The Best Apps for Shinkansen Ticket Booking – A Traveler's Guide

Japan's Bullet Train Made Easy: A Guide to Shinkansen Ticket Apps

Japan’s Shinkansen is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to travel across the country, but buying tickets—especially for first-time visitors—can sometimes be confusing. Thankfully, several Shinkansen booking apps simplify the process, allowing you to reserve seats, link tickets to IC cards, and even access discounts right from your smartphone. Whether you’re planning a short trip between Tokyo and Kyoto or heading up to Hokkaido, using a Shinkansen app can save you time, eliminate long ticket counter lines, and ensure a smooth journey.

Best Apps for Booking Shinkansen Tickets

There are three main ways to book Shinkansen tickets via apps:

1. SmartEX App (Official JR Central & JR West App) – Best for Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen routes.
2. JR East Train Reservation (Ekinet App) – Best for Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Hokkaido Shinkansen routes.
3. Klook & Other Third-Party Apps – Great for English-friendly bookings before arriving in Japan.

Each app has its own advantages, so let’s break them down.

1. SmartEX App (Official JR Central & JR West App)

The SmartEX app is the official booking platform for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, which include popular routes like:
🚄 Tokyo → Kyoto
🚄 Tokyo → Osaka
🚄 Osaka → Hiroshima
🚄 Hiroshima → Fukuoka

Key Features of SmartEX:

✅ Buy reserved and non-reserved Shinkansen tickets directly from your phone.
✅ Link your ticket to an IC card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) for tap-in convenience.
✅ Exclusive discounts when booking at least 3 days in advance.
✅ Modify or cancel tickets easily (cancellation fees may apply).
✅ Payments via registered credit cards (foreign credit cards now widely accepted).

How to Use SmartEX:

1. Download & Register: Create an account using your email and credit card.
2. Select Travel Details: Choose departure & arrival stations, date, time, and ticket type.
3. Seat Selection: Pick window, aisle, or oversized baggage seat (if needed).
4. Payment: Pay using a registered credit card.
5. Ticket Access:
   • IC Card Users: Tap your IC card at the ticket gate to enter.
   • QR Code Users: Scan your QR code at the designated reader.
   • Paper Ticket Pickup: If you prefer, you can print a physical ticket at a JR station.

🚀 Pro Tip: Want a great view of Mount Fuji? Choose seat E in an Ordinary Car or seat D in a Green Car when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto.

2. JR East Train Reservation (Ekinet App)

If you’re traveling north from Tokyo, you’ll likely use the JR East Ekinet app, which allows you to book tickets for:
🚄 Tohoku Shinkansen (Tokyo → Sendai → Aomori)
🚄 Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo → Nagano → Kanazawa)
🚄 Hokkaido Shinkansen (Tokyo → Hakodate → Sapporo)

Key Features of Ekinet:

✅ Reserve seats on Shinkansen & Limited Express trains in JR East areas.
✅ Paper ticket or IC card linking options.
✅ Discounted fares available for advance purchases.
✅ Change or cancel tickets directly in the app.

📍 Important Note: Some JR East Shinkansen trains (e.g., Hayabusa, Komachi, and Kagayaki) do not have non-reserved cars, so a reservation is mandatory.

How to Use Ekinet:

1. Download & Register: Sign up with your email and register a credit card.
2. Select Train Details: Choose stations, travel date, and seat type (Ordinary, Green Car, or Grand Class).
3. Ticket Type: Pick between paper ticket pickup or IC card linking.
4. Payment & Confirmation: Pay via credit card and receive a QR code or digital confirmation.

🚄 Pro Tip: If you’re using an IC card, you must enter your IC card number in the app before linking it to your ticket.

3. Klook & Other Third-Party Apps

For foreign travelers who prefer a simple, English-friendly booking experience, apps like Klook offer a convenient way to buy Shinkansen tickets online before arriving in Japan.

Why Use Klook?

✅ Book Shinkansen tickets from outside Japan.
✅ English-friendly interface with flexible payment options.
✅ Receive a QR code to scan directly at Shinkansen ticket gates.
✅ Pre-book up to 90 days in advance (great for peak seasons).
✅ Some routes allow paper ticket pickup at JR stations if needed.

How Klook Works:

1. Choose Your Route: Enter departure & arrival stations, travel date, and passenger details.
2. Ticket Type: Select non-reserved, reserved, or Green Car seating.
3. Payment: Pay with credit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods.
4. Receive E-Ticket: Your ticket QR code is sent via email and available in the Klook app.
5. Scan & Go: At the station, scan your QR code at the Shinkansen ticket gate to enter.

📍 Note: Klook charges a small fulfillment fee (~186 yen per ticket), but it’s worth it for the convenience.

Why Use a Shinkansen App Instead of Buying at the Station?

📱 Skip the Lines: No waiting at busy JR ticket counters.
🚄 Instant Access: Get your ticket on your phone and avoid losing paper tickets.
💳 Easy Payment: Use international credit cards without issues.
🔄 Flexible Changes: Modify seat preferences or departure times within the app.
🎟 Advance Discounts: Some apps offer cheaper fares when booking early.

Final Thoughts on Using a Shinkansen App

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler in Japan, using a Shinkansen booking app makes ticket reservations faster, easier, and more convenient. With options like SmartEX, Ekinet, and Klook, you can purchase, modify, and access tickets directly from your smartphone—allowing you to hop on Japan’s world-famous bullet trains with ease.