Rail passes新幹線
How to book the Shinkansen
Reserved seats, luggage rules and which side to sit for Mount Fuji.
Last reviewed · Sep 2026
- Book online with SmartEX (Tokaido/Sanyo lines) or JR East/West online booking, up to one month ahead
- Or buy at a station ticket machine or ticket office (midori-no-madoguchi)
- Choose reserved or non-reserved — reserved is recommended at weekends and holidays
- If your bag's total dimensions exceed 160 cm, reserve an oversized-luggage seat on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines
- Tap in with your ticket or linked IC card at the Shinkansen gates