can someone please confirm that I DO NOT need to pay the seat reservation fee when using the Shinkansen with my JR railpass. But I think I DO need to resrerve a seat every time I use a Shinkansen service. Is that true?
shinkansen
Hi there,
I can confirm that you do not need to pay the seat reservation fee for valid Shinkansen when you use a Japan Rail Pass. Seat reservation fees for valid trains are totally covered for holders of the Japan Rail Pass.
You do not need to book a seat on the shinkansen service, and can sit in the "jyuu-seku" or "free seats" carriages. Please note that although you can sit freely in these carriages, we recommend reserving a seat before travel as the seat reservations are free and you can enjoy a much more stress free journey. Please note that the JR-East hayabusa shinkansen does require a reservation as it only has reserved seating available.
Looking for more information? Search the forum
Select Category
Instant Quote
Can’t find the answer?
Learn from over 18041 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts
Ask Question- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Popular Questions
Visit us on Facebook
Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.
Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.
Order your JRPass Now!
We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes