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Shinkansen map

The Shinkansen bullet train network covers the length of Japan, and Trip.com is an official reseller for JR East, JR West, and JR Central, covering nearly 90% of all routes. Here's a rundown of some of the most popular routes.

Shinkansen map

JR East: This operator connects the capital to Aomori (autumn foliage and hot springs) and Niigata (skiing at Echigo-Yuzawa) with its Tohoku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen. The line goes through rural Fukushima and Miyagi.

JR West: Operating the Sanyo and Hokuriku Shinkansen, JR West links Osaka to Hiroshima (Itsukushima Shrine) and Kyoto to Kanazawa (Kenroku-en Garden). The Sanyo section runs along the Seto Inland Sea coast.

JR Central: JR Central runs Japan's busiest line, with its Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Tokyo to Osaka and Nagoya, passing through Shizuoka at the foot of Mount Fuji. Departures are the most frequent of any Shinkansen.

JR Kyushu: The Kyushu Shinkansen runs from Hakata down to Kagoshima-Chuo, taking in Kumamoto (Kumamoto Castle) and Kagoshima (Sakurajima volcano). The line passes through the Aso volcanic region and several hot spring towns.

JR Hokkaido: This operator runs the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo as far as Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (for nighttime views from Mount Hakodate), with the extension to Sapporo still under construction. The route is covered in snow during winter.

JR Shikoku: While it has no Shinkansen, the network connects to Honshu via the Seto‑Ohashi Line, with Marine Liner rapid services between Okayama and Takamatsu and limited express trains to Matsuyama. Shikoku is renowned for the 88‑temple Pilgrimage.

JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass)

The Japan Rail Pass (known as the JR Pass) is a discounted rail pass for foreign tourists and gives you unlimited rides on most JR trains for a 7-,14-, or 21-day period.

JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) Prices and Costs

TypeGreenOrdinary
DurationAdultChild(6-11)AdultChild(6-11)
7 days70,000 YEN*35000 YEN50,000 YEN25,000 YEN
14 days110,000 YEN55,000 YEN80,000 YEN40,000 YEN
21 days140,000 YEN70,000 YEN100,000 YEN50,000 YEN
*Prices for the JR Pass and Shinkansen bullet train tickets are set in Japanese Yen (JPY), so the cost in different currencies can fluctuate depending on the exchange rate.

How to book and use Japan train tickets with Trip.com

Search for trains

Step 01

Search for trains

Enter your origin and destination, select your travel dates and number of passengers. Add a return date if needed to see Shinkansen schedules on Trip.com.

Select your departure and seat class

Step 02

Select your departure and seat class

Pick your departure time and choose Ordinary or Green Car class. Click through and complete the passenger details in the form.

Pay securely

Step 03

Pay securely

Complete your booking and pay in your chosen currency with secure payment methods, including credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay.

Receive your QR code

Step 04

Receive your QR code

Receive your e-tickets and itinerary details via email or through the Trip.com app. Confirmation is instant as soon as payment is complete.

Enter the station

Step 05

Enter the station

For most journeys, you can go through the ticket gates by scanning your QR code. If needed, you can easily print tickets at the ticket machine.

Board the train

Step 06

Board the train

Scan your QR code or insert your paper ticket into the barriers to access the platforms and board the train.

Shinkansen seat classes & reservations

In Japan, bullet trains—known as Shinkansen—are normally divided into two main classes: Ordinary (standard) and Green (first). Some trains have an extra Gran Class (luxury). Exact features vary by operator. Here's what to expect:

Ordinary Car (standard)

Ordinary Car (standard)

  • 2+3 seating2+3 seating
  • Reserved or Non-Reserved seatsReserved or Non-Reserved seats
  • Standard comfort and supportStandard comfort and support
  • Power outletsPower outlets
  • Free Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi
  • Restrooms availableRestrooms available
  • Luggage storageLuggage storage
Green Car (first class)

Green Car (first class)

  • 2+2 seating2+2 seating
  • Reserved seatsReserved seats
  • Spacious with wide seats and extra legroomSpacious with wide seats and extra legroom
  • Power outletsPower outlets
  • Free Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi
  • Restrooms availableRestrooms available
  • Personal reading lightsPersonal reading lights
  • Quieter, premium atmosphereQuieter, premium atmosphere
  • Perfect for business travelers and those seeking a more relaxing journeyPerfect for business travelers and those seeking a more relaxing journey
Gran Class (luxury business class)

Gran Class (luxury business class)

  • 1+2 seating1+2 seating
  • Ultra spacious and reclining leather seatsUltra spacious and reclining leather seats
  • Power outletsPower outlets
  • Free Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary water, snacks, and wet towels (*Not available on "GranClass (No Beverage or Light Meal Service)" trains)Complimentary water, snacks, and wet towels (*Not available on "GranClass (No Beverage or Light Meal Service)" trains)
  • Dedicated attendant service on most servicesDedicated attendant service on most services
  • Luxury amenities like slippersLuxury amenities like slippers
  • More privacy and spaceMore privacy and space
  • Top choice for luxury. Only available on certain lines (like Hokuriku).Top choice for luxury. Only available on certain lines (like Hokuriku).

Choosing between Reserved and Non-Reserved

Reserved seats
  • Slightly more expensive but guarantee you a seat.
  • Ideal for families and groups traveling at peak season and wanting to sit together
Non-Reserved seats
  • Allow you to board any train but without a guaranteed seat
  • Seating is first-come, first-served in designated cars.
Top tips
  • Choose Reserved seats if you don't want to stand
  • Recommended for popular routes like Tokyo to Kyoto and at popular times of year

Select your seat preference and book your tickets

Choose from various seat preferences on Shinkansen, limited express, and other trains. First-time bookers enjoy free seat selection!

  • Mt. Fuji view seats

    Mt. Fuji view seats

    Selected window seats offering magnificent views of Mt. Fuji along the way. We recommend seats on the right for the Tokyo–Osaka route, or seats on the left for the Osaka–Tokyo route, subject to the specific train and direction. You can select Mt. Fuji view seats on Trip.com.

  • Oversized luggage seats (train end seats/rear seats)

    Oversized luggage seats (train end seats/rear seats)

    Spacious seats located at the end of the car, close to the oversized luggage storage area for easy access to suitcases. Suitable for passengers with 26" or larger luggage. Advance booking is recommended.

  • Window seats

    Window seats

    Enjoy private window views and immerse yourself in the scenic journey. Suitable for sightseeing, photography, or travelers seeking a quiet space away from aisle traffic.

  • Double seats/adjacent seats

    Double seats/adjacent seats

    Adjacent seats ensure traveling companions sit together. Suitable for couples, families, or friends traveling together to share the journey.

  • Aisle seats

    Aisle seats

    Next to the aisle, offering easy access to get in and out, move around, or use the restrooms. Suitable for passengers who need to walk around frequently during their trip.

  • Train desk/table seats

    Train desk/table seats

    Equipped with a folding table that can be used for work, dining, or holding items when unfolded. Suitable for business travel or passengers who need to work during their trip.

  • Work seats/business work seats

    Work seats/business work seats

    Specially designed for travelers on business trips, featuring spacious seats equipped with a power outlet and a table for laptop work. Located in a quiet area to minimize travel disturbances.

*Available seat types are subject to actual train information. If your seat booking fails, we will fully refund the booking fee for your seat preference. We will also do our best to ensure your group members can sit together.

JR seat reservation guide

<span>Step 1</span><h3>Select your departure and seat class</h3>

Step 1

Select your departure and seat class

Select a departure time, choose the Ordinary car or Green car class, and click the "Continue" button to confirm.

<span>Step 2</span><h3>Enter passenger information and seat preferences</h3>

Step 2

Enter passenger information and seat preferences

On the "Passenger info" page, the highlighted section in the image is the seat reservation module, where you can select your seat preference. After filling in all the information, click the "Continue" button.

JR transfer guide

Train transfer guide for Kyoto Station

<span>Step 1</span><h3>Downstairs</h3>

Step 1

Downstairs

Get off at the Shinkansen platform and go down to the 2nd floor.

<span>Step 2</span><h3>Find the transfer gate</h3>

Step 2

Find the transfer gate

Follow the signs for "Transfer" to the JR transfer gate.

<span>Step 3</span><h3>Go through the transfer gate</h3>

Step 3

Go through the transfer gate

Insert the conventional line ticket and your Shinkansen tickets together into the Shinkansen transfer gate. Don't forget to take your next ticket back. (If you have 4 or more tickets, use the manned gate and show them to the station staff.)

<span>Step 04</span><h3>To the JR Line platform</h3>

Step 04

To the JR Line platform

After exiting the transfer gate, follow the signs to your platform.

Transfer guide for Shin-Osaka Station

  • Shinkansen → JR Lines

  • JR Lines → Shinkansen

<span>Step 1</span><h3>Head down to the 3rd floor</h3>

Step 1

Head down to the 3rd floor

Alight at the Shinkansen platform on the 4th floor, and find an escalator, elevator, or stairs to go down one level to the Shinkansen concourse on the 3rd floor.

<span>Step 2</span><h3>Find the transfer gate</h3>

Step 2

Find the transfer gate

On the 3rd-floor concourse, do not follow the "Exit" signs. Look up and follow the "Transfer to JR Lines" signs to the dedicated transfer ticket gates on the 3rd floor. Please do not exit the station.

<span>Step 3</span><h3>Go down to the JR platforms</h3>

Step 3

Go down to the JR platforms

After passing through the transfer gates, you will find yourself directly inside the 3rd-floor transfer area for JR conventional lines. Check the overhead electronic screens to find the platform number for the JR line you want to take, then take the stairs/escalator down to the JR platforms on the 1st floor to board your train.

Refunds and changes for Shinkansen tickets

The Shinkansen refund and change policy offers flexibility, though fees may apply depending on your ticket type.

  • JR Central

  • JR East

  • JR West

Refund policy

Rule categoryRule details
Ticket refund hours
4:30 AM–10:25 PM CST
Ticket refund deadline
1 hour or more before departure: Ticket refunds permitted.
Within 1 hour after departure and after departure: Ticket refunds not permitted.
Cancellation handling fee
Before departure: JPY 320/person (regardless of ticket type). Basic fare ticket + seat ticket: Ticket refund fee is JPY 320/person.
After departure: Ticket refunds are not permitted.
Refundable amount is subject to actual situation.
Pre-sale ticket
Free cancellation is permitted before tickets are issued.

Change policy

Rule categoryRule details
Ticket change hours
4:30 AM–10:25 PM CST.
Ticket change deadline
1 hour or more before departure: Changes permitted.
After departure or within 1 hour before departure: Changes not permitted.
Number of changes
Unlimited.
Permitted change types
  1. Change itinerary and departure time (including modifying ticket type).
  2. Any ticket fare difference will be refunded or charged accordingly.
  3. No processing fee for changes.

FAQ about Japan train travels

  • Is Trip.com an official Japan Rail partner?

    Yes, Trip.com is an authorized JR partner, so you can book with peace of mind that you're getting official and guaranteed Japan train tickets.

  • How far in advance can I book Shinkansen tickets on Trip.com?

    You can book Shinkansen tickets up to 90 days in advance on Trip.com. It's a good idea to book early if you want to guarantee your seat and choice of departure time, as trains do sell out.

  • How do I collect my tickets booked on Trip.com?

    After booking, you'll receive an email with a QR code. For most routes, simply scan this at the ticket gate to board. On certain other routes, you'll need to scan your QR code at the green “Reserved Seat” ticket machine or show it at the JR Ticket Office to receive physical tickets.

  • Can I change or cancel my booking through Trip.com?

    Yes, you can change or cancel your train tickets through Trip.com, just remember to double-check the booking conditions for change and refund policy before booking.

  • How long does it take to receive my refund?

    You'll typically receive your refund within 7 to 14 days, depending on your bank and original method of payment. You can track the status of your refund in the "My Bookings" section of Trip.com.

  • Can I choose specific seats or ensure my group sits together?

    Yes, and Trip.com's booking system automatically prioritizes sitting groups together. If you're travelling from Tokyo to Osaka and want to see Mt. Fuji on the way, you can select the "Mt. Fuji view" option in the seat preferences section when booking.

  • What should I do if my QR code fails to scan or I can't find the machine?

    In the unlikely event that your QR code fails, or if you can't find where to scan it, please contact the Trip.com customer service team and one of our specialists will be on hand to help.

  • What is the difference between Shinkansen and bullet train?

    There's no difference, they are the same. Shinkansen is the Japanese name for the high-speed bullet trains that connect Japan's major cities. Both terms refer to the same network.

  • What is the luggage size limit on Shinkansen?

    On the Shinkansen, if your suitcase's combined length, width, and height add up to more than 160cm, you'll need to reserve a special seat with extra storage space.

  • What is a JR Pass and how does it work?

    The JR Pass is a discounted rail pass for foreign tourists in Japan. It gives you unlimited rides on most JR trains, including Shinkansen, limited express, and local services, for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. One pass covers most of the country.

  • Can international travelers buy a JR Pass in Japan?

    Yes. The JR Pass is specifically for international tourists visiting Japan as temporary visitors, so you'll need to enter the country with a "Temporary Visitor" stamp in your passport to qualify.

  • Can I buy a JR Pass at the station?

    Yes, you can buy a JR Pass at the station but it's best to purchase in advance on Trip.com. Doing so saves you hassle at the ticket office and allows you to reserve seats early — this is especially important on popular routes like Tokyo–Osaka.