If you want to know more about "Japan Rail Pass, Ticket Machine, Buying or Reserving Train Tickets and Train Stations", this series will help you and simplify your travel experience - ua-cam.com/play/PLGEQrPA95IItGo2tSWhl-0hxUmw8nvegk.html
Much appreciated. I have a slightly anxious wife who wants assurance that everything is covered/ organised and the seat reservation "thing" had come up in conversation. On previous trips we used ticket counters but it's really good to have an option.
My wife and I were there in March/April and I used the vending machines several times to reserve seats and issues tickets. The machines had a great interface and were fun and easy to use. (I went to a JR station at 6am and printed out most of my tickets.) The only two downsides are one, you have to input your passport #s over and over again, (I'd memorized them which made the process easier.) and two, you cannot cancel or undo once the tickets are issued. That means you have to go into a ticket office to cancel overlapping trains which could be a pain.
i input the passport numbers into my mobile as it quite difficult to memorise for 4 family members. Overall, the machine is easy to use once you know where to select. Yes, i agree too, need to input passport over and over again, furthermore for multiple trips. Can be quite a pain.
Well done. My wife and I just returned from a 2-weeks trip. The vending was the best "new" JR feature. It was fun and easy to use especially I'd memorized our passport #s. I used one at 6am and took my time to reserve and issue all my tickets.
@@simplifytravel what is the best time to go use a ticket machine to avoid being pressured by commuters waiting to use it also - especially if youre a tourist or first time using a ticket machine?
@@nieznanyx Throughout Japan, avoid rush hour timing from 7 AM to 9 AM each morning, and 5 PM to 7 PM each evening. Late night might be an option too, as lesser people will use the ticket machine. Use it to reserve next day trip or reserve in advance for your duration of trip as you can reserve few week in advance for any JR pass or tickets.
Thank you so much for this informative video on how to make a reservation on the ticket machines. This video is much easier to understand than the one on the "official" JR website. Now, I feel confident about using the machines. Thank you again.
Great video, thank you, I have one question, once in Kyoto I plan on using my jr pass on the Haruka train to get to and from Osaka, and also going from Nagoya to Takayama on the Hida line, do I still need to use this method ? Many Thanks
Thanks for the comments. And Yes, you need to repeat the steps for each different trips from the ticket machine. But if you had set the date and time for the trip for Nagoya to Takayama, what you can do is to approach the ticket counter and ask the staff to reserve the seat for you. Ask the staff to reserve the tickets for Kyoto to Osaka and Nagoya to Takayama together, it will save you the trouble.
Hi, thank you for your video. I have purchased a regional pass (JR west all area) and would like to clarify if the way to reserve seats is the same as what you have shown (for the nationwide JR pass). Thanks
Hi, no the way to reserve using the regional pass is different. As this video is for nationwide JR pass. You can refer to this video instead - ua-cam.com/video/25QgXWOYDk0/v-deo.html And since you have purchased it online, you can reserve your seat online too. The machine will issued out your pass and all the reserved tickets. You can refer to this video too - ua-cam.com/video/sWUVWCBlAcU/v-deo.html Or you can watch this playlist - ua-cam.com/play/PLGEQrPA95IItGo2tSWhl-0hxUmw8nvegk.html
You don't need to select each section of the ride. Just like in the video, my trip from Hiroshima to Kyoto. I just need to enter the departure station "Hiroshima", then arrival station "Kyoto". The system will propose to you a few route options. You can choose from the option. Currently, there is no direct Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kyoto, that's why the system propose a transfer in Shin-Kobe. You just need to complete the reserving and the ticket machine will generate all the ticket for you. Ticket from Hiroshima to Shin-Kobe and ticket from Shin-Kobe to Kyoto.
Thank you for the video! I have a question: I will be traveling from Narita Airport to JR Namba Station in Osaka in about two weeks. After looking up my route on Navitime, I have to take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then board the Hikari to Shin-Osaka, then two local JR lines to arrive at JR Namba station. I have a JR Pass. I wanted to know if I can reserve seats for each of these JR trains when I arrive at the airport or would I have to reserve each part of the trip separately? Thanks in advance for your help!
Yes, you can reserve all seats at any JR stations, including the airport at 1 time. For your trip from Shin-Osaka to JR Namba station on 2 local lines, i think it will take longer compare to taking metro. The metro from Shin-Osaka to Namba station take only 15mins, direct, but you need the Japan IC card "Suica". (transportation card) or buy the ticket. Recommend getting the IC card, since it can be used throughout Japan for any metro or local train too, including vending machine or any convenience stores like 7-eleven.
Hi, as long you use the Japan Rail Pass to reserve the seats, the method is the same. The system will propose a few route options for you to choose from, from Shinkansen to limited express trains. But if you have a specific limited train to use, just before Step 12, select the "Condition" option at the bottom and try the option provided there.
Yes, it is possible but you need to pay extra. Quoted, "If you ride in a Green Car using an ordinary car pass, you will be required to pay the Green Car charge, as well as the limited or regular express service charge" [Condition Of Use - no7. japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html#anchor05] Sorry i can't advise on the ticket machine on how to proceed, since i didn't upgrade before. What i will do is proceed to the ticket counter and ask the staff to upgrade the seat. Or i will still try as per the steps in the ticket machine and see whether i can select the green car under the car type sections. If allow, then i can pay the extra from there. If not wrong, the ordinary pass only cover the basic fare, so you need to pay the extra for the reserved green car seat cost. Hope it help.
Yes, it work for Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”. Here's the link to the timetable. www.gtcenter.co.jp/en/time_haruka.html www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel/shopping/access/train.html
Thanks for the very informative video! I was wondering what happens if the connecting train is not covered by the jr pass, for example the first line is on the yamanote line and the second one is not covered by jr pass. Do i need to exit the station and purchase a ticket for the second flight and re-enter?
Thanks for the comments, appreciate it. As for the connecting train, Yes, you need to exit the station and purchase a ticket for the second train and re-enter. Let say if you forget to purchase the ticket and straight away board the connecting train. At the destination train station, you can approach the staff beside the gantry gate and highlight your situation, then you will pay for the fee to exit. In this situation, it is best to purchase an IC card before your trip. It is much easier to travel between stations and more easier in this type of situation as you just need to pass your IC card to the staff and deduct from it. Rule of thumb, if using an IC card, remember it must register an entry in order to register/pay an exit. In this situation, where you might board the train without exiting and without register an entry with an IC card, you too cannot exit using your IC card, so you need to approach the staff again to deduct. Hope my experience help, as i go through it before when i'm in Kyoto Station.
Can I also book a shinkansen seat from a JR station that has no shinkansen or reserved seat? Like from Nikko to Sapporo. How is the process? Nikko to Utsunomiya to Sendai to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo, like this one, can Nikko Station process the reservations?
It really depend on the facilities that the JR station have, for example JR Nikko, as long the station have the ticket machine shown in the video, you still can reserve it. But i would recommend to reserve the ticket once you reach Japan or any JR station in major cities, few days before your ride. One good thing to reserve earlier than reserve on that day is, you will get more train option, time option and more seat available. Last minute reservation will often result in limited train and limited seat availability. More so in peak seasons. You can reserve seat well in advance. The process, based on the video, enter Nikko station then destination is Sapporo. The system will provide you all the available route options and the tickets that run under the JR lines.
If you are using the JR pass, then Yes, it will be the same for either limited express trains or Shinkansen. As JR pass also cover limited express trains too. Even if you don't use JR pass, only the first few steps will be different only as you don't need to scan the pass.
Yes, it works on most regional pass for reserving and retrieving seat tickets. For retrieving your actual pass, you will need a ticket machine with a passport scanner beside it.
@@simplifytravel so when will i can retrieve and reserve roundtrip kuroshio train at KiX machine airport, is 1 day before or the day on the spot in tennoji station? If i wanna go to kii katsura- from tennoji (kuroshio ltd express) Thank you before dear
I would recommend days before your actual travel date, as you will have more seats to choose from. 1 day or on the day itself will either have limited seat to choose from or sometime no seat if it is a travel seasons.
If i have a jr regional pass paper ticket and the seat paper ticket. Do i insert both tickets at the gate for the shinkansen? Do i insert both tickets as well for narita express train gates? I am confused with this part.
No, you just have to insert your regional pass at the gate. For your regional pass, if it cover the narita express within the validity period, just insert your regional pass at the gate.
If I have a group of 4, do each 4 people have to purchase the pass or can we buy 1 pass and just select 4 passengers?? I’m really confused on this part! This video is very helpful
You can't use 1 pass and reserve seat for 4 passengers. Each person need to have their own Japan Rail Pass, that means 4 passes as you need to show your passport to exchange your Japan Rail Pass at the sale/exchange counter in Japan. As for reserving your seat ticket using your Japan Rail Pass, you need to scan each individual ticket and key in each individual passport number onto the machine. Do key in the correct passport number that match the Japan Rail Pass, as each individual Japan Rail Pass has the last-4 digits of the passport number printed on it. Hope it clear any doubts, if there's any, you can let me know.
Good, clear video, thank you. I have a question re reserving seats. There are 2 of us travelling but arriving different times, same day. We will order our JR Pass online from the Official site. We would like to reserve seats from Tokyo to Takeyama before we arrive in Japan, as we are travelling to Takeyama during the Leaf festival and we want to sit together. Is it possible to reserve seats together, before we have exchanged the order at Haneeda airport? We leave for Takeyama 3 days after arriving Tokyo. We'd like to reserve seats sitting together, as we are older and would need to sit for the duration of the train ride. Any suggestions please.
You mentioned you will order online from Official site, i presume you will order from this website? www.japanrailpass-reservation.net/ Option 1 - Purchasing JR Pass Online Official Site (But currently, it will be slightly expensive than buying from Oversea Agent) Although it is expensive, it allow you to reserve seat online, addition to reserving from ticket machine. (When order from Oversea agent, you can't reserve seat online) If one person help to buy the 2 tickets together, he or she can help to reserve the seats together at one time, straightaway after purchasing the JR Pass online. You don't have to wait until you arrive to Japan. Here's a reference video i found - ua-cam.com/video/jNkThRD1ZK4/v-deo.html Option 2 - Purchasing JR Pass from Oversea Agent. Since you have 3 days before leaving for Takayama, you can go to either the sale office or the ticket machine to reserve the ticket together. But this option, you need to exchange the order first. i can't say whether 3 days is enough or not, as i'm not sure whether the train will be pack or not during the Takayama Leaf festival. If it is pack or no reserved seats, you can try different timing as there will be quite a few train traveling there. You can try to check the available timing from this link - bit.ly/44ZLb5h Hope it help you, if there's any question, just let me know.
@@simplifytravel Thankyou very much for your detailed reply and links. My understanding from reading the How To Reserve seat, is that one of us purchases the JR Pass with both our names and passports and reserves our tickets/seats. Correct? The Pass/Order is not activated until the day we pick up Reserved seats tickets...? We'll use subway for 2 days in Tokyo before activating order as we need the 21 day Pass to cover us back from Kyoyo to Tokyo. If we do this are we issued only one JR Pass between us? If one wants to do a JR train journey while other rests at hotel, is that ok with the one Pass? Again thank you, this has cleared up some things.
@@simplifytravel Thankyou very much for your detailed reply and links. My understanding from reading the How To Reserve seat, is that one of us purchases the JR Pass with both our names and passports and reserves our tickets/seats. Correct? The Pass/Order is not activated until the day we pick up Reserved seats tickets...? We'll use subway for 2 days in Tokyo before activating order as we need the 21 day Pass to cover us back from Kyoyo to Tokyo. If we do this are we issued only one JR Pass between us? If one wants to do a JR train journey while other rests at hotel, is that ok with the one Pass? Again thank you, this has cleared up some things.
1. Yes, one of you need to purchase with both the names and passports numbers. (it will be more easier to reserve the seat together) Although you can purchase it separately, but someone need to coordinate which train to take, the timing and the seat number when both of you reserve the seat online at the same time. (it will be more troublesome) 2. No, you need to include your date of usage when you purchase the JR Pass online. Example, enter start date 1 Sept and select the 21 days periods during the purchasing process. The activation of the pass is based on the entered start date that you had to decide. 3. The JR Pass will be issued together, once you exchange your exchange orders in Japan. If one of you want to take the JR train, it must be during/after your start date. You can reserve the seat ticket individually by the person traveling. Hope it clear some of your queries.
I take it that it doesnt show the Nozomi train as a train option because that isn't included in the JR Pass? I can see on your video it's Sukara and Hikari trains showing.
Hi! question, can I reserve tickets before validating my jr pass? I will start using the jr pass after 5 days of my arrival in Japan, so I was wondering if I could reserve the tickets as soon as I arrive or if I have to wait for the date of activation? thanks!
You can reserve the ticket before the date of activation for the pass. Actually, you can reserve the ticket 1 month prior to the boarding date. Of course, you need to exchange your order and get the actual JR Pass first. If you had all the route planned and know when to take the train, you can actually ask the staff at the sale office to issue all the tickets during exchanging the exchange order.
It appears to me that seats in green will be gone if I wait until I'm in Japan...so I'm trying to reserve seats to use with my pass online but it seems to charge me the same as if I was buying tickets without a pass. :/ Any advice?
Did u purchase the green rail pass? If you get the green rail pass then reserve green class seats is free. If u purchase the ordinary pass, then the green ticket need to purchase separately. It depends on which pass u want and how often u will use the train…
Didn't work for me. I tried different machines at Akihabara station using 3 different JR Passes. Everytime I entered the 4 digit passort number i got errors. Attendant at the station told me to go to Tokyo Station & talk to them. I went there and tried the machines there but same issue. Went to the office and had an agent manually reserve my 3 seats.
Maybe there’s a slight misunderstanding. After scanning your JR pass QR code, the full passport numbers must be enter in, not the last 4 digits. The last 4 digits in the JR pass is for your reference only, to identify the scanned pass is belong to the full passport numbers that you need to enter in later. Hope I understood your situation correctly and hope it help.
Thank you for explaining! I'm going to Japan next month and confused about how to buy the tickets if I have connecting shinkansen. In my case, I'm planning to go to Lijima, Nagano from Osaka. To get there, I need to take Kodama train, then afterwards change to Inaji 1 train. How does the ticketing work? Can I buy the tickets for all these trains in Osaka (because the schedule is super tight) ? Note: I have a JR Pass. Thank you!
If all the connecting trains are under JR, yes you can and the ticket system should allow you to reserve the tickets until Lijima station. i presume your boarding station is Osaka or Shin-osaka, your destination you should enter lijima station. So in step 12 of the video, the system will provide you will some routes to choose. Hopefully there is a route that you planned to take, and if you select from there, it will provide all the connecting train tickets from Osaka station. (You probably have search from navtime.com) I do a quick search using, japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/result?start=00005602&goal=00007627&start_name=Osaka&goal_name=Iijima&date_time=2023-04-28T08%3A39&japan_rail_pass=true. There are 4 transfers, it might not be what you plan to take. It might also happen in your search during your trip. If that's the case, you still can reserve from the ticket machine but select the 2 route separately. But do take note of the connecting time. Since you are taking the Kodama & Inaji 1 train, i presume you probably will transfer at Toyohashi station. So you might need to reserve from Shin-osaka to toyohashi station first, then reserve again from toyohashi to lijima station. But take note of the connecting time when you buy in Osaka. Osaka to Toyohashi - japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/result?start=00005602&goal=00008206&start_name=Osaka&goal_name=Toyohashi&date_time=2023-04-28T08%3A39&japan_rail_pass=true Toyohashi to Lijima - japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/result?start=00008206&goal=00007627&start_name=Toyohashi&goal_name=Iijima&date_time=2023-04-28T10%3A39&japan_rail_pass=true Hope it help and Hope i don't elaborate too much.
My wife and I were just in Japan for 3 weeks and we had so many connecting trains (ex. Hakata to Takeo Onsen to Ureshino Onsen). The JR computer system/machines know exactly the trains you need to take and will print out every leg of your journey, very cool.
@@renacake9492 Also a powerful train app to use is JapanTransit (the icon in orange). I screenshot all my train itineraries to make the process go much faster at the JR vending machine.
Yes, the new ticket after your reservation, is your seat ticket where it print out your train name, time, car type and seat number. It is for your reference and you don't need to insert into the gantry gate when entering. But occasionally the train staff might need to see the ticket if unforeseen event happen.
Do you know what happens if we have large luggage and all the oversized seats are taken? Do we go on and pay the fee or reserve for a normal seat and figure it out when we get on?
This new rule only apply to travelers boarding Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen. [ Tokyo - Shin-Osaka - Hakata - Kagoshima-Chuo, Takeo-Onsen - Nagasaki ] Oversized luggage without seat reservation will be charged by the train conductors for 1000 yen per luggage. If you have no choice but to board the train, below might be some scenario: 1. I have seem travelers standing with their oversized luggages along the corridor of the restroom car compartment. If all the cars oversized seats are taken. Might still have to pay the 1000 yen per luggage. 2. If lucky enough whereby there is empty space behind the oversized seats, the train conductor MIGHT allow you to store them (if the passengers of the oversized seats allow), and after paying 1000 yen per luggage. But do note that it might be a few cars away from where you sit. 3. If the slightly oversized luggage can be store on the overhead compartment/shelves, it might be ok. (Above is what i have seem and observe during my trip, but different train conductor might do otherwise) Advices: 1. It best to reserve your seats days before you board the train as the oversized seats are limited. Depend on the seasons, it can be quite crowded, its best to reserve on the day you landed in Japan. Because, i couldn't even find available slots, even 2 days in advance during one of our ride. 2. If can't, you can only adjust the departure time and hope that the oversized seats are available. 3. The oversized seats are usually found in the last row of the car, but the first row of the car can also store luggage; it's just that it will be directly in front of your legs. If you see empty seats in the first row, remember to select them. Below are some links for your reading: global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/ japanrailpass.net/pdf/oversized_baggage_EN_230317.pdf
Just returned and saw plenty of people trying to shove their giant luggages into the overhead shelves, sticking out 1/2 way and putting them on unoccupied seats (and looking annoyed when the ticket holders tried to claim their seats), so outrageous.
Yes, currently there are a few steps in order to redeem the Japan Rail Pass. But after redeemed the pass, you just need to use the pass itself throughout your journey, no more ticket. For travelers who travel long distance and more than 2 regions, the pass might be cost effective too.
If you want to know more about "Japan Rail Pass, Ticket Machine, Buying or Reserving Train Tickets and Train Stations", this series will help you and simplify your travel experience -
ua-cam.com/play/PLGEQrPA95IItGo2tSWhl-0hxUmw8nvegk.html
Much appreciated. I have a slightly anxious wife who wants assurance that everything is covered/ organised and the seat reservation "thing" had come up in conversation. On previous trips we used ticket counters but it's really good to have an option.
Appreciated. Hope you and your wife have a good upcoming trip in Japan.
My wife and I were there in March/April and I used the vending machines several times to reserve seats and issues tickets. The machines had a great interface and were fun and easy to use. (I went to a JR station at 6am and printed out most of my tickets.) The only two downsides are one, you have to input your passport #s over and over again, (I'd memorized them which made the process easier.) and two, you cannot cancel or undo once the tickets are issued. That means you have to go into a ticket office to cancel overlapping trains which could be a pain.
i input the passport numbers into my mobile as it quite difficult to memorise for 4 family members. Overall, the machine is easy to use once you know where to select.
Yes, i agree too, need to input passport over and over again, furthermore for multiple trips. Can be quite a pain.
Well done.
My wife and I just returned from a 2-weeks trip. The vending was the best "new" JR feature. It was fun and easy to use especially I'd memorized our passport #s. I used one at 6am and took my time to reserve and issue all my tickets.
Its always good to reserve early if its the first time, as you don't want to be pressured by other commuters waiting to use the machine too.
@@simplifytravel what is the best time to go use a ticket machine to avoid being pressured by commuters waiting to use it also - especially if youre a tourist or first time using a ticket machine?
@@nieznanyx Throughout Japan, avoid rush hour timing from 7 AM to 9 AM each morning, and 5 PM to 7 PM each evening. Late night might be an option too, as lesser people will use the ticket machine. Use it to reserve next day trip or reserve in advance for your duration of trip as you can reserve few week in advance for any JR pass or tickets.
Thank you so much for this informative video on how to make a reservation on the ticket machines. This video is much easier to understand than the one on the "official" JR website. Now, I feel confident about using the machines. Thank you again.
Thank you! Glad that the video has helped you.
Very clear! 🙏🏼 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, great content
Appreciated, glad you like the video and the content that i've created!
Thank you. Its very clear information👍
Appreciate your comments. Thank you!
wonderful thank you
Thank you! Glad it is helpful.
Thank you ☺️for the video .
Appreciate your comment, hope it's helpful.
Great video, thank you, I have one question, once in Kyoto I plan on using my jr pass on the Haruka train to get to and from Osaka, and also going from Nagoya to Takayama on the Hida line, do I still need to use this method ? Many Thanks
Thanks for the comments. And Yes, you need to repeat the steps for each different trips from the ticket machine.
But if you had set the date and time for the trip for Nagoya to Takayama, what you can do is to approach the ticket counter and ask the staff to reserve the seat for you. Ask the staff to reserve the tickets for Kyoto to Osaka and Nagoya to Takayama together, it will save you the trouble.
Hi, thank you for your video. I have purchased a regional pass (JR west all area) and would like to clarify if the way to reserve seats is the same as what you have shown (for the nationwide JR pass). Thanks
Hi, no the way to reserve using the regional pass is different. As this video is for nationwide JR pass.
You can refer to this video instead - ua-cam.com/video/25QgXWOYDk0/v-deo.html
And since you have purchased it online, you can reserve your seat online too.
The machine will issued out your pass and all the reserved tickets.
You can refer to this video too - ua-cam.com/video/sWUVWCBlAcU/v-deo.html
Or you can watch this playlist - ua-cam.com/play/PLGEQrPA95IItGo2tSWhl-0hxUmw8nvegk.html
@@simplifytravel thank you very much. Yes i have reserved online but only till the maximum of 6 trips for now. Hence, i appreciate your help
@@lightshiner6007 Hope you have a great trip to Japan!
@@simplifytravel appreciate :)))
Thank you very much - best video.
Appreciate your comments and glad you like it!
Does one have to select each section of ride separately? There's no Hiroshima to Kyoto selection?
You don't need to select each section of the ride. Just like in the video, my trip from Hiroshima to Kyoto. I just need to enter the departure station "Hiroshima", then arrival station "Kyoto". The system will propose to you a few route options. You can choose from the option. Currently, there is no direct Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kyoto, that's why the system propose a transfer in Shin-Kobe. You just need to complete the reserving and the ticket machine will generate all the ticket for you. Ticket from Hiroshima to Shin-Kobe and ticket from Shin-Kobe to Kyoto.
Thank you for the video! I have a question: I will be traveling from Narita Airport to JR Namba Station in Osaka in about two weeks. After looking up my route on Navitime, I have to take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then board the Hikari to Shin-Osaka, then two local JR lines to arrive at JR Namba station. I have a JR Pass. I wanted to know if I can reserve seats for each of these JR trains when I arrive at the airport or would I have to reserve each part of the trip separately? Thanks in advance for your help!
Yes, you can reserve all seats at any JR stations, including the airport at 1 time.
For your trip from Shin-Osaka to JR Namba station on 2 local lines, i think it will take longer compare to taking metro.
The metro from Shin-Osaka to Namba station take only 15mins, direct, but you need the Japan IC card "Suica". (transportation card) or buy the ticket.
Recommend getting the IC card, since it can be used throughout Japan for any metro or local train too, including vending machine or any convenience stores like 7-eleven.
Is this the same method to reserve seats for limited express trains as well?
Hi, as long you use the Japan Rail Pass to reserve the seats, the method is the same. The system will propose a few route options for you to choose from, from Shinkansen to limited express trains. But if you have a specific limited train to use, just before Step 12, select the "Condition" option at the bottom and try the option provided there.
Upgrade to a first class seat possible with an ordinary pass and by paying extra? Thanks
Yes, it is possible but you need to pay extra.
Quoted, "If you ride in a Green Car using an ordinary car pass, you will be required to pay the Green Car charge, as well as the limited or regular express service charge" [Condition Of Use - no7. japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html#anchor05]
Sorry i can't advise on the ticket machine on how to proceed, since i didn't upgrade before.
What i will do is proceed to the ticket counter and ask the staff to upgrade the seat.
Or i will still try as per the steps in the ticket machine and see whether i can select the green car under the car type sections. If allow, then i can pay the extra from there.
If not wrong, the ordinary pass only cover the basic fare, so you need to pay the extra for the reserved green car seat cost. Hope it help.
Hi, does this works for reservation of JR Haruka from Tennoji to KIX as well?
Yes, it work for Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”. Here's the link to the timetable.
www.gtcenter.co.jp/en/time_haruka.html
www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel/shopping/access/train.html
Thanks for the very informative video! I was wondering what happens if the connecting train is not covered by the jr pass, for example the first line is on the yamanote line and the second one is not covered by jr pass. Do i need to exit the station and purchase a ticket for the second flight and re-enter?
Thanks for the comments, appreciate it.
As for the connecting train, Yes, you need to exit the station and purchase a ticket for the second train and re-enter. Let say if you forget to purchase the ticket and straight away board the connecting train. At the destination train station, you can approach the staff beside the gantry gate and highlight your situation, then you will pay for the fee to exit. In this situation, it is best to purchase an IC card before your trip. It is much easier to travel between stations and more easier in this type of situation as you just need to pass your IC card to the staff and deduct from it.
Rule of thumb, if using an IC card, remember it must register an entry in order to register/pay an exit. In this situation, where you might board the train without exiting and without register an entry with an IC card, you too cannot exit using your IC card, so you need to approach the staff again to deduct.
Hope my experience help, as i go through it before when i'm in Kyoto Station.
Can I also book a shinkansen seat from a JR station that has no shinkansen or reserved seat? Like from Nikko to Sapporo. How is the process? Nikko to Utsunomiya to Sendai to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Sapporo, like this one, can Nikko Station process the reservations?
It really depend on the facilities that the JR station have, for example JR Nikko, as long the station have the ticket machine shown in the video, you still can reserve it.
But i would recommend to reserve the ticket once you reach Japan or any JR station in major cities, few days before your ride. One good thing to reserve earlier than reserve on that day is, you will get more train option, time option and more seat available. Last minute reservation will often result in limited train and limited seat availability. More so in peak seasons. You can reserve seat well in advance.
The process, based on the video, enter Nikko station then destination is Sapporo. The system will provide you all the available route options and the tickets that run under the JR lines.
Is it the same procedure and machine for limited express trains or only shinkansen?
If you are using the JR pass, then Yes, it will be the same for either limited express trains or Shinkansen. As JR pass also cover limited express trains too.
Even if you don't use JR pass, only the first few steps will be different only as you don't need to scan the pass.
Does those machine works for kansai wide area pass also?
Yes, it works on most regional pass for reserving and retrieving seat tickets.
For retrieving your actual pass, you will need a ticket machine with a passport scanner beside it.
@@simplifytravel so when will i can retrieve and reserve roundtrip kuroshio train at KiX machine airport, is 1 day before or the day on the spot in tennoji station? If i wanna go to kii katsura- from tennoji (kuroshio ltd express)
Thank you before dear
I would recommend days before your actual travel date, as you will have more seats to choose from.
1 day or on the day itself will either have limited seat to choose from or sometime no seat if it is a travel seasons.
If i have a jr regional pass paper ticket and the seat paper ticket. Do i insert both tickets at the gate for the shinkansen? Do i insert both tickets as well for narita express train gates? I am confused with this part.
No, you just have to insert your regional pass at the gate. For your regional pass, if it cover the narita express within the validity period, just insert your regional pass at the gate.
If I have a group of 4, do each 4 people have to purchase the pass or can we buy 1 pass and just select 4 passengers?? I’m really confused on this part! This video is very helpful
You can't use 1 pass and reserve seat for 4 passengers.
Each person need to have their own Japan Rail Pass, that means 4 passes as you need to show your passport to exchange your Japan Rail Pass at the sale/exchange counter in Japan.
As for reserving your seat ticket using your Japan Rail Pass, you need to scan each individual ticket and key in each individual passport number onto the machine. Do key in the correct passport number that match the Japan Rail Pass, as each individual Japan Rail Pass has the last-4 digits of the passport number printed on it.
Hope it clear any doubts, if there's any, you can let me know.
Good, clear video, thank you. I have a question re reserving seats. There are 2 of us travelling but arriving different times, same day. We will order our JR Pass online from the Official site. We would like to reserve seats from Tokyo to Takeyama before we arrive in Japan, as we are travelling to Takeyama during the Leaf festival and we want to sit together. Is it possible to reserve seats together, before we have exchanged the order at Haneeda airport? We leave for Takeyama 3 days after arriving Tokyo. We'd like to reserve seats sitting together, as we are older and would need to sit for the duration of the train ride. Any suggestions please.
You mentioned you will order online from Official site, i presume you will order from this website?
www.japanrailpass-reservation.net/
Option 1 - Purchasing JR Pass Online Official Site (But currently, it will be slightly expensive than buying from Oversea Agent)
Although it is expensive, it allow you to reserve seat online, addition to reserving from ticket machine. (When order from Oversea agent, you can't reserve seat online)
If one person help to buy the 2 tickets together, he or she can help to reserve the seats together at one time, straightaway after purchasing the JR Pass online. You don't have to wait until you arrive to Japan.
Here's a reference video i found - ua-cam.com/video/jNkThRD1ZK4/v-deo.html
Option 2 - Purchasing JR Pass from Oversea Agent.
Since you have 3 days before leaving for Takayama, you can go to either the sale office or the ticket machine to reserve the ticket together. But this option, you need to exchange the order first. i can't say whether 3 days is enough or not, as i'm not sure whether the train will be pack or not during the Takayama Leaf festival. If it is pack or no reserved seats, you can try different timing as there will be quite a few train traveling there.
You can try to check the available timing from this link - bit.ly/44ZLb5h
Hope it help you, if there's any question, just let me know.
@@simplifytravel Thankyou very much for your detailed reply and links.
My understanding from reading the How To Reserve seat, is that one of us purchases the JR Pass with both our names and passports and reserves our tickets/seats. Correct? The Pass/Order is not activated until the day we pick up Reserved seats tickets...?
We'll use subway for 2 days in Tokyo before activating order as we need the 21 day Pass to cover us back from Kyoyo to Tokyo.
If we do this are we issued only one JR Pass between us? If one wants to do a JR train journey while other rests at hotel, is that ok with the one Pass?
Again thank you, this has cleared up some things.
@@simplifytravel Thankyou very much for your detailed reply and links.
My understanding from reading the How To Reserve seat, is that one of us purchases the JR Pass with both our names and passports and reserves our tickets/seats. Correct? The Pass/Order is not activated until the day we pick up Reserved seats tickets...?
We'll use subway for 2 days in Tokyo before activating order as we need the 21 day Pass to cover us back from Kyoyo to Tokyo.
If we do this are we issued only one JR Pass between us? If one wants to do a JR train journey while other rests at hotel, is that ok with the one Pass?
Again thank you, this has cleared up some things.
1. Yes, one of you need to purchase with both the names and passports numbers. (it will be more easier to reserve the seat together)
Although you can purchase it separately, but someone need to coordinate which train to take, the timing and the seat number when both of you reserve the seat online at the same time. (it will be more troublesome)
2. No, you need to include your date of usage when you purchase the JR Pass online. Example, enter start date 1 Sept and select the 21 days periods during the purchasing process. The activation of the pass is based on the entered start date that you had to decide.
3. The JR Pass will be issued together, once you exchange your exchange orders in Japan. If one of you want to take the JR train, it must be during/after your start date. You can reserve the seat ticket individually by the person traveling.
Hope it clear some of your queries.
@@simplifytravel Thank you very much. Yes, clears up things.
I appreciate your time in answering.
I take it that it doesnt show the Nozomi train as a train option because that isn't included in the JR Pass? I can see on your video it's Sukara and Hikari trains showing.
Yes, you are right! Since the system read the JR Pass, it will automatically show the available train only and not the unavailable Nozomi train.
Hi! question, can I reserve tickets before validating my jr pass? I will start using the jr pass after 5 days of my arrival in Japan, so I was wondering if I could reserve the tickets as soon as I arrive or if I have to wait for the date of activation? thanks!
You can reserve the ticket before the date of activation for the pass.
Actually, you can reserve the ticket 1 month prior to the boarding date. Of course, you need to exchange your order and get the actual JR Pass first.
If you had all the route planned and know when to take the train, you can actually ask the staff at the sale office to issue all the tickets during exchanging the exchange order.
It appears to me that seats in green will be gone if I wait until I'm in Japan...so I'm trying to reserve seats to use with my pass online but it seems to charge me the same as if I was buying tickets without a pass. :/ Any advice?
Did u purchase the green rail pass? If you get the green rail pass then reserve green class seats is free. If u purchase the ordinary pass, then the green ticket need to purchase separately. It depends on which pass u want and how often u will use the train…
Didn't work for me. I tried different machines at Akihabara station using 3 different JR Passes. Everytime I entered the 4 digit passort number i got errors. Attendant at the station told me to go to Tokyo Station & talk to them. I went there and tried the machines there but same issue. Went to the office and had an agent manually reserve my 3 seats.
Maybe there’s a slight misunderstanding. After scanning your JR pass QR code, the full passport numbers must be enter in, not the last 4 digits. The last 4 digits in the JR pass is for your reference only, to identify the scanned pass is belong to the full passport numbers that you need to enter in later.
Hope I understood your situation correctly and hope it help.
Ahh ok... I thought it was just he last 4 digits... that makes sense now. Too late now 😂 but thanks for clarifying!
Hope your family/companions have a wonderful trip ahead!
Thank you for explaining! I'm going to Japan next month and confused about how to buy the tickets if I have connecting shinkansen. In my case, I'm planning to go to Lijima, Nagano from Osaka. To get there, I need to take Kodama train, then afterwards change to Inaji 1 train. How does the ticketing work? Can I buy the tickets for all these trains in Osaka (because the schedule is super tight) ? Note: I have a JR Pass. Thank you!
If all the connecting trains are under JR, yes you can and the ticket system should allow you to reserve the tickets until Lijima station.
i presume your boarding station is Osaka or Shin-osaka, your destination you should enter lijima station. So in step 12 of the video, the system will provide you will some routes to choose. Hopefully there is a route that you planned to take, and if you select from there, it will provide all the connecting train tickets from Osaka station.
(You probably have search from navtime.com)
I do a quick search using, japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/result?start=00005602&goal=00007627&start_name=Osaka&goal_name=Iijima&date_time=2023-04-28T08%3A39&japan_rail_pass=true.
There are 4 transfers, it might not be what you plan to take. It might also happen in your search during your trip.
If that's the case, you still can reserve from the ticket machine but select the 2 route separately. But do take note of the connecting time.
Since you are taking the Kodama & Inaji 1 train, i presume you probably will transfer at Toyohashi station. So you might need to reserve from Shin-osaka to toyohashi station first, then reserve again from toyohashi to lijima station. But take note of the connecting time when you buy in Osaka.
Osaka to Toyohashi - japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/result?start=00005602&goal=00008206&start_name=Osaka&goal_name=Toyohashi&date_time=2023-04-28T08%3A39&japan_rail_pass=true
Toyohashi to Lijima - japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/result?start=00008206&goal=00007627&start_name=Toyohashi&goal_name=Iijima&date_time=2023-04-28T10%3A39&japan_rail_pass=true
Hope it help and Hope i don't elaborate too much.
@@simplifytravel That helps a lot! Thank you for the detailed explanation - greatly appreciated :)
My wife and I were just in Japan for 3 weeks and we had so many connecting trains (ex. Hakata to Takeo Onsen to Ureshino Onsen). The JR computer system/machines know exactly the trains you need to take and will print out every leg of your journey, very cool.
@@nateshf9303 Thank you for letting me know! much appreciated :)
@@renacake9492 Also a powerful train app to use is JapanTransit (the icon in orange). I screenshot all my train itineraries to make the process go much faster at the JR vending machine.
You got a new ticket for reserve seat?
Yes, the new ticket after your reservation, is your seat ticket where it print out your train name, time, car type and seat number. It is for your reference and you don't need to insert into the gantry gate when entering. But occasionally the train staff might need to see the ticket if unforeseen event happen.
Do you know what happens if we have large luggage and all the oversized seats are taken? Do we go on and pay the fee or reserve for a normal seat and figure it out when we get on?
This new rule only apply to travelers boarding Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen. [ Tokyo - Shin-Osaka - Hakata - Kagoshima-Chuo, Takeo-Onsen - Nagasaki ]
Oversized luggage without seat reservation will be charged by the train conductors for 1000 yen per luggage.
If you have no choice but to board the train, below might be some scenario:
1. I have seem travelers standing with their oversized luggages along the corridor of the restroom car compartment. If all the cars oversized seats are taken. Might still have to pay the 1000 yen per luggage.
2. If lucky enough whereby there is empty space behind the oversized seats, the train conductor MIGHT allow you to store them (if the passengers of the oversized seats allow), and after paying 1000 yen per luggage. But do note that it might be a few cars away from where you sit.
3. If the slightly oversized luggage can be store on the overhead compartment/shelves, it might be ok.
(Above is what i have seem and observe during my trip, but different train conductor might do otherwise)
Advices:
1. It best to reserve your seats days before you board the train as the oversized seats are limited. Depend on the seasons, it can be quite crowded, its best to reserve on the day you landed in Japan. Because, i couldn't even find available slots, even 2 days in advance during one of our ride.
2. If can't, you can only adjust the departure time and hope that the oversized seats are available.
3. The oversized seats are usually found in the last row of the car, but the first row of the car can also store luggage; it's just that it will be directly in front of your legs. If you see empty seats in the first row, remember to select them.
Below are some links for your reading:
global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/
japanrailpass.net/pdf/oversized_baggage_EN_230317.pdf
@@simplifytravel Got it! Thank you.
Just returned and saw plenty of people trying to shove their giant luggages into the overhead shelves, sticking out 1/2 way and putting them on unoccupied seats (and looking annoyed when the ticket holders tried to claim their seats), so outrageous.
Its too difficult....1st u get exchange order and that too in physical and then redeem it to JR pass then take a ticket out of it...its very diificult
Yes, currently there are a few steps in order to redeem the Japan Rail Pass. But after redeemed the pass, you just need to use the pass itself throughout your journey, no more ticket.
For travelers who travel long distance and more than 2 regions, the pass might be cost effective too.
4:00
?
Time consuming ! I might as well go to the sales counter to do it.
This is another option to get your ticket, in case long queue during peak season.
x
sorry, made a mistake.
No problem!👌
You talk to too much
Thanks for the advice.