If you’re leaving for a holiday to Japan soon, you may be finding the transportation system a bit overwhelming and some people also worry about bullet trains being fully booked.
I’d like to show you how to book a Japanese bullet train in advance in the blog post.
But first…
Do I have to reserve bullet trains ahead of time?
No, you do not. In fact, most Japanese people only buy tickets the day of or physically go to a station the day before.
It’s not scene as a formal way to travel like getting from here to there via plane in Japan so most people just turn up and ride.
When are bullet trains in Japan are likely to be booked out?
Japanese bullet trains are more likely to be full on a Friday night and Sunday night (ie. when passengers are going away and returning for the weekend) and also either sides of long weekends.
If you’re travelling outside of these hours it is highly unlikely you will miss out on seats. Also, please remember that bullet trains run so frequently that let’s say.. for example.. the 11:13am bullet train is full? Then you can just book the next option which will probably be something like 11:24am, instead.
Times of year that trains in Japan are likely to book out?
Golden Week is the busiest travel season – followed closely by Obon. Also, most people in Japan travel to their hometowns in the countryside and back during the Japanese New Year period so I would reserve ahead of time if travelling between Dec 29-Jan 6.
How to reserve bullet train tickets in Japan?
If you are travelling in the busier periods listed above or you just want to reserve for peace of mind (or perhaps you have a larger group?) then there are 3 easy ways to make reservations.
1. In person at a JR station, once arriving in Japan
I quite like this old school approach. Larger JR stations in Japan have ticket offices and you can walk up and pay. If I don’t have tickets, I like to arrive at the station around 45 mins prior to wanting to depart. This gives me time to buy a ticket either at a vending machine OR a physical ticket desk. This also gives me time to find my platform and make sure I’m at the exact spot where my carriage will pull in.
This method is probably best if you’re feeling anxious or have additional questions about directions etc.
2. Using the Smart Ex site (up to 30 days prior to travel date)
This website allows for online reservations ahead of time.
3. If you’ve purchased a JR Pass through the official Japan Rail Pass site, you can start making reservations online right away
I’ve written more about the JR Pass and how to work out if it’s worth your while here.
Travelling on a bullet train with luggage?
For oversized luggage such as a suitcase you will need to also reserve a place for your luggage at the back of the carriage. If the luggage bookings are full, your other options are to forward your luggage (this service is INCREDIBLE and a gamechanger for domestic travel within Japan!) or you could always just put the luggage in front of your legs at your seat (the seats are so spacious that this is not an uncomfortable option.
Please note that you cannot put large pieces of luggage in the overhead racks. It is dangerous, considered extremely bad manners and the staff onboard will ask you to move it immediately.
See here if you’d like tips on taking the bullet train in Japan with kids
And if you’d like a brief introduction to Japanese train ettiquette with kids see here.
I have written in detail on other options (entertainment, shows, special experiences) to book in advance for your Japan holiday.
And here is my advice for those just starting to plan their Japan family holiday.
Are you after tips on travel cards for general train travel (not bullet train)? See here.
