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Shinkansen tickets in advance - to buy or not to buy

Posted by (Pasadena) on

Hi everyone!

The title says it all. I am heading to Japan after a business trip to Taiwan. I want to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto and then back to Tokyo. The trip to Kyoto will be next weekend; the return to Tokyo on November 3 (which happens to be a national holiday in Japan). Should I buy the tickets in advance? I was thinking about buying them from the JR kiosk at the airport in Tokyo upon arrival next Thursday. Should I do it sooner on JR's website? Online information says the Japanese usually buy their tickets on "the day of" and that there is no need to buy in advance. I don't want to get stuck anywhere though.

I would love to hear your advice, fellow travelers!

Posted by
407 posts

The only time I’ve heard of a problem not buying them in advance is over the August Obon holiday. I’d get a little nervous at New Year’s too. I think you’ll be fine with your dates, especially if you buy the Nov. 3rd ticket when you arrive in country. Culture Day isn’t that big a deal.

Posted by
68 posts

I agree with the first response - typically there isn't a need to buy in advance. You can get a variety of opinions about this on the TripAdvisor Japan Forum. People regularly ask this question there.

Posted by
34 posts

I've never had a problem buying them the day of or the day before travel. They run every 15 minutes or so and usually there is availability unless it is a major holiday. The only time I had a very minor issue was buying some around the National Day holiday in February when all the window seats were sold out. Had to take a middle seat but no big deal.

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you to all of you for your replies! I will not be buying in advance then.

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