SmartEX: Fastest & Cheapest Way to Board a Shinkansen! Link Ticket to IC Card
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- Опубліковано 17 чер 2024
- There are many ways to purchase tickets for bullet trains, but this is the fastest and easiest method to board a Shinkansen! After designating your IC card to your ticket on the SmartEX app, you can enter the gates with only your IC card. No paper ticket required! smart-ex.jp/en/index.php Subscribe for more Japan travel tips: / kenshoquest
You can designate a digital IC card on SmartEX. However, you will first need to figure out your entire IC card number. From the digital card, if you click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner and select "Card Number" but it only shows the last 4 digits. Here's how to get the full number:
If you have a digital PASMO card, install the PASMO Finance app on your phone. When you open the app it shows your balance and your full card number.
If you have a digital SUICA card, install the Suica Finance app on your phone.
- Open the Suica card in Apple Wallet
- Tap on the three dots icon (...) on the top right corner of the phone
- Select "Card Details"
- Select "Open" in Suica Finance App
- In the Suica Finance app, you will see the Suica card that you added -- tap on the card and you will see the full card number.
#shinkansen #japanbullettrain #smartex #japantravelguide #kenshoquest
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Shinkansen Tickets on SmartEX (Tokyo south to Kyushu): smart-ex.jp/en/index.php
Pasmo Passport: www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/
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How to use oversized luggage compartment: • How to use an oversize...
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TIME STAMPS
00:00 SmartEX
00:28 Where you can use SmartEX
01:24 What is an IC Card?
02:50 How to use your IC Card with SmartEX
05:14 How to use QR Code with SmartEX
06:44 SmartEX discounts
07:05 Reserving a seat and getting a discount
09:24 Summary
10:34 Klook, alternative to SmartEX
WATCH NEXT 🎞
Beginner's Guide to Japan's Shinkansen Bullet Trains: • Understanding Japan's ...
How to Buy Shinkansen tickets on Klook: • How to Buy Shinkansen ...
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Aloha! We are a worldschooling family with three young kids. Our home base is the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. We've been living a nomadic lifestyle for the past 15 years. We hope to inspire you to begin your own quest!
![[SUICA / PASMO] How to get IC Card in Tokyo April 2024 Updates](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kHhJAQ8SDoM/mqdefault.jpg)
You can designate a digital IC card on SmartEX. However, you will first need to figure out your entire IC card number. From the digital card, if you click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner and select "Card Number" it only shows the last 4 digits. Here's how to get the full number:
If you have a digital PASMO card, install the PASMO Finance app on your phone. When you open the app it shows your balance and your full card number.
If you have a digital SUICA card, install the Suica Finance app on your phone.
- Open the Suica card in Apple Wallet
- Tap on the three dots icon (...) on the top right corner of the phone
- Select "Card Details"
- Select "Open" in Suica Finance App
- In the Suica Finance app, you will see the Suica card that you added -- tap on the card and you will see the full card number.
Is it the same for the ICOCA IC card?
I haven't tried it, since I don't have a digital ICOCA card, but you could try installing this app: モバイルICOCA
@@KenshoQuest Thx, your channel has been invaluable to plan my trip!
@@MattiaMonticelli Please let us know if it works!
There are so many Japanese related channel out there, but this is the only one I come to for information
Thanks for this!
finally someone made a video on this!!!
Extremely well organized and presented. Thanks!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful.
JP transportation is difficult. It's stressful if you don't know how to use it. Your channel is very helpful.
This video is so easy to understand. Well done! I love learning about easier ways to travel and purchase Shinkansen tickets. Your videos has helped my family of 5 plan for our upcoming trip on June. Thank you for continuing to create quality video content. Really appreciate it! Look forward to more videos and tips.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks!😎
Thank you!
Thank you! This is exactly the succinct, step by step video that we needed! And the disabling transit card i. The wallet - who knew? So glad i clicked!
Thank you!!
We will be in Japan next month, first Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto/Nagoya/Tokyo.
Thank you always for providing helpful advice.🙏
Hey same. Similar itinerary as well.
OMG! I just found your channel. Great to see your family adventures and tips. Yes it's me 😊
OMG indeed! Are you all planning a trip to Japan? Hope you are all well! 🤙🏼
No plans yet but we would love to. We know who to ask for advice when the time comes. All is well here.
Thank you so much for this! I've been so worried on how to visually show my mom how to ride the shinkansen as she will be riding it alone and i found this helpful video!
You’re welcome! Here’s our other video that explains about riding Shinkansen trains in Japan: ua-cam.com/video/f3JDRc5sl5I/v-deo.htmlsi=7m02CWgNKVIU0KvV
Great video! I had a wonderful time in Tohoku last month thanks to Klook!
Thank you for the information!
Great to hear, thank you!!
Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Thanks
Thank you!
@KenshoQuest is this a better/cheaper option than getting a Hokuriku Golden Arch Pass? I'm still planning on the fastest or most economical way to get to Tokyo to Kyoto in Oct. It will be my first time traveling to Japan. Thanks, your channel is heaven sent!
Hi. Yes, if you want the fastest cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto then purchasing a single-journey Shinkansen ticket is the way to go. The Hokuriku Arch Pass is only worth getting if you plan to stop at cities along the way, such as Nagano, Kanazawa, and Fukui.
Great Tips. Headed to Japan in one month. Questions 1) your past videos suggested use Klook to purchase these tickets. Are you suggesting we use SmartEX now?
2) will be using the Nozomi train. I know the day we want to travel, but not the time. If I don't reserve a time, will I still be able to get a seat (not sure how busy it will get late May early June)?
3) If I do reserve, is it easy to change (assuming there is space of course) if I wanted to go later in the same day?
Thanks in advance
HI,
1) We still recommend Klook! SmartEX is just another option that will work for travelers heading along the Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu lines. If you are traveling outside of this area then Klook is still the best (easiest) option.
2) If you know you want to reserve a seat then make sure you purchase a reserved seat and not non-reserved as it will be easier to change later since there is a price difference between non-reserved and reserved. However, your travel time is not during holiday season so as long as you are not traveling during peak hours of the day you will probably not have a problem riding in non-reserved without a reservation. I just rode on the Nozomi a few days ago at peak travel time and there were plenty of seats in non-reserved. There are at least 3 non-reserved cars in the Nozomi so check them all if one is crowded.
3) If you do reserve, yes, it's pretty easy to change within the app. Just make sure you do this before your travel time! Otherwise, you can still ride on the Nozomi just only in non-reserved.
Hope this helps!
Hi - we’re into our last week of 3 week Japan trip and we’ve really benefited from your videos very much! Arigato gozaimasu! 😊 I’m a guitar player, so thanks for your tip about the Fender shop in Tokyo. Do you have any tips on used guitar shops in Tokyo? I’d love to score a great deal on a solid wood Yairi or Yamaha acoustic guitar and take it back to Canada. Again, many thanks for your videos!
Hi, so glad to know our videos have been helpful 🙏🏼. For used guitar's, this is a long shot but try Hard Off. There are many throughout Tokyo and Japan. Also, the more common Book Off also sometimes sells musical instruments. We've spent too much time and money in these stores over the years and you might too ;)
@@KenshoQuest thanks for the tips - I’ll check out Hard Off and Book Off (weird names!) when we get to Tokyo.
Great information! You mention to add the IC card to the Smart-Ex. Does this work with a Digital IC card on your iPhone?
Yes, you can designate a digital IC card on SmartEX. However, you will first need to figure out the entire IC card number. From the digital card, if you click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner and select "Card Number" it only shows the last 4 digits.
I personally have a digital PASMO card. I installed the PASMO Finance app on my phone. When I open the app it shows my balance and my full card number, starting with PB...
If you have a digital SUICA card, you can install the Suica Finance app on your phone.
- Open the Suica card in Apple Wallet
- Tap on the three dots icon (...) on the top right corner of the phone
- Select "Card Details"
- Select "Open" in Suica Finance App
- In the Suica Finance app, you will see the Suica card that you added -- tap on the card and you will see the full card number.
Thanks for the great video! Question: would I (and wife) be able to use SmartEX service traveling from Nagasaki to Kyoto in September? I didn't see that route on your map of Kyushu. Thank you!
Hi, Nagasaki is not on the Kyushu portion of the line. So in order to use SmartEx you would first need to get from Nagasaki to Fukuoka. Once in Fukuoka ( Hakata Station ) then you can use SmartEX to get to Kyoto. For the Nagasaki to Hakata station you can use JRWest reservation system:
e5489.jr-odekake.net/e5489/ibpc/CBTopMenuPC?LANG=en
Thanks for this great video. We’ve linked our Smart Ex Shinkansen Nozomi tickets to our e-suica card numbers (Apple wallet doesn’t show full Suica numbers so we got these from the Suica Finance app) and received a confirmation email. At the ticket gate we are hoping the e-suica cards will work in the same way you’ve shown to simply tap through and receive our seat reservation tickets too.
Thanks for sharing! We believe it will work, please let us know how it goes!
How did it go using your digital SUICA card with your Shinkansen ticket?
@@KenshoQuest We are travelling soon and will certainly let you know how it went.
We tapped our ESuica with associated Nozomi ticket. It worked a treat and we sailed through the Shinkansen gate and collected our seat ticket.
@@RichardC-jw5qe Awesome! Thanks for the update.
Thanks for your videos! Very helpful. 😊
I was wondering... can I buy the shinkansen ticket now from the US using the SmartEX site, then link the ticket later to the IC card? I want to reserve early and get a discount, but don’t have the physical IC card yet. I have an android phone. I was thinking about picking up the IC card in Japan when we land in June.
Hi, I've never tried purchasing a ticket with SmartEx outside of Japan but as long as you can complete the registration process then I believe it will work. Yes, you can associate your IC card with your ticket at any time. You can also change, add new ones, or remove at any time before your travel time. The best place to get an IC card will be at the airport since they are in short supply.
Thank you!
Thank you for all the great tips!! Your videos are well organized, to the point, and super helpful! ❤ Question please: We are traveling with children but want to take advantage of the Hyatoku 28 discount tickets. I believe they are not available for children. Can we make 2 separate reservations (one for adults with hyatoku 28 and one for children with regular reserved seats) and still be able to reserve seats together? Thank you so much.
Hi, yes, since Hayatoku family discounts are not common you should be able to make two separate reservations and try to get your seats next to each other, which I don't think will be an issue if you are booking in advance.
Thank you for your advice!
Hi I’ve been watching your japan videos in youtube and I was wondering if you can answer my question since I couldn’t find it online. So I’m planning on buying shinkansen tickets from klook before our flight tomorrow (from shinagawa to kyoto then back), and I was wondering if we can pick up those tickets in Haneda airport? I think it would be less hassle than picking it up on the actual day of commute since it’s the golden week and train stations are packed. Let me know what you think thanks a lot ❤️❤️❤️
Hi, do you have the QR Code? If yes, then you can pick up at Haneda. Just visit the JR ticketing machine. This video shows you the location:
ua-cam.com/video/YImX1rMFRrk/v-deo.html
My wife and I have kept our Suica cards for years now. Wasn't sure it would work on this trip, but it did!
Japan is such a difficult place to figure out travel. Why? Stations have different entrances for different train lines. Day passes only work on some lines and not others. Some ticket machines can add value to your IC card while others can't. Yikes! Too many variables. Thank you UA-cam!😂
Hey Darryl, hope you had a great trip! Your Suica is good for 10 years, but you probably new that! 🤙
Nope, didn't know that. Thanks. Everytime we come to Japan "will our Suica card work?"😂
@@darrylk808 I'm curious... I'm gonna ask, cause I wonder if you use it within 10 years does it reset? hmmm... I'll get back to you!
@@KenshoQuest According to the information, either the Suica or Pasmo card expires after "10 years of last use." If someone travels to Japan and uses either IC card up to 9 years, 364 days (not including a leap year), then it should continue to work for the next decade. I believe Japan did this to avoid swapping out cards all the time when the 10 year mark comes up.
@@bryanokazaki1710 Awesome, thanks for sharing this information, makes total sense!
Thank you for the helpful videos!
Where would you recommend sitting on the Shinkansen in terms of carts on the reserved? Is it better to book in the earlier carts (e.g. 6) or later carts like 11-16. Also do you know if the first row on the train facing the wall has trays?
Thank you so much!
Hi, If you are booking in Ordinary Reserved, I would choose a car that is closest to the Green Cars. Usually when you get to the platform, the Green Cars are the closest to walk to. So for instance, if cars 8-10 are Green Cars, I would book car 7 Ordinary Reserved. The cars at the end of the train like 15-16 might require a longer walk on the platform to reach your car. Yes, the first row facing the wall has trays.🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest Thank you Heidi! Excellent tip!
Aloha Heidi and George!!! I was wondering how can we use the SmartEX app QR code to board multiple travelers? For example, purchased 4 Adult Travelers on the SmartEX app traveling together. Mahalos
Hi. You can share one QR code to each person, so everyone has one on their phone. Or print out the QR codes.
Thank you so much for the very informative videos. I purchased 2 Shinkansen tickets using Ekinet for myself and my 5 year old child. I wanted a seat for my 5 year old, so I purchased him a reserved seat ticket just to be safe. Now, I am ready to link my tickets to my IC cards but realized my 5 year old does not have a card. Do I link the Shinkansen ticket to my Suica card and leave the link information blank on for my son? Since my son is only 5 years old he can go through the gate without a ticket. However, how do I prove that we purchased him a reserved ticket seat when on board? Do I somehow get the seat information card at a ticket machine for my son? Thank you again!
Hi. Just to clarify, did you purchase the tickets on Ekinet or SmartEX?
Nice idea to make it easier to get Shinkansen tickets, however not available for anyone in the UK or Europe
Hi, it is unfortunate. Hopefully, they will add Europe soon! In the mean time you can use the web app: smart-ex.jp/en/index.php
I purchased 4 tickets on the smartex app. If I’m to use the QR code at the gate, do I scan the code again after each person passes through? Thanks for the video. It’s very helpful.
Hi, yes, just make sure each person picks up their seat information at the other end of the gate. You might be asked by the train attendant to show this. Also, consider printing out the QR code as some users have issues.
Thank you! You mentioned the Klook, only SmartEX offers a discount ticket? Thanks,
Hi, Klook does offer coupons frequently, they currently have a coupon for up to $10 off here ( SKS10OFF ): geni.us/shinkansen
But do note that Klook does charge a 10% surcharge.
@@KenshoQuest you are the best! Thanks.
@@KenshoQuest Sorry, it is a lot to learn for the first time people to Japan. Where should I book the speeding train ticket online without 10% surcharge? Again, you are the best! Thanks.
@@jennyc1905 Then you're back at smart-ex.jp/en/index.php or www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index depending upon where you will travel.
Do you do this after you get your IC card (as a non-resident we cannot buy those ahead of time so this whole process has to happen once we have landed at Haneda right?).
Hi, good question! You can purchase your tickets then add your IC card once you get one. This can be done at any time. You can also change or remove any designated IC card. Yes, at Haneda after you get your IC card you can add it.
If my flight were delayed, can I change my smart ex reserve seat shinkansen ticket online? Does Narita Airport have a Smart Ex ticketing machine? Can I change the reserve seat ticket thru a smart EX machine? Am I able to change the reservation ticket 10 min before departure? . Sorry that I ask quite a lot of questions hopefully I can get some information from you. Your channel did help explain a lot about shinkansen but I need some details on the change of reservation seats ticket timing.
this video explains how to change a reservation from the ticket machine: ua-cam.com/video/GD0Tp7zGSeo/v-deo.html
Thank you for your sharing, one question, not sure if have solutions. If I bought 3 tickets for my family by Smart EX, how to share their QR code to them ?
Hi, if you are using the QR Code method, printing them out will work for sure. You can view them one at a time from the app. Or you can also try the screenshot method ( take 3 screenshots ) but as mentioned, I personally have not tested this.
Thank you for the video, explained very detailed! Unfortunately, if I try to load the App from Apple App Store in Germany, I get "not available in your region" - do you a solution please?
Hi, sorry for the issues. Hopefully, they will Europe soon! In the mean time you can use the web app: smart-ex.jp/en/index.php
@@KenshoQuest Thank you! I hope too!
Hello my friend 💖💖💖💖💖🎉🎉🎉❤❤
Can you add IC card later? We won't have them until we get to Japan but want to see if we can get a discount by buying early like it was suggested in the video. Mahalo in advance!
Yes, you can designate the IC card later once you are in Japan.
@@KenshoQuest mahalo braddah! Sorry I'm assuming you're either from Hawaii or have Hawaii ties from some of the clues from the videos. Shoots brah!
Hello, so we can just have 1 person with Smart EX App and then map each ticket to each individual IC card? How can you tell if the IC cards were linked successfully? Btw, it should link to Kansai One Pass ICOCA right?
We plan on using the Smart Ex App as we don't have computer with us. Is that recommended? We aren't sure of actual travel plans. Thanks!!
Hi, yes one person can manage up to 6 people's tickets as long as each person has their own IC Card. I do not know if the Kansai One Pass ICOCA will link but for sure the regular ICOCA Card will.
Once you link them you can see a list of the tickets assigned to which IC Card. This is why I recommend you label each card so it is easier to tell.
Yes, the app works well. I use both :)
@@KenshoQuest Thanks, we'll try it out. Helpful video!
How will you truly save if not using the Jr pass? It seems like the jr pass is most convenient and unlimited?
Hi. Now that the price of the Whole Japan Rail Pass has increased to 50,000 Yen per 7-day pass, it's not as likely to save you money unless you are traveling far distances and stopping at many cities within a short amount of time. Yes, the JR Pass is convenient and unlimited. But depending upon your route it might cost more than buying individual single-journey Shinkansen tickets. Here's our video explaining how to figure out if the JR Pass is worth it for your trip: ua-cam.com/video/hsrZpVYH-ls/v-deo.html
I am traveling to Japan in June with my family of 4. If I purchase tickets via SmartEX without Suica (we won't be able to get Suica cards until Japan) how do we use QR codes to go through the gate for 4 people? I thought the gates allow only 1 person at a time. Would we have to find a machine to convert the SmartEX QR code to multiple individual tickets? Thanks!
If you print out the QR codes, you could each hold one to pass through the ticket gate. Or you could use a ticketing machine to print out your tickets, if that's easier.
@@KenshoQuest Thanks for your video and help! Just for future reference, I just bought 4 tickets and each ticket gets a separate QR code. So I can just put them in my Apple wallet and share them with the family. If all the major stations have gates accepting QR codes we are good. Otherwise I will just find a machine to print out tickets. The instructions to pickup tickets in the SmartEx FAQ are a bit confusing. The process is different between web and app and you need to obtain a "pickup code" you which is only good for 30 days. I will figure it out when I get to Japan.
Sorry, I have one more question. I am also traveling with an 8 year. We purchased the 8 year old a shinkansen E ticket to be used with an IC card but the 8 year old does not have an IC card. Do we have to purchase him an IC card or is there a way to print his ticket at the train station? I really appreciate your help. Thank you
You could print his ticket from a reserved seat ticketing machine at the train station. Also, here's how to get a Child SUICA card: ua-cam.com/video/BbvQurJdOnc/v-deo.html
If I reserve my Shinkansen tickets now with the Smart-EX service, I am planning on using the QR tickets as a backup, can I designate or assign the IC cards later when we arrive in Japan and get the IC cards there?
Yes, you can designate the IC cards later once you get them in Japan.
Do u need a jr pass between nara-osaka-kyoyo or can you use the regular ice card?
You do not need a JR Pass for that route. You can pay by IC card.
@@KenshoQuest thank you. I was on the fence about the jr pass but now I don't think we'll need it. I appreciate you responding!
I purchased my SmartEx tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto but the app doesn't tell me any information about departure time or departure station or gate or anything. Am I missing something or where can I find this information?
Hi. Did you purchase non-reserved or reserved seat?
@@KenshoQuest non reserved
@@dailengarciarosales5041 Since it’s non-reserved there isn’t a specific time, just any time that day. Departure station is Tokyo Station and arrival station is Kyoto Station. There will be signs at the train station indicating which Platform to board the train.
@@KenshoQuest thanks you so much! Y’all’s channel has made our trip to Japan so much more manageable. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I would like to purchase tickets for the Nozomi from Tokyo to Kyoto ahead of time to get the discounts for late May. My only concern is if we have to adjust the train time once we are there would that be easy to do? The day would not change only the time. We would be booking reserved seats.
Hi, there are many Nozomi trains from Tokyo to Kyoto everyday. I do not think it will be a problem if it is late May and not traveling during peak traffic hours. It is pretty easy change your reservation from within the app.
That is good to know. Thank you!
Is the fare in SmartEX or Klook also cover the base fare or just the Shinkansen fare? Thanks!
If you purchase Shinkansen tickets on SmartEX or Klook, it is the complete fare (base fare + super express surcharge).
@@KenshoQuest Thank you!
Aloha! We will be in Japan in next month (July), I downloaded the SmartEx app and have my Suica card registered from a previous trip. Our group is 7pax so we'll be making two reservations (since max is 6 pax/resv). Some ppl have physical cards (like me), others have the digital card, would you suggest we do the QR code method to get the tickets transferred to those with the digital cards? Also, if I try to book the resv (we're more then 30 days out at this point), the Hayatoku 28 and Hayatoku 21 discounts don't appear - on some trains they show but are grayed out). Do they block that discount on certain dates/trains? For example, going from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka on 7/14....7/15 looks like it's a holiday so am wondering if they don't offer the discount on busy travel days? Mahalo in advance for your insights!
Aloha! The Hayatoku discounts probably aren't available on holidays. You can designate a digital IC card on SmartEX. However, you will first need to figure out your entire IC card number. From the digital card, if you click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner and select "Card Number" it only shows the last 4 digits. Here's how to get the full number:
If you have a digital PASMO card, install the PASMO Finance app on your phone. When you open the app it shows your balance and your full card number.
If you have a digital SUICA card, install the Suica Finance app on your phone.
- Open the Suica card in Apple Wallet
- Tap on the three dots icon (...) on the top right corner of the phone
- Select "Card Details"
- Select "Open" in Suica Finance App
- In the Suica Finance app, you will see the Suica card that you added -- tap on the card and you will see the full card number.
Mahalo!
I’m confused. I’m planning to download the suica card to my iPhone. Can I use that to buy the bullet train tic?
Hi, you cannot directly purchase on your IC card. You first need to purchase your ticket on SmartEX, then you can designate your Suica card on your phone.
The smartex is not available in my country (Brazil) to download. I'll try again when arrive at Japan.
Hi, I forgot to mention this. If the app is not available in your country then you can always use the website: smart-ex.jp/en/index.php
So what do you use for the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai on the Tohoku Line? Can you use SmartEx?
SmartEX doesn't cover Tohoku. Either Klook or JR East's eki-net www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index. Here's our video on booking on Klook: ua-cam.com/video/GD0Tp7zGSeo/v-deo.html
@@KenshoQuest Thank you. And here I finally figured out how to register on Smartex lol amd won't be using it.
Possible to modify trip timing after booking it on EX.
Yes, absolutely as long as it is at least 4 minutes before your trip, but I recommend even more time just in case you run into any issues.
Can you buy tickets before you arrive and get the IC card?
Hi, yes, as long as you can register for an account then you can purchase a ticket ahead of time either via their mobile or web application. You can always designate your IC card later and make changes.
After I buy the tickets, can I link my icard afterwards, as I do not have my icard yet
Yes
I have an ICOCA card I bought in 2013, it is still valid as I used it last year before the 10 years was up. Is this card ok to use or too old?
IC cards are valid for 10 years after last use. If you used it last year, it should be fine. The 10 years starts over again since the last time you used it.
@@KenshoQuest I have made my reservation now and designated our IC cards, will make things a lot simpler. Thanks for the helpful video!
Which IC Card should I buy? Does IC Card work on Samsung Android phone?
Sorry, digital IC cards are not available on Android phones, unless your phone was purchased in Japan. Any of the three IC cards we mentioned will work throughout most of Japan: ICOCA, Welcome SUICA, or PASMO Passport.
So it only links to an IC card if it is one downloaded on an iPhone versus a physical IC card (and using a Samsung)?
@@deborahachen7214 You can link a Shinkansen ticket purchased on SmartEX to a physical IC card. That's what we did!
The ticket price for the bullet train is 15k yen. What is the price shown in video? I am going to Tokyo this summer
Hi, it depends on the distance. In the video, it is only a simple example of going from Tokyo to Yokohama, which is very close to each other so it only cost 1,380 Yen for a non-reserved seat. Going from Tokyo to Kyoto will cost closer to 14,000 yen. You can save with the Hayatoku discounts if you book at least 21 days in advance.
Hi Kensho Quest. I just registered with Smart EX, and was researching prices for the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo in June. I saw the Hayatoku-21 and Hayatoku-28 Wide fares, which appear to be the discount fares you mentioned in the video. But why does Hayatoku-28 Wide have a note "[Cannot change]" next to it, whereas the Hayatoku-21 Wide has no such warning? Are they saying that the 21-day-prior-to travel-date discount fare actually allows exchanges/refunds, whereas the 28-day-prior-to travel-date discount does not? I'm confused. Do you know?
The prices are 11,690 yen for the Hayatoku-28 Wide, and the Hayatoku-21 Wide is just a tiny bit more at 11,820 yen. Is it better to get the 21-day version if that's the one that is more flexible in terms of exchanges/refunds? Or am I interpreting this all wrong?
Thank you.
Hi, the wording can be confusing. I do not know for sure but most likely the Hayatoku 28 days cannot be changed once reserved. This is because these fares are based on the number of days before your trip. with 21 day Hayatoku you could have purchased up to a month in advance. This means you can change your reservation for a hayatoku 21 until you are within those 21 days. So you would have 9 days. After that time, even the Hayatoku 21 may no longer qualify if seats aren't available and if you changed your reservation you would most likely need to pay the difference to the next discounted fare ( if any ) since it will be less than 21 days and there might not be availability.
Since the prices are very similar, the 21 day option is a safer choice but for any type of refund for discounted tickets, it may be easiest to visit a JR ticket office.
@@KenshoQuest Thanks so much for the explanation. I trust your advice, since you are better informed than I am about how Japanese trains and fares work. It sounds like the Hayatoku-21 fare is the way to go. :)
The problem is how can I link the tickets to the IC card when I don’t have a IC card? We are planning to go in June. I would like to purchase the train tickets in advance.
Hi, you can purchase now and link your IC cards later once you get them in Japan. You can always make changes later.
Not supported for the EU. Thanks a lot, JR East.
Hi, while the app isn't available their web app will work:
smart-ex.jp/en/index.php
Still can’t even register an account - I’ll try once I’m actually in Japan.
Neither visa or Mastercard have worked for me.
Sorry about that. There's always Klook. Our payment always works there. Here's our separate video on how to buy Shinkansen tickets on Klook: ua-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/v-deo.html
Great video, thanks. I also have the same problem. My visa card keeps getting rejected as well.
I have registered for the account but once I log off, I am unable to log back in with the same member ID and password. Is this a common issue and is there a solution?
I had a similar issue but it was a couple of years ago. When I first created my account it was with my email address, later they changed to using the ID. So my question is, is your username a string of numbers? If so, it should work as this is the correct method. Second, here is the login page that works for me: shinkansen2.jr-central.co.jp/RSV_P/smart_en_index.htm
I'm trying to register a card (Visa, Mastercard) none of them work :(
Hi, sorry to hear about your issues. Are you in Japan or not yet? If you are not in Japan, please try again once in Japan. If not, I think Klook is the next best option.
Same thing happened to me, but eventually, Amex card worked.
I have only Visa and MC ;/@@bettylam5570
Hi, does Visa work normally in Japan? I wanted to buy tickets 21 days before the trip to make them cheaper
@@KenshoQuest
@@przemekpawlowski1656 In Japan it is not a problem. However, we have issues with many Japanese websites accepting Visa. So it's good to also have a MasterCard or AMEX because if Visa doesn't work, the others usually do.
This is a bit of a cheat, but is it possible to buy a reserved shinkansen ticket for morning and get the early reservation discount, but then board a shinkansen after the reservation time sitting in the unreserved cart? My understanding is that if one purchases a reserved seat, but misses their train time, they can still ride the shinkansen at a later time within the same day but have to sit in the unreserved seats?
Be careful with the discounts offered on SmartEX, some of the discounted tickets do not allow taking a different train, it must be the exact train time booked. Also, reserved seat tickets are more expensive than unreserved, so if you plan to ride unreserved it's better just to buy an unreserved ticket in the first place.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you! Yes, I realized that afterwards. Thank you so much for response!
Is it possible to link Shinkansen to mobile IC card?
Hi, we haven't tried it yet, but most likely yes. One issue you may run into is that the mobile IC Card app doesn't show the whole number. A fellow viewer shared that they were able to get this number using the Suica Finance app. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
If theres two of us, do we both need separate accounts ?
You can use one account to buy two separate tickets. If you want to link the tickets to IC cards you will each need your own separate IC card.
@@KenshoQuest thank you. We are trying to go from hiroshima to beppu, which I believe that klook doesn't cover that. However we can't register for smartex. How difficult is it to get two seats together on a bullet train the day of ?
Weird, on my app I don't have a "View Seat Map" button. Anyone else having this issue?
Hi, if you are having this issue please try again later. I've noticed some recent changes so maybe they are making updates. Also, the web app works pretty well and has the view seat map option.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you. I noticed that: 1. Seat map only appears during the train's operating hours.
2. Don't think you're able to book too forward in advance. Managed to see the seat map for end May, but not for Oct.
@@fabric101 Ah yes, you can only purchase up to 30 days in advance on SmartEX. Thanks for sharing about the seat map!
hi tried and it shows system failure for SmartEx..pls assist
Hi, this might happen after hours Japan time as they are often down for maintenance after 11PM Japan time. Otherwise, please try a different web browser.
@@KenshoQuest it is always down
@@user-rf1qu6yj5s Here's the link again smart-ex.jp/en/index.php