Japan train tickets
Book Japan Trains US$0 Service Fee
Search Shinkansen and JR routes, compare seat options, and review the total before payment.
9Rail independent booking service · Search prices start per adult. Review the total for all passengers before payment.
US$0 service fee · Total shown before payment
Why book through 9Rail?
An independent booking service: search departures, compare available seats and follow your ticket through email and your order page.
Know your journey
Review the departure and arrival stations, travel date and seat class in one place.
Review the total
Check the currency, adult and child fares and the total for all passengers before payment.
Follow your booking
Use email and My Order for ticket status, collection instructions and order support.
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
Search Japan trains
Choose stations, travel date, and passenger count for your route.
- 2
Select a train
Compare departure times, seat classes, and available fares.
- 3
Choose passengers
Select the number of adults and children travelling.
- 4
Pay securely
Use card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay where available.
After payment
Email confirmation
Tickets are processed within 30 minutes during issuing hours: daily 06:00–23:00 Japan time (UTC+9), for tickets already on sale.
Order page access
Use your order number and email to view ticket status, support details, and available change or refund actions.
Ticket instructions
Payment confirmation is separate from ticket issuance. After issuance, follow the e-ticket, collection or exchange instructions in your email or My Order. Only a document explicitly identified as a boarding ticket can be used at the gate.
Passenger count reminder
Choose the correct adult and child counts for your journey.
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
Japan's busiest rail hub for Shinkansen, airport access, and intercity JR routes.
Kyoto
A classic arrival city on the Tokaido Shinkansen, popular for temples and cultural trips.
Osaka
Kansai's major train base for Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka.
Nagoya
A practical stop between Tokyo and Kyoto with frequent Tokaido Shinkansen departures.
Hiroshima
Western Japan city connected by Sanyo Shinkansen and regional JR trains.
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
The core Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka corridor for many first-time Japan itineraries.
Sanyo Shinkansen
Fast rail across western Japan for Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka routes.
JR limited express
Reserved intercity services for regional trips where a Shinkansen is not the only option.
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
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
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
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
Before you book your Japan train
Choose your train with a clear understanding of the ticket, payment and travel steps. 9Rail is an independent booking service.
What should I check in the price?
Search with your actual date and passenger counts. Compare the selected train and seat class, then review the final total and any listed fees before paying.
A point-to-point ticket is for the selected journey. It is not a JR Pass; if you already hold a pass, check its coverage before buying a separate ticket.
Which seat should I choose?
Choose from the seat classes returned for your departure. Ordinary reserved seats suit most journeys; Green Car offers more space when available. A reserved ticket is for the train and seat shown on the issued ticket.
Adjacent seats, a particular side of the train and a Mount Fuji view are requests, not guarantees. Check any special seating needs before payment.
What happens after payment?
Tickets are processed within 30 minutes during issuing hours: daily 06:00–23:00 Japan time (UTC+9), for tickets already on sale.
The Japan railway system is under maintenance from 23:00 to 06:00 the next day. No tickets are issued during this period. Orders are processed after issuing resumes at 06:00; maintenance time is excluded from the 30-minute processing window.
Advance bookings for tickets not yet on sale are processed once railway sales open. Check the advance-booking details for your selected ticket.
Payment confirmation is separate from ticket issuance. After issuance, follow the e-ticket, collection or exchange instructions in your email or My Order. Only a document explicitly identified as a boarding ticket can be used at the gate.
Can I travel with large luggage?
Check the baggage rules for your selected train, including any size limits or advance arrangement. Some oversized bags require a designated seat or baggage reservation.
A normal seat reservation does not by itself confirm oversized baggage space. If the required option is not shown, contact support before booking.
How do I book for children?
Enter the correct adult and child counts when searching. Child fares and the conditions for young children depend on the selected product and whether a separate seat is needed.
Check the ages and seat requirements before payment. If the search form does not cover your family’s needs, ask support rather than booking an adult-only journey.
Can I change or refund my booking?
Submit your refund request at least 2 hours before departure. A 20% cancellation fee is deducted from the refund.
Open the booking in My Order and submit a refund request, or contact support for help. A submitted request is not a completed refund; check your order status and email for the outcome. The time for funds to reach your account depends on your payment provider.
For a change, contact support before departure to confirm the conditions for your selected ticket. Wait for confirmation before relying on a revised journey.
Japan train guides
Useful links for planning and booking
Tokyo to Kyoto train tickets
Compare one of Japan's most popular Shinkansen routes for first-time visitors.
View detailsTokyo to Osaka train tickets
Plan the fast rail link between Tokyo and Kansai with secure international payment.
View detailsJapan train travel guide
Understand route planning, passenger counts, ticket status, and station instructions.
View detailsJapan 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?
Check oversized-baggage requirements before payment. A standard seat does not automatically include a designated baggage space.
How will I receive my ticket?
Tickets are processed within 30 minutes during issuing hours: daily 06:00–23:00 Japan time (UTC+9), for tickets already on sale. The Japan railway system is under maintenance from 23:00 to 06:00 the next day. No tickets are issued during this period. Orders are processed after issuing resumes at 06:00; maintenance time is excluded from the 30-minute processing window.
Can I change or refund a Japan train booking?
Submit your refund request at least 2 hours before departure. A 20% cancellation fee is deducted from the refund. For a change, contact support before departure to confirm the conditions for your selected ticket. Wait for confirmation before relying on a revised journey.