Table of Contents
Types of tickets / Adults and children / Sales and purchases of tickets / Online reservations / Prepaid IC cards
Types of tickets
You must have a basic fare ticket when you ride a train.
If you travel on a Shinkansen or a limited express train, in addition to the basic fare ticket, you will need a super (limited) express train ticket with a reserved seat or non-reserved seat. If you travel on a rapid-service train or a local train in a reserved seat, in addition to the basic fare ticket, you will need a reserved seat ticket.
There is a fixed charge for super (limited) express tickets for Green Cars, which are a grade above ordinary cars, and Gran Class (only on some Shinkansen), which is a grade above Green Cars.
A sleeping car ticket is required for sleeping cars, and the charge differs according to the seat type you use.
Adults and children
The distinction between adults and children is as follows.
Adults: Ages 12 or older
Children: Ages 6-11
Toddlers: Ages 1-5
Babies: Under 1 year old
Children’s basic fare, super (limited) express, and reserved seat tickets are half of the adult price. However, Green Car, Gran Class, and sleeping car tickets are the same as the adult price.
Toddlers and babies travel for free. When three or more toddlers accompany one adult, the children’s price for fares and charges must be paid for the fourth and any additional toddler(s).
When a toddler or baby occupies his or her own reserved seat, Green Car seat, sleeping car seat, etc., the children’s price for fares and charges must be paid.
Sales and purchases of tickets
Super (limited) express train ticket, Green Car tickets, Gran Class tickets, sleeping car tickets, and reserved seat tickets can be purchased up to one month before taking the train. They can be purchased with basic fare tickets.
Tickets can be purchased at JR Ticket Offices in stations, ticket machines, and travel agents.
*There are also tickets with different sales periods and features, such as excursion tickets aim to accommodate tourists in Japan.
Online reservations
There are also trains for which online reservations are possible besides the above sales locations. The use methods differ according to the JR Group company, so please confirm the details in the links below.
JR-HOKKAIDO
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/tr/index.html
JR-EAST
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/reservation.html
JR-CENTRAL
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/onlinebooking
JR-WEST
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/overview
JR-KYUSHU
https://kyushurailpass.jrkyushu.co.jp/reserve/TopPage?1
Prepaid IC cards
IC cards are convenient for taking trains. After purchasing one, money must be charged onto the card using the ticket machines in stations. When the card is tapped on the exit gate sensor, the train fare will be deducted from the balance on the card.
IC cards can also be used for making purchases at shops in stations, vending machines, and more.
All JR Group companies have their own respective IC cards. Please confirm the details on purchase methods, scopes of use, and more in the links below.
JR-HOKKAIDO：Kitaca
http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ticket/kitaca/index.html
JR-EAST：Suica
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
JR-CENTRAL：TOICA
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/tickets/buy/toica
JR-WEST：ICOCA
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka
JR-SHIKOKU
ICOCA IC cards can be used in some areas.
JR-KYUSHU：SUGOMON PASS
https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/sugomon_pass
