Do I need a Shinkansen ticket with a JR Pass?


Do I need a Shinkansen ticket with a JR Pass? The pass is valid on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR (Japan Railways), including shinkansen, limited express, rapid and local trains. The map below shows the major train lines that are covered by the pass.


How much is a Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka?

In Tokyo, you can catch the Shinkansen either at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and then arrive to Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka. A one-way journey costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,340 yen (reserved seat), but with your JR Pass, you can avail of either without having to pay additional fees.


Do you need a ticket for Shinkansen if you have JR Pass?

The JR Pass covers all JR network express, fast and local trains. Shinkansen high-speed trains are also covered, including NOZOMI and MIZUHO services with the purchase of a special ticket (from October 2023).


What happens if I miss my Shinkansen reservation?

I'm using JR pass and reserved seats, what if I were to miss the train, can I change to the next train on the spot? Hi there, If you miss a train you have a reserved seat for, then you are allowed to board the next train and take a non-reserved seat.


Do Shinkansen sell out?

Do Shinkansen tickets sell out? Yes, especially for weekend travel and during peak seasons, Shinkansen services can be fully booked.


What happens if the Shinkansen is late?

In the event of a suspension in services or a delay of 2 hours or more, we will refund the amounts determined below to the credit card used to make payment.


How many people can use 1 JR Pass?

My question is, can I buy 1 JR Pass for 2 people, or do I need to buy 2 separate passes? Hi there, Each person will need their own JR Pass.


What is not included in JR Pass?

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)


How do you board a Shinkansen with JR Pass?

With a national Japan Rail Pass, you can travel on many (but not all) Shinkansen without making prior reservations. Just board one of the non reserved cars - these are marked ??? - pronounced jiyuseki. Take any unoccupied seat, or stand if there are none available.


Can I use the JR Pass to get around Kyoto?

Can I use the JR Pass in Kyoto? Yes, to a limited extent. JR lines run to the west and south of Kyoto, with access to highlights such as Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari and Uji. Additionally, a local JR bus runs from Kyoto station to north Kyoto.


Can I use my JR Pass around Osaka?

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is valid for the entire line and all JR lines branching of it. Using your pass to explore Osaka this way, is a very cost-efficient option.


Does JR Rail Pass cover Shinkansen to Kyoto?

With your Japan Rail Pass The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are linked to each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.


How early should I arrive for Shinkansen?

Some trains might have a stop as brief as 1 minute, while others might stop 5 to 10 minutes due to waiting for other Shinkansen to pass. Regardless, arriving at the platform about 15 minutes before the departure time provides ample mental and physical preparation.


Can you bring your own food on Shinkansen?

Eating and drinking on Japanese trains You should eat on trains only when taking a long-distance train, such as the Shinkansen. These types of trains have a tray and cup holder at every seat, and snacks are sold from a vendor trolley. When taking this type of train, it is also acceptable to bring your own food.


Do they check tickets on Shinkansen?

When boarding directly from a Shinkansen station, please insert your tickets into the Shinkansen ticket gate prior to boarding. Your tickets are required for on-board ticket checks and exiting the station at your destination. Please do not lose or forget to take your tickets.