Japan's Limited Express Trains Explained, How to Buy Tickets & Ride

[@KenshoQuest]

We appreciate the commissions we earn when you purchase train tickets through our Klook affiliate link: geni.us/fujiexcursion Residents of USA can save with KENSHOQUESTKLOOK

[@solomani5959]

Great advice/overview as usual Heidi.

[@a.k.salazr]

We’re in Japan right now for my dog to get open heart surgery here. I have to say, your videos have saved me so much time and confusion. Your videos heavily helped us and helped unnecessary anxiety. THANK YOU!!!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, thank you so much! We're so happy to know our videos have helped especially under your circumstances and we hope everything goes great for your dog 🙏🏼

[@GregK235]

Thanks for an informative video. LE trains have a nice combination of pace and scenery. Also, time to enjoy ekiben and tea.

[@kortlandcollins9838]

this helped a lot for my upcoming ride on the hokuto line

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad to have helped! Will you travel from Sapporo to Hakodate, and then continue south on the Shinkansen?

[@kortlandcollins9838]

@@KenshoQuest yes I will, but I won't ride the hokuto line until I leave Niseko.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@kortlandcollins9838 Sounds awesome! We will share a video soon of our train trip from Sapporo to Tokyo. ❄️

[@WayneHendersonVO]

Thank you for another great Japan rail travel video. This particular one explained what has always been the most confusing part about the different types of trains in Japan. Although we just got back from our dream vacation in Japan, I’m already dreaming of my next trip, and have put this video in my new “Japan Second Trip” playlist and will refer back to it.

[@jennyquach3084]

During our first trip to Japan, my husband and I definitely forgot to tap out somewhere and got our IC card "locked." Your video is one of the only ones I've seen that addresses having to tap out and finish a trip before starting a new one. I appreciated your informative video so much, keep up the phenomenal work!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! Trains can get confusing, especially when it comes to Limited Express trains. 🌸 Heidi

[@lxw3-b8y]

Thank you for always responding to my questions.

[@rhin]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Will you take a Limited Express Train soon? 🚆

[@rhin]

@@KenshoQuestYes, it took me about an hour to fully understand Limited Express trains 🤣 I’ll be travelling to Ashikaga to get a tattoo in October, this video saved me a lot of time and stress, you made it all very clear. Thank you.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@rhin You're welcome. I still don't fully understand Limited Express trains myself.😉They're the most confusing. Have a good trip!

[@saulschlapik6818]

Love Ltd. Expresses. Their main advantage over the Shinkansen is that you really get to see the scenery. They also have different designs and colors which give them individuality. One train was particularly enjoyable; JR Central's Wide View Shinano from Nagano to Nagoya. I was able to get a front row unreserved seat behind the cab (clear partition) and the scenery was spectacular. There are trains like this all over Japan. For anyone who wants the full Japanese rail experience, these trains are essential. It's not that complicated if you have a JR pass; most of them have unreserved cars and I understand that you can get a reservation at the ticket machine at no charge. However, it's a good idea to determine if a pass is worth it because there was recently a major price increase.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing your experience with Limited Express trains in Japan! I’d like to take one of those where you can see out the front window. Researching more of Japan’s sightseeing trains is on my to-do list! 🌸 Heidi

[@mohdhafeezhalim814]

Perfect for my family trip to Fuji in Feb 2025 ❤👏

[@KenshoQuest]

Yay! We also have another video on the various ways to get to Mt. Fuji: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ammVaX1vhNmBn7s

[@Bakapooru]

Thanks for explaining the limited express (and super express) trains. I've visited Japan 12 times and zipped around all over the country using the train system but I always had a JR Pass with me. Just flash it to the gate agent and go. I was usually confused when traveling outside of the pass. I have two questions: Easy: For the a limited express train, do I need to insert the limited express surcharge ticket into the gate with the base fare ticket? From the video, it sounds like I don't have to because you only mentioned it for the Shinkansen. Difficult: Twice, I traveled from Shin-Osaka to Ochanomizu stations. I went through the transfer gate in Tokyo Station to take the Chuo Line to Ochanomizu. One time, using the same tickets from Shin-Osaka, the gate at Ochanomizu allowed me to exit. The ticket said, "Tokyo hen". Another time, I didn't the same, but the Ochanomizu gate wouldn't allow me to exit. The second ticket only said, "Tokyo", as the destination. What happened? Both times I purchased the tickets at a JR ticket counter. I don't think I paid more for the first ticket. I've brought this scenario up to several other travelers and, apparently, it's so esoteric, no one can provide an explanation. Lastly, I've learned going through a transfer gate can make things tricky. How about a video about traveling over 100 km on a one-way ticket and getting off and on the train over a few days? Thanks!

[@theinternationalist1357]

Ok this is getting really confusing 😞 need to take a week long class to know how to take Japan transportation 😞 God help me!

[@solomani5959]

Just use google maps. You’ll be fine. Trust me 😊

[@ireneyeow3871]

@@solomani5959

[@ireneyeow3871]

The app Japan Travel by Navitime is very easy to use.

[@KenshoQuest]

I would sign up if there was a class like that! There are many layers to understanding trains in Japan. Limited Express trains have caused us the most confusion, in terms of transferring from a local train. If you at least take away the concept of Base Fare + Limited Express Surcharge, you’ll be ahead of many tourists! 🌸 Heidi

[@sufenyip2087]

Really confusing

[@seasaltlemon8237]

Thanks for the helpful video. Can you please let me know if there is a way to book advance seats online (similar to Shinkansen) using JR pass on the JR Thunderbird Express that runs between Osaka and Kanazawa?

[@KenshoQuest]

If you bought the JR Pass online through the official website, japanrailpass.net/en/ you might be able to reserve on that website. We're not sure if it's only for Shinkansen or also for Limited Express trains. Otherwise, you might be able to reserve on JR West www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/. If you purchased the JR Pass through a travel agent, such as Klook, you will need to wait until you swap your Exchange Order for your actual JR Pass in Japan to reserve seats. It would be booking from Osaka to Tsuruga Station, which is how far the Thunderbird Express now runs. From Tsuruga to Kanazawa is the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

[@KenshoQuest]

If you purchased the JR Pass through the official website japanrailpass.net/en/, then you can also reserve seats on that website.

[@niamh2839]

Could you provide videos of how to purchase on the ticket machines please?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. We show purchasing tickets from a machine at 09:55 in this video. 🌸 Heidi

[@samtrak1204]

Thank you for a lot of helpful info. I'll be riding the Thunderbird and Shinkansen next April or May but I'm not sure if the Thunderbrid goes all the way from Kyoto to Kanazawa or if I have to change to shinkansen at Tsuruga?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. I believe that the Thunderbird Limited Express only goes to Tsuruga Station where you would change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for the rest of the way to Kanazawa. But we haven't ridden them since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended. 🌸 Heidi

[@samtrak1204]

@@KenshoQuest Thank you.

[@samtrak1204]

@@KenshoQuest Does the Hokuriki Shankansen go all the way to Tokyo via Kanazawa?

[@KenshoQuest]

@@samtrak1204 Yes! We show that route in our video explaining the Hokuriku Arch Pass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJClnYl8Ys2Srs0 The pass covers transportation along that arched route from Kyoto to Tokyo.

[@samtrak1204]

@@KenshoQuest I've watched the Arch Pass video several times but I'm still not sure if I can ride the Thrunderbird from Kyoto to Kanazswa or do I have to change to Hokuriko Shinkansen at Tsuruga? I'm plannong to do a one day round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto on Tokaido Shinkansen, then Kyto to Tokyo via Kanazawa. Thanks for your help. Sam

[@paulr9591]

Hi, thanks for this informative video. I am planning to purchase a reserved seat on the Romancecar limited express train one month in advance. There’s an option to buy the digital ticket for the limited express, but do you know if I can buy 2 limited express tickets online for 2 people?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, you can pay the Limited Express Surcharge online for two people. It's only if you want to get the digital Hakone Free Pass on your mobile phone, that each person needs their own phone to display the digital pass.

[@sarilayajemcada4857]

I’m planning to book a Fuji excursion through Klook for 2 adults and 1 child. Are the seats usually assigned together, or could they be in different locations?

[@KenshoQuest]

If you book at the same time, Klook will try to seat you together. But no guarantees.

[@CherylBaldovi]

Can you please explain, which trains are covered with the JR pass please.🙏🏻

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. The Whole Japan Rail Pass covers local JR trains, limited express JR trains, and Shinkansen bullet trains. Please find the details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKq1iKCMr8d0oLMsi=LMoZf-yVtBLcafRl

[@CherylBaldovi]

@@KenshoQuest thank you so much🙏🏻😊

[@williamtexeira6671]

could help on how to get from Tokyo to Shibuya on a train?🙏🏾

[@solomani5959]

Google maps. It’s reliable.

[@anaceciliasoares4993]

Shibuya is part of Tokyo, só your question does not make much sense. Agree that Google maps os fios source

[@KenshoQuest]

Google Maps is a good place to start. There are multiple options to get from Tokyo Station to Shibuya Station, such as the JR Yamanote Line or the (Metro) Ginza Line.

[@Pricegaming-m3l]

Tbh idk what are the difference between bullet train/high speed trains with express trains since sometimes express trains have the aerodynamic nose design is it on the speed?

[@KenshoQuest]

Limited express trains can look and feel very similar to Shinkansen bullet trains. The main difference is that most (there are a couple exceptions) bullet trains run on dedicated tracks that allow them to reach their high speeds. Limited express trains run on regular train tracks, which they often share with local trains. 🌸 Heidi

[@tarawneh88]

can you help how can i go from tokyo to shimoda prince hotel and from this hotel to kyoto?

[@Sylviatini]

Which Number of Platform Fuji excursion at shinjuku station ? What direction ? East side or west side or south side of shinjuku station ?

[@KenshoQuest]

We entered JR Shinjuku Station from the South Gate and it was very easy to get to the platform from there. We boarded on platform 9 or 10, but please check the signs at the train station to be sure.

[@Sylviatini]

@@KenshoQuest thanks a lot.

[@hyenjw]

hi, just wanna ask regarding the last example of travelling from tokyo station stop by shinjuku then proceeded to fuji, if i only buy the limited express fare ticket then it is okay not to tap out the ic card right?

[@KenshoQuest]

Sorry, I'm not entirely sure. While traveling from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko on the Fuji Excursion, the train line changes from JR East to Fujikyu Railway, so not tapping out at Shinjuku might cause an issue. We ask the station staff when we're not sure.

[@vendrigayung9326]

Hi, do you know about Hashidate limited express? Is it covered by JR Pass Kansai Wide Area Pass?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. Yes, I believe the Hashidate Limited Express train from Kyoto Station to Fukuchiyama Station is covered by the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass. Here's our affiliate link for the pass: geni.us/kansaiwideareapass And here is more info, including the coverage map: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_wide/

[@vendrigayung9326]

@@KenshoQuest ok, thankyou

[@lxw3-b8y]

I booked the narita express from tokyo station to narita airport on the aug 14 via klook. Klook’s instructions says that one basic ticket can be picked up by scanning the qr code on the machine. And it also sent a eticket voucher for the express with car/seat no in the email. But jt is not used for picking up the ticket according to instructions . Does that mean that we only need the basic ticket to get onto the express, without using the express ticket? When would the express ticket voucher be checked then?. Also is it possible to pick up the ticket earlier on aug 3 , when i arrive at narita airport? Thank you always for answering my question. I have learned a lot from your video.

[@KenshoQuest]

You can pick up your tickets ahead of time. Please use your QR code at the ticket machine. If it only prints the base fare ticket, that’s all you need to enter the ticket gate. Keep the limited express ticket and seat information easily accessible on your phone, in case the attendant asks to see it on the train. This usually only happens if someone is sitting in the wrong seat. 🌸 Heidi

[@lxw3-b8y]

@@KenshoQuest one more question, the narita express ticket from tokyo station to narita terminal 1, can i get off at terminal 2 instead? Klook only has the option of destination at terminal 1 when i book the ticket.

[@Karina.w8]

Hello.. we stay at shinjuku washington hotel, and plan to go to fujikyuhighland using limited express train. We already bought the ticket online. And now we worry about how to get the direction to the train when we arrive at shinjuku station. Can you give us advice / navigation? Since our train is about 8.30 in the morning and we come with kids and eldery, we just worry we will be running of the time to find the platform. Also, if we buy the ticket online, they said we need to collect the ticket at the shinjuku station, do you know where to collect the limited express train ticket for fujikyuhighland? Thank you

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. Is it the Fuji Excursion limited express train that you booked? Which website did you book it through? At Shinjuku Station we followed signs for Chuo Line Limited Express towards Kawaguchiko to find our platform for the Fuji Excursion train. I recommend picking up your tickets at least a day in advance, so you already have the tickets in hand the day of your train. You should be able to pick them up from a Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine at Shinjuku Station or other JR East Station in the Tokyo area. We show picking up tickets from a ticketing machine in this separate video at 03:15 in the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXWThaNtr6yGm9E

[@joanafigueira4548]

Let me see if I understand this right... I will be travelling from Kawaguchiko to Kanda Sation and google maps says that I need to take a local train to Otsuki and then a limited express to Kanda. In that case I just use my Icoca to go from Kawaguchiko to Otsuki, leave the station and then enter again to ride the limited express from Otsuki to Kanda right? And can I buy the limited express ticket in Kawaguchiko or even in Kyoto before leaving? Or I need to buy it in Otsuki? Thank you in advance

[@joanafigueira4548]

Ok, I'm sorry, I go to google maps again and it's not a limited express from Otsuki to Kanda, it's the Chuo Special Rapid... in that case I just use the Icoca for the entire route right? Don't need to buy another ticket or pay more right? And don't need to reserve seats right?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. It looks like there are multiple types of trains to choose from when traveling from Otsuki Station to Kanda Station. If you take a Special Rapid or local train, you should be able to pay with just your ICOCA card. If you take a Limited Express train from Otsuki to Shinjuku (and then change trains), you would need to buy a Limited Express Surcharge ticket to go along with your IC card, for Otsuki to Shinjuku.

[@joanafigueira4548]

@@KenshoQuest thank you. Just one more thing... Can I buy the limited express surcharge from Otsuki to Shinjuko in Kyoto or Kawaguchiko? I don't like the idea of buying it in the same day half an hour before departing hahahaha

[@KenshoQuest]

@@joanafigueira4548 I'm not sure if you can buy it at those stations, but you can buy it online ahead of time. Here's our Klook affiliate link for purchasing limited express tickets: geni.us/fujiexcursion Or you can purchase directly from JR East: www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/top/Index

[@rg516]

Is it true that if I have the JR pass, I only have to pay a little bit extra to ride the Nozomi? For Example, if I want to go from Tokyo to Hiroshima, I have to pay an additional 6,500 yen per person. Also, I have seen videos that I cannot reserve seats in the Nozomi until we arrive in Japan, is that correct? I have not seen any videos about purchasing Nozomi tickets with the JR Pass. Please help. Love your videos, they are so informative. Thank you so much!! ❤

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, yes you can pay extra to ride the Nozomi and that amount sounds about right. If you purchase the whole JR Pass then correct, you cannot reserve the Nozomi because it is not included with the JR Pass as it is a private company train. So you will need to wait until you get to Japan and upgrade from a shinkansen ticket machine or at the JR ticket office. However, if you decide to just purchase individual tickets to go from Tokyo to Hiroshima then you can certainly reserve on the Nozomi ahead of time and buy online from sites like Klook or Smart EX. BTW, if you purchase individual tickets the Nozomi doesn't cost anymore than the other trains. I hope this helps.

[@rg516]

@@KenshoQuest thank u so much for responding! This does help….just wish I could purchase the nozomi tickets before we arrive!! I know I can pay the full price and purchase in advance but, bc we already purchased the whole Japan railpass, why would I pay full price for the nozomi right?!?? Can’t wait for our trip! I still have family there and haven’t seen them in many years. Thank u again for all ur informative videos and response!!

[@gabrielladan]

Now im even more confused. So if for example i buy a Kansai-Hiroshima area pass, you're saying that the pass will cover the base fare and then i have to pay additional on top of that? Lets say this is for osake to Hiroshima.

[@KenshoQuest]

Sorry for the confusion. If you buy a JR regional pass such as the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, you do not need to pay anything additional. That pass covers all fees, including seat reservations, on limited express trains and the Sanyo Shinkansen. Here are the details: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_hiroshima/ It tends to be passes offered by non-JR companies that only cover the base fare, such as the Hakone Free Pass and the Nikko Pass. 🌸 Heidi

[@gabrielladan]

Excellent. Thank you so much. This makes planning and budgeting a whole lot easier.

[@ireneyeow3871]

I have booked a one-way bus ticket to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku and I want to take the train back to Shinjuku. The Japan Travel app says to take the Fujikyuko train to Otsuki Station then transfer to the Kaiji Limited Express to Shinjuku. I will be using an IC Card. Do I need to get out through the ticket gates at Otsuki Station and get in again? The Kaiji has reserved seating, so how and where do I buy the reserved tickets?

[@KenshoQuest]

You would need to pass through the transfer gate at Otsuki Station to switch from Fujikyu Railway to JR. The Kaiji Limited Express Train is a JR East train, so tickets can be purchased on: www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index Personally, I prefer taking the Fuji Excursion, which goes all the way from Kawaguchiko Station to Shinjuku Station without needing to transfer. Here’s our separate video on how to get to/from Kawaguchiko: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ammVaX1vhNmBn7ssi=W-NmaYMuBgpgv3gQ

[@ireneyeow3871]

Thank you! That is so helpful. I don't know when we will be leaving Kawaguchiko so we can't get tickets in advance (and I know Fuji Excursion tickets sell out fast), but only on that day itself. So have to get tickets from the ticketing machine rather than online.

[@KenshoQuest]

@@ireneyeow3871 I see. You should be able to buy tickets from a machine at Otsuki Station before boarding the Kaiji Limited Express.

[@cynicalshortguy753]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to buy advance tickets from Akita to Yokote with no luck. Klook doesn’t even list Yokote station

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. It looks like the Akita Shinkansen runs from Akita Station to Omagari Station. That portion is available on Klook and takes 30 minutes. Then from Omagari Station to Yokote Station there is a local JR train on the Ou Line (18 minutes, 330 Yen). Since that is a local train, you would just pay when you get there rather than buying a ticket online in advance. I used this map and searched "Yokote" station and then Google Maps www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/bystation.html

[@cynicalshortguy753]

Thanks for the reply. We’re going to take the Ouu line from Akita, then transfer to the Kitakami. That particular trip we’re avoiding the Shinkansen. So basically there’s no way to buy Ou tickets online? I guess my only fear is I won’t have enough time to buy the transfer ticket in yokote

[@KenshoQuest]

Sorry, I don't know of any way to buy local train tickets in advance. They are usually sold the day-of. I haven't ridden that particular route, but being that both Ou and Kitakami local lines are JR trains, there's a good chance they accept IC card. If not, you could buy a paper ticket at Yokote.

[@adibmajid9886]

😂 omg so confusing. In short, just by only using IC card is already enough?

[@KenshoQuest]

Nope. An IC card is not enough for riding a Limited Express train. An IC card will only cover the Base Fare. You still need to pay separately for the Limited Express Surcharge. An IC card is enough on it's own only when riding local or rapid trains. 🌸 Heidi

[@adibmajid9886]

​@@KenshoQuest thank you for the clarification 😊

[@markjones2781]

So, you are telling me that buying a train ticket in Japan can be a task of Byzantine complexity? How about, outside of the silly seasons, I just buy a Green Car ticket a few days before my intended journey and hope for the best? Dr M

[@KenshoQuest]

Buying a Green Car ticket a few days in advance should be fine if it’s not a busy time of year. Green Car is less likely to be crowded than Ordinary Reserved. One exception is the Fuji Excursion train, which I would recommend booking a month in advance. 🌸 Heidi

[@ndoucette9676]

This is crazy