Travellers can book online trains in Japan and receive the electronic tickets by email, ready for boarding.

We facilitate advance ticket booking for Shinkansen and Limited Express trains operated by JR Central, JR West and JR Kyushu connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima, as well as Shinkansen and Limited Express trains operated by JR East and JR West connecting Nikko, Fuji, Matsumoto, Nagano and Kanazawa.

We also facilitate the purchase of different types of rail pass with JR West to travel on Shinkansen trains, Limited Express trains, as well as Express, Rapid or Local trains in Kansai, Chugoku and Kyushu regions.

Train companies in Japan

Rail services in Japan are operated by Japan Railways (JR) as well as private railway companies.

Japan Railways (JR) consists of several independent companies that carry on the operations of the former national railway operator JNR. In the present, JR Group is divided in six companies dedicated to provide passenger train services in different regions of Japan: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu.

To achieve a complete coverage of the railway transportation across the nation, Japan Railways (JR) operates several types of intercity trains, including:

  • - Shinkansen high-speed rail
  • - Limited Express conventional rail

Shinkansen high-speed rail

Shinkansen is the high-speed railway service operated by Japan Railways with trains running at a maximum speed of 240–320 km/h.

The Tokaido line was launched in 1964 connecting Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Since then, the network has expanded to interconnect most of the major cities in the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu. The current Shinkansen network consists of 2,764 kilometers of dedicated high-speed tracks that use standard-gauge and are separated from the conventional lines that use different gauge.

Book your train tickets in Japan

The main Shinkansen lines are the following:

  • - Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, operated by JR Central
  • - Sanyo Shinkansen between Osaka and Fukuoka, operated by JR West
  • - Kyushu Shinkansen between Fukuoka and Kagoshima, operated by JR Kyushu
  • - Hokkaido Shinkansen between Aomori and Hokuto, operated by JR Hokkaido
  • - Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Aomori, operated by JR East
  • - Akita Shinkansen between Tokyo and Akita, operated by JR East
  • - Yamagata Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shinjo, operated by JR East
  • - Joetsu Shinkansen between Tokyo and Niigata, operated by JR East
  • - Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kanazawa, jointly operated by JR East and JR West

The Tokaido and Sanyo lines are interconnected forming a continuous corridor that links Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, and is used by through services operated by JR Central and JR West. The Sanyo and Kyushu lines are interconnected forming a continuous corridor that links Osaka, Fukuoka and Kagoshima, and is used by through services operated by JR West and JR Kyushu.

Book your train tickets in Japan

The Tohoku line and the Tokaido line meet in Tokyo but the tracks are not physically interconnected, hence there are no through services between the East and Central regions and passengers are required to interchange trains at Tokyo Station.

Book your train tickets in Japan

The Hokuriku line operates over the Joetsu and Tohoku lines tracks between Tokyo and Takasaki, then it separates and continues on its own dedicated tracks to Nagano and Kanazawa.

Book your train tickets in Japan

Shinkansen trains are designated by a code name that identifies the class of service followed by one to three numerals. The fast services stop only at key stations, the semi-fast services stop at the major stations, and the local services stop at all stations:

  • - In the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, NOZOMI is the fast service, HIKARI is the semi-fast service and KODAMA is the local service.
  • - In the Sanyo and Kyushu lines, MIZUHO is the fast service, SAKURA is the semi-fast service and TSUBAME is the local service.
  • - In the Hokkaido line, HAYABUSA is the fast service and HAYATE is the semi-fast service.
  • - In the Tohoku line, HAYABUSA is the fast service, YAMABIKO is the semi-fast service and NASUNO is the local service.
  • - In the Akita line, KOMACHI is the fast service between Tokyo and Morioka, as well as the local service between Morioka and Akita.
  • - In the Yamagata line, TSUBASA is the semi-fast service between Tokyo and Fukushima, as well as the local service between Fukushima and Shinjo.
  • - In the Joetsu line, TOKI is the semi-fast service and TANIGAWA is the local service.
  • - In the Hokuriku line, KAGAYAKI is the fast service, HAKUTAKA and ASAMA are the two semi-fast services, and TSURUGI is the local service.
Book your train tickets in Japan

Shinkansen trains are powered by electric multiple units and can carry up to 16 cars per train, arranged in Green Car with business class seats that require advanced reservation and Ordinary Car with standard class seats distributed in Reserved and Non-reserved.

In total, the Shinkansen trains offer three passengers classes: Green Car Seat, Reserved Seat and Non-reserved Seat.

Book your train tickets in Japan

Travellers with Reserved Seat tickets are required to take their numbered seat in the Green Cars or the Ordinary Cars. Travellers with Non-reserved Seat tickets are allowed to take any seat available only in the Ordinary cars designated as Non-reserved. On these cars, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. When all the seats are full, passengers must travel standing on the corridor or the coach entrance without blocking the access to other passengers.

Limited Express conventional rail

JR Group operates many intercity and regional lines with trains running on conventional rail at a maximum speed of 130-160 km/h.

Given the limited coverage of the Shinkansen network, passengers may need to use conventional trains to reach certain regions of Japan or travel directly between two cities.

Book your train tickets in Japan

Conventional rail services are classified depending on the stop pattern:

  • - Limited Express is the fastest service
  • - Express is a semi-fast service stopping at major stations
  • - Rapid is a fast service stopping at most stations
  • - Local is a slow service stopping at all stations
Book your train tickets in Japan

When travelling on conventional rail, the standard ticket depends on the travel distance and it is the same for all the trains regardless of the number of stops or transfers. The standard ticket allows the passenger to access the platform and board Express, Rapid or Local trains. To board Limited Express trains, passengers are required an extra ticket for Reserved Seat or Non-reserved Seat, which is purchased separately from the standard ticket and is inspected by the train conductor on board.

In total, the Limited Express trains offer three passengers classes: Green Car Seat, Reserved Seat and Non-reserved Seat.

Book your train tickets in Japan

Travellers with Reserved Seat tickets are required to take their numbered seat in the Green Cars or the Ordinary Cars. Travellers with Non-reserved Seat tickets are allowed to take any seat available only in the Ordinary cars designated as Non-reserved. On these cars, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. When all the seats are full, passengers must travel standing on the corridor or the coach entrance without blocking the access to other passengers.

Getting around Japan by train

Japan has 27,268 kilometres of railway network, which includes 2,764 kilometres of Shinkansen lines.

Travel with ticket

We facilitate advance ticket booking for trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen, Sanyo Shinkansen and Kyushu Shinkansen lines operated by JR Central, JR West and JR Kyushu, and the Tohoku Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines operated by JR East.

Ticket sale is available 1 month in advance.

Stations / Services NOZOMI HIKARI KODAMA
Tokyo
Shinagawa
Shin-Yokohama
Odawara
Atami
Mishima
Shin-Fuji
Shizuoka
Kakegawa
Hamamatsu
Toyohashi
Mikawa-Anjo
Nagoya
Gifu-Hashima
Maibara
Kyoto
Shin-Osaka

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

Stations / Services NOZOMI HIKARI KODAMA MIZUHO SAKURA
Shin-Osaka
Shin-Kobe
Nishi-Akashi
Himeji
Aioi
Okayama
Shin-Kurashiki
Fukuyama
Shin-Onomichi
Mihara
Higashi-Hiroshima
Hiroshima
Shin-Iwakuni
Tokuyama
Shin-Yamaguchi
Asa
Shin-Shimonoseki
Kokura
Hakata

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

Stations / Services MIZUHO SAKURA TSUBAME
Hakata
Shin-Tosu
Kurume
Chikugo-Funagoya
Shin-Omuta
Shin-Tamana
Kumamoto
Shin-Yatsushiro
Shin-Minamata
Izumi
Sendai
Kagoshima-Chuo

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

Stations / Services KAGAYAKI HAKUTAKA ASAMA TSURUGI
Tokyo
Ueno
Omiya
Kumagaya
Honjo-Waseda
Takasaki
Annaka-Haruna
Karuizawa
Sakudaira
Ueda
Nagano
Iiyama
Joetsumyoko
Itoigawa
Kurobe-Unazukionsen
Toyama
Shin-Takaoka
Kanazawa

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

As well as tickets for Limited Express trains operated by JR East running through Tohoku, Kanto and Chubu regions.

Ticket sale is available 1 month in advance.

Stations / Services NIKKO KINUGAWA
Shinjuku
Ikebukuro
Omiya
Tochigi
Shimo-Imaichi
Tobu-Nikko
Kinugawa-Onsen

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

Stations / Services AZUSA KAIJI
Tokyo
Shinjuku
Tachikawa
Hachioji
Otsuki
Kofu
Nirasaki
Chino
Kami-Suwa
Okaya
Shiojiri
Matsumoto

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

Stations / Services FUJI EXCURSION
Shinjuku
Tachikawa
Hachioji
Otsuki
Mt. Fuji
Kawaguchiko

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

And discount tickets for Limited Express trains operated by JR West running through Kansai region.

Discount ticket sale is available 3 months in advance.

Stations / Services THUNDERBIRD
Osaka
Shin-Osaka
Takatsuki
Kyoto
Katata
Omi-Imazu
Tsuruga
Takefu
Sabae
Fukui
Awaraonsen
Kagaonsen
Komatsu
Matto
Kanazawa

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

Stations / Services HARUKA
Kyoto
Takatsuki
Shin-Osaka
Tennoji
Izumi-Fuchu
Hineno
Kansai Airport

All trains stop, Some trains stop, Trains do not stop

Travel with rail pass

We also facilitate the purchase of different types of rail pass with JR West valid for Kansai, Chugoku and Kyushu regions.

Passengers with rail pass can travel on Shinkansen trains, Limited Express trains, as well as Express, Rapid or Local trains in the designated area for a number of consecutive days.

Rail pass sale is available 3 months in advance.

This rail pass is valid for unlimited rides in the available routes included on the map for 5 consecutive days.

Eligibility:

- Passenger must hold a passport issued by a foreign government.

- Passenger must enter Japan as a 短期滞在 (Temporary Visitor).

For more information, please visit www.westjr.co.jp

Purchase JR West Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5-day)

This rail pass is valid for unlimited rides in the available routes included on the map for 5 consecutive days.

Eligibility:

- Passenger must hold a passport issued by a foreign government.

- Passenger must enter Japan as a 短期滞在 (Temporary Visitor).

For more information, please visit www.westjr.co.jp

Purchase JR West Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5-day)

This rail pass is valid for unlimited rides in the available routes included on the map for 7 consecutive days.

Eligibility:

- Passenger must hold a passport issued by a foreign government.

- Passenger must enter Japan as a 短期滞在 (Temporary Visitor).

For more information, please visit www.westjr.co.jp

Purchase JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass (7-day)

This rail pass is valid for unlimited rides in the available routes included on the map for 7 consecutive days.

Eligibility:

- Passenger must hold a passport issued by a foreign government.

- Passenger must enter Japan as a 短期滞在 (Temporary Visitor).

For more information, please visit www.westjr.co.jp

Purchase JR West Sanyo-San'in Area Pass (7-day)

This rail pass is valid for unlimited rides in the available routes included on the map for 5 consecutive days.

Eligibility:

- Passenger must hold a passport issued by a foreign government.

- Passenger must enter Japan as a 短期滞在 (Temporary Visitor).

For more information, please visit www.westjr.co.jp

Purchase JR West Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi (5-day)

This rail pass is valid for unlimited rides in the available routes included on the map for 5 consecutive days.

Eligibility:

- Passenger must hold a passport issued by a foreign government.

- Passenger must enter Japan as a 短期滞在 (Temporary Visitor).

For more information, please visit www.westjr.co.jp

Purchase JR West Hiroshima-Yamaguchi (5-day)

This rail pass is valid for unlimited rides in the available routes included on the map for 7 consecutive days.

Eligibility:

- Passenger must hold a passport issued by a foreign government.

- Passenger must enter Japan as a 短期滞在 (Temporary Visitor).

For more information, please visit www.westjr.co.jp

Purchase JR West All Area Pass (7-day)

Kanto region

Kanto region comprises Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures. This region is served by the Tohoku Shinkansen, the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Limited Express trains operated by JR East.

Book your train tickets to Nikko

Train routes to Nikko

Chubu region

Chubu region comprises Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu, Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama, Nagano and Niigata prefectures. This region is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the Joetsu Shinkansen and the Limited Express trains operated by JR East, JR Central and JR West.

Book your train tickets to Matsumoto

Train routes to Matsumoto

Book your train tickets to Nagano

Train routes to Nagano

Kansai region

Kansai region comprises Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Shiga prefectures. This region is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Limited Express trains operated by JR Central and JR West.

Chugoku region

Chugoku region comprises Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Shimane and Tottori prefectures. This region is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Limited Express trains operated by JR West.

Kyushu island

Kyushu is the third largest of Japan's five main islands. This region is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen.

How to book your train tickets in Japan?

Booking your train tickets in Japan is very quick and simple. Search for train routes between any two cities for your travel dates.

Select your route

After search, we will display the results for your itinerary.

Find the Shinkansen and Limited Express services operated by Japan Railways (JR) available for your itinerary. Select the most convenient option.

We accept ticket reservations from 1 month in advance up to 24 hours before departure. For departures under 24 hours, tickets must be reserved directly at the station.

How to book train tickets in Japan

Click to expand the details of the route, you will find the available fares and rail passes.

Japan Railways (JR) offers various types of fares for Shinkansen and Limited Express trains:

  • Non-reserved Seat, does not require seat selection
  • Reserved Seat, arranged in 3+2 row configuration
  • Green Car Seat, arranged in 2+2 row configuration

Additionally, JR West offers various types of rail pass valid to travel on Shinkansen trains, Limited Express trains, as well as Express, Rapid or Local trains:

  • Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5-day)
  • Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5-day)
  • Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass (7-day)
  • Sanyo-San'in Area Pass (7-day)
  • JR WEST All Area Pass (7-day)

Fill in the passenger and contact details

When you book train tickets, you can indicate your seat preference: window or aisle.

Passengers who intend to bring baggage with overall dimensions (length + width + height) of more than 160cm onto the Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen need to reserve a seat with Oversized Baggage Area.

How to book train tickets in Japan

Please provide the passenger information and the contact details of the person responsible for booking. We will send by email the booking confirmation and the electronic ticket.

How to book train tickets in Japan

Complete your payment

Select your payment method. We accept international credit or debit cards.

Check your itinerary and price breakdown. Confirm that the booking information is correct. Before you proceed to payment, you must read and accept the terms and conditions of booking.

How to book train tickets in Japan

Receive your electronic ticket by email

Once your payment is complete, your reservation will be processed.

In the following 24 hours you will receive the itinerary and booking confirmation by email with the electronic ticket attached in PDF format.

How to book train tickets in Japan

You can also access to Manage your booking via web and download the electronic ticket to your device.

How to book your train tickets in Japan

How to use the train e-ticket?

The electronic ticket is a valid boarding pass and can be used to board the train or pick up the physical ticket at the station before departure.

Passengers travelling with Japan Railways (JR) can print the e-ticket in advance or carry a digital copy in the mobile phone and present it when boarding the train.


RECEIVE YOUR E-TICKET BY EMAIL

Receive your electronic ticket by email in PDF format. Print a copy of the e-ticket in advance or carry it in your mobile phone.


PICK UP YOUR BOARDING PASS

Scan the QR code included in your electronic ticket at the ticket gates or pick up the physical ticket at the ticket vending machines and cross through the gates using your boarding pass.


BOARD THE TRAIN

Access the platform, locate your car number and wait for the boarding call to board the train.

How to use the rail pass?

The electronic ticket is valid to collect the rail pass at the station. It cannot be used to board the train.

Passengers travelling with JR West can purchase an exchange order (E-TICKET) outside Japan. Once issued, the exchange order (E-TICKET) must be exchanged within 90 days.

After arriving in Japan, passengers can exchange the rail pass by scanning the passport and the QR code included in the exchange order (E-TICKET) at the ticket vending machines or presenting the passport and the exchange order (E-TICKET) at the ticket office in the exchange locations.

Once exchanged, the rail pass is valid for consecutive days. Passengers can travel on Shinkansen trains, Limited Express trains, as well as Express, Rapid or Local trains in Non-reserved Seat or pick up the physical tickets to travel in Reserved Seat at the ticket vending machines.


RECEIVE YOUR EXCHANGE ORDER BY EMAIL

Receive your exchange order (E-TICKET) by email in PDF format. Print a copy in advance and carry it with your passport.


PICK UP YOUR RAIL PASS

Exchange the rail pass at the ticket vending machines in the station or at the ticket office in the exchange locations. To pass through the gates, show your rail pass to the station officer.


BOARD THE TRAIN

Access the platform, locate your car number and wait for the boarding call to board the train.