Japan bullet train booking guide

Search and Book Japan Shinkansen Tickets Online

9Rail helps international travelers search Japan Shinkansen and JR trains on popular routes including Tokyo to Osaka, Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo. Compare the actual train, departure time, seat class and total for your travel date before payment.

Tokaido Shinkansen services include Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. Stops, availability and journey time vary by service, while Ordinary reserved seats and Green Car availability depend on the selected date and train.

Check before you book

  • Shinkansen services for Osaka use Shin-Osaka Station
  • Gran Class is not offered on the Tokaido Shinkansen
  • Oversized baggage can require a designated seat or advance arrangement
  • E-ticket, collection or exchange instructions depend on the selected ticket

Clear from search to ticket status

Know what happens before and after payment

Review the train, seat, passenger counts, service fee, and total before payment, then follow ticket status from your email or My Order.

Before payment
  1. 1

    Search Japan trains

    Choose stations, travel date, and passenger count for your route.

  2. 2

    Select a train

    Compare departure times, seat classes, and available fares.

  3. 3

    Choose passengers

    Select the number of adults and children travelling.

  4. 4

    Pay securely

    Use card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay where available.

After payment

Email confirmation

Order details and ticket status updates are sent to the email used at checkout.

Order page access

Use your order number and email to view ticket status, support details, and available change or refund actions.

Ticket instructions

Collection, e-ticket, or station guidance is shown after payment based on the rail product.

Passenger count reminder

Choose the correct adult and child counts for your journey.

Open My Order

Popular Japan routes

Start with major rail cities across Japan

Choose a common route from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka, then compare trains for your travel date.

Tokyo train station and rail routes

Tokyo

Japan's busiest rail hub for Shinkansen, airport access, and intercity JR routes.

Kyoto train station and rail routes

Kyoto

A classic arrival city on the Tokaido Shinkansen, popular for temples and cultural trips.

Osaka train station and rail routes

Osaka

Kansai's major train base for Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka.

Nagoya train station and rail routes

Nagoya

A practical stop between Tokyo and Kyoto with frequent Tokaido Shinkansen departures.

Hiroshima train station and rail routes

Hiroshima

Western Japan city connected by Sanyo Shinkansen and regional JR trains.

Fukuoka train station and rail routes

Fukuoka

Hakata Station links Kyushu with Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo itineraries.

Shinkansen and JR trains

Plan the right Japan rail product for your route

Tokaido Shinkansen

Tokaido Shinkansen

The core Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka corridor for many first-time Japan itineraries.

Tokyo to KyotoTokyo to OsakaTokyo to Nagoya
Sanyo Shinkansen

Sanyo Shinkansen

Fast rail across western Japan for Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka routes.

Osaka to HiroshimaKyoto to HiroshimaOsaka to Fukuoka
JR limited express

JR limited express

Reserved intercity services for regional trips where a Shinkansen is not the only option.

Airport and regional railCity-to-city limited expressReserved seat services

Seat choices

Compare Japan train seat options before checkout

Seat classes and ticket rules can vary by train, date, and rail product. 9Rail keeps the class, price, passenger count, and ticket instructions visible through booking.

Ordinary reserved seat

Ordinary reserved seat

A practical choice for most Shinkansen and JR intercity trips, with confirmed train and seat details when available.

  • Good for Tokyo-Kyoto and Tokyo-Osaka trips
  • Clear departure and arrival details
  • Best balance of comfort and price
Green Car

Green Car

A premium seat option with wider spacing and a quieter cabin experience on selected trains.

  • More legroom on eligible routes
  • Popular for business and longer journeys
  • Availability depends on train and date
Luggage and station notes

Luggage and station notes

Some routes and trains may have luggage or collection requirements. Check ticket instructions before travel.

  • Choose adult and child counts
  • Read pickup or e-ticket instructions
  • Arrive early at large stations

Why book here

Designed for international Japan train booking

Transparent before payment

Ticket price, service fee, passenger count, and total amount are shown before checkout.

Order support after booking

Use your order number and email to check ticket status, change options, or refund information.

International payment methods

Visa, Mastercard, JCB, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are supported where available.

Secure payment optionsVISAMastercardJCBPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay

Japan train ticket FAQ

Important details before you book

How early should I book Japan train tickets?

Book as soon as your travel date is fixed. Some routes or seat classes can sell out during holidays and peak travel periods.

What passenger information is needed during checkout?

Only the number of adult and child passengers is required during checkout.

Can children book Japan train tickets?

Yes. Select the child passenger count during search or checkout.

Can I choose Ordinary or Green Car seats?

Available seat classes depend on the train and date. When options are returned, compare the class, price, and booking rule before continuing.

What should I know about luggage?

Large luggage rules can vary by service. Read the ticket instructions and station notes shown after booking, and allow extra time at major stations.

How will I receive my ticket?

After payment, ticket status and collection or e-ticket instructions are sent by email and shown on the order detail page.

Can I change or refund a Japan train booking?

Rules depend on the rail product and ticket status. Check the policy links and your order page before requesting changes.