queue to pick up the pass was non existent which means that much more people are just buying the tickets outright.

[@cakeswithfaces]

That is one thing I missed this year when I was travelling without a JR Pass - it does seem easier knowing you could just jump on almost any train, and gives you a feeling of freedom.

[@przemekpawlowski1656]

Hi, I bought train tickets from the official JR West website. Tokyo to Osaka. Later, there was a problem with collecting these tickets, do you know where I can collect my ticket in Tokyo? At what station can I do it?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Here's a list of stations where you can pick them up: railway.jr-central.co.jp/station-guide/_pdf/e5489info.pdf In Tokyo, head to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. Make sure you're in the Japan Railways section of the station (follow signs to the JR lines and the shinkansen) and go to the ticket office. In Tokyo Station, you'll want the JR ticket office with the orange sign for JR Central, not JR East (if you go to the wrong one, I'm sure they'll direct you to the right one).

[@cakeswithfaces]

You can collect them at Tokyo Station or Shinegawa Station. Follow signs to the JR lines and shinkansen, and you can pick them up at the ticket office. Ideally, the one with the orange JR logo, for JR Central.

[@axios101]

Nice suggestion, thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks!

[@jairajkale8629]

Hi can we buy Shinkansen Ticket using forex card

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'm not sure, I haven't used a forex card myself. The security is quite tight on SmartEX so it's quite fussy about which cards are accepted. If you try and register, adding your card is one of the first things you have to do, so you'll know straight away whether it works. If not, try one of the other options from the video.

[@TransConBrilliance]

One important thing about using your credit card is vpn. If you're security minded like me you may have your vpn on. However, you'll need to turn it off for smart ex otherwise your transaction will be flagged as fraudulent and get rejected.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for the tip!

[@evicencio31863]

I have my 'Google Wallet-VISA Card' in my android. Can I use it?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's tricky to say from that - it depends what security it has. I'd give it a try and see if it works!

[@dmorisawa8621]

Having problem logging back into the EX site. Why is that? I just created the account but it timed out and now won’t let me back in

[@cakeswithfaces]

Was the account fully set up or did it time out before it was created? Maybe go back to it and see if it recognises your log-in, or if you need to start again?

[@BriannaVantilburg]

In regards to picking up the tickets at the vending machine after purchasing through the SmartEx app, ive booked tickets for my party of 5. Will it be easier to print the tickets? Or will the 1 QR code let all 5 of us on?

[@cakeswithfaces]

You'll get a QR code each. So you can either pick up the tickets, or use the QR codes, whichever you prefer. :-)

[@vinnyvinny]

Hello, is anyone able to help please? I'm trying to book a trip that's within a month away but it's not giving me an option to select seats. Would anyone know why? Thank you!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Is that on SmartEX?

[@weihonglim366]

Plane or shinkansen ? as i see the price.. flight seem cheaper T.T

[@cakeswithfaces]

It depends on the journey you're doing. For longer distances, internal flights can be a good option. Earlier this year, I booked one together with my international flight, which often saves money too. At the moment, certain airlines (I think JAL) is offering free internal flights with international flights. For shorter distances, shinkansen is quicker and easier, because you don't need to travel to/from the airport or allow extra time for check-in, etc. It's also more eco-friendly. :-)

[@weihonglim366]

@@cakeswithfaces hmm I going Tokyo and Osaka… as well as other place but the train ticket.. seem to be much more expensive.. 🥲 hahaha

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@weihonglim366 The trip between Tokyo and Osaka is short on the shinkansen, so I'd take the bullet train. You can save money on the tickets if you get the "Hayatoku" fares mentioned in this video.

[@AlanVByrnes]

🚆🚆🚆🚆🚆🚆🚆

[@AlanVByrnes]

🤖🇯🇵✈️

[@briannotbryan3888]

Great recommendations Ami.🚉 The choice of offerings can make reserving overly complicated. Regional passes seems the way to go especially as the JR pass is more expensive now.🚄

[@cakeswithfaces]

Regional passes are certainly a more attractive option now! And they can give you ideas for places to go as you concentrate on exploring that region.