Ruth Haines
If you're planning a trip to Japan and want to travel by Shinkansen, you may be wondering if you can reserve your seats in advance, especially if you're arriving at Haneda Airport. The good news is that Shinkansen seats can be reserved online or at the station, providing peace of mind and a simpler train-catching experience. When arriving at Haneda Airport, you can take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station and then walk to the Konan Exit to access the Shinkansen platforms. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to reach Tokyo Station, where you can catch Shinkansen services to various destinations. While it's possible to purchase Shinkansen tickets at Haneda Airport, it's recommended to reserve your seats in advance, especially during busy travel times or when limited baggage spots are available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shinkansen tickets reservation | Can be bought in advance online or at the station |
| Buying tickets in person | Can be bought at a ticket counter or a ticket machine |
| Buying tickets at Haneda Airport | Available at the Haneda JR service center |
| Shinkansen seats | Available in four levels depending on comfort and services required |
| Seat reservation cost | Extra if bought with a single ticket but free with the JR Pass |
| Picking up reserved tickets | Can be picked up from reserved seat ticket vending machines in the JR EAST area |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Buying Shinkansen tickets at Haneda Airport
If you're wondering whether you can buy Shinkansen tickets at Haneda Airport, the answer is yes. The JR EAST Travel Service Center at Haneda Airport sells Shinkansen tickets.
To get to the Shinkansen platforms from Haneda Airport, you can board the Keikyu Line toward Shinagawa Station, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, which takes around 18-25 minutes, depending on the train type. From there, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to reach Tokyo Station, where you can catch Shinkansen services to various destinations.
When purchasing Shinkansen tickets, you can choose from four seat levels, each offering different comfort and service options. Your seat reservation is secured when you book your ticket, ensuring a peaceful journey. The lowest level is comparable to "economy class," while the second level is more akin to "business class," featuring better seats and complimentary blankets. The third level is known as "First Class" and is only available on specific Shinkansen lines, such as Hokuriku and Tohoku. These seats provide airline-style amenities and meals on selected trains. The fourth and final level is the most exclusive, catering to those seeking the utmost in comfort and luxury.
Remember, regardless of where you purchase your Shinkansen ticket, always use the exit to the JR local line instead of the transfer gate. Turn right after exiting and follow the directions to the Shinkansen. You will pass by the JR East ticket office, and as you proceed down the corridor, you'll find the Shinkansen gate, alongside the JR Central ticket office and ticket machines selling Shinkansen tickets.
What Foods Can You Bring Through Airport Security?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Purchasing tickets online in advance
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased online in advance through various platforms, such as Klook, Rakuten Travel Experiences, and Ekinet. Buying tickets in advance offers several advantages, such as securing seats during busy days, times, or routes, allowing you to choose your preferred seat, and potentially saving money with online discounts. Additionally, with a reserved ticket, you can have peace of mind and a simpler experience when boarding the train.
When purchasing tickets online, you can select from different seat classes, depending on your comfort and service preferences. The standard class, often referred to as "economy class," offers a basic travel experience. For those seeking more comfort, the "business class" option provides amenities like free blankets. The "First Class" seats, available only on specific lines, offer airline-style amenities and meals on select trains.
It is worth noting that seat reservations come at an extra cost if you buy a single ticket. However, if you opt for the JR Pass, seat reservations are included for free. The JR Pass is a more economical choice if you plan to make multiple long-distance trips, while single tickets are more suitable for one-way or shorter trips.
When buying your tickets online, you can also choose to purchase regional rail passes, such as the Tōhoku or Hokkaidō passes, which offer discounted travel within specific regions. However, keep in mind that the JR Pass cannot be used for transportation between the Central Japan Airport and the nearest JR stations.
After purchasing your tickets online, you can pick them up from reserved seat ticket vending machines in the JR EAST area or at the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi). Passes cannot be picked up at the JR Ticket Office, except at Narita Airport and Airport Terminal 2. Alternatively, you can opt for electronic tickets, avoiding the need for physical ticket pickup.
Traveling with Medication: Airport Security Do's and Don'ts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Buying tickets at the Shinkansen station
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the Shinkansen station in several ways. Firstly, you can buy them at the ticket counters or ticket windows of JR ticket offices. These offices are available at every major and minor train station in Japan, and credit cards are accepted at most offices. Alternatively, you can use the Shinkansen ticket vending machines, which are available at all Shinkansen stations. These machines come in various shapes, colours, and sizes, and some offer services in multiple languages, including English, Korean, and Chinese. They may be located inside the Shinkansen ticket office or right next door.
When buying Shinkansen tickets at the station, you will need to purchase two types of tickets: a passenger ticket and an express ticket. The passenger ticket indicates the car and seat numbers, along with the destination station, while the express ticket allows you to ride Shinkansen and other express trains. In some cases, a single integrated ticket may be used instead of two separate tickets.
It is recommended to buy Shinkansen tickets in advance, especially during busy seasons, as reserved seats can sell out, and queues at the ticket counters can be long. Buying tickets online or using the vending machines can help avoid these queues. Additionally, during peak seasons such as Christmas, New Year, cherry blossom season (April), and fall foliage season (November), trains can be fully booked, so booking in advance is advisable.
When purchasing Shinkansen tickets, you may also have the option to choose combination tickets, such as if you plan to transfer to a limited-express train. You will need to know the Shinkansen line you are taking, as different lines are operated by different companies with their own ticketing websites and offers.
Traveling with Speakers: Airport Security Rules
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using the JR Pass to reserve seats
If you have a JR Pass, you can reserve a seat on a JR train for free. You can reserve a seat online if you purchased your pass on the dedicated website, or in person at a JR station using a reserved seat ticket machine or at the "Midori-no-madoguchi" (ticket office). Note that some JR stations do not have a reserved seat ticket machine.
To reserve a seat online, scan the QR code on your JR Pass with the reader on the website, or input the reservation number written on the pass, and input your passport number. Then, input the travel section, date and time, and select the train and facilities.
To reserve a seat in person, scan the QR code on your JR Pass with the reader on the reserved seat ticket machine, or input the reservation number written on the pass, and input your passport number. Then, input the travel section, date and time, and select the train and facilities. You can also obtain your reserved seat ticket by showing your JR Pass at any Travel Service Center or "Midori-no-madoguchi" (ticket office) at a JR station, or at the sales office of a JR-associated travel agency.
Note that you can only reserve a seat on certain trains with the JR Pass. For example, you cannot use the pass for "NOZOMI" or "MIZUHO" trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. Also, note that some trains do not have non-reserved seats, so you will need to reserve a seat in advance if you plan to take these trains. It is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during peak seasons.
Airport Sushi: What's Allowed and What's Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Getting to Shinkansen stations from Haneda Airport
There are a few ways to get to Shinkansen stations from Haneda Airport. Firstly, it's important to note that Tokyo boasts two major Shinkansen stations, and your choice depends on your destination. If you're heading west to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, or Hakata, you should consider Shinagawa Station (Tokaido Shinkansen). On the other hand, if you're heading north of Tokyo to any other destination in Japan, you should opt for Tokyo Station.
Getting to Shinagawa Station
From Haneda Airport (Terminal 1-2 Station or Terminal 3 Station), you can board the Keikyu Line towards Shinagawa Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. Some trains go directly to Shinagawa Station, while others require a transfer at Kamata Station (on the same platform). Once you arrive at Shinagawa Station, you need to head to the Konan Exit, where the Shinkansen platforms are located. It's just a few minutes' walk.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a cheap and easy train to Shinagawa Station from Haneda Airport.
Getting to Tokyo Station
To get to Tokyo Station from Haneda Airport, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, which takes around 18-25 minutes, depending on whether you catch a rapid or local train. From there, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, which will take you to Tokyo Station in about 5 minutes.
Another option is to transfer at Shinagawa Station (via the Keikyu Line) to reach Tokyo Station, with a total travel time of approximately 38 minutes.
JR East has also announced plans for a new direct train line from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station, which will reduce travel time by up to half. This new line will provide easier access for those wishing to connect to Shinkansen services departing from Tokyo Station.
Airport Metal Detectors: Can They See Private Parts?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot reserve Shinkansen seats at Haneda Airport. However, you can reserve your Shinkansen seat online in advance or at the Shinkansen station.
From Haneda Airport, you can take the Keikyu Line towards Shinagawa Station, which is a Shinkansen station. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to get to Tokyo Station, another Shinkansen station.
You can buy Shinkansen tickets online in advance from websites such as Klook and Rakuten Travel Experiences. Alternatively, you can buy them in person at a ticket counter or from a ticket machine at Shinkansen stations.
Reserving Shinkansen seats in advance guarantees you a seat on busy days and routes, lets you choose where you sit, and allows you to secure limited baggage spots. You may also get discounts for booking in advance.
