How to Ride a Shinkansen

Check gates, platforms, car numbers, and your stop in order.

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Official information checked: 2026-07

How to board a Shinkansen

Check how to board with paper tickets, IC cards, QR tickets, and the JAPAN RAIL PASS, plus what to confirm on the platform and onboard.

1Board with paper ticketsInsert tickets at the gate and take back any returned ticket

Use the ticket slot at the automatic gate.

If your base fare ticket and limited express ticket are separate, you may need to insert both together.
Always take back any ticket returned by the gate. You may need it again when exiting.
On the platform, check the train name, departure time, car number, and seat number printed on the ticket.

2Board with an IC card or SuicaLink a reservation or service to your IC card before tapping

IC card boarding requires the correct service registration or reservation link for your route.

Services differ by route, such as Shinkansen e-ticket for JR East-area routes and Smart EX for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu routes.
Tap the registered IC card at the Shinkansen gate. Some reservations let you board without collecting paper tickets.
Use the seat information or reservation screen to confirm your platform, car, and seat.

SuicaPASMOShinkansen e-ticketSmart EX

IC card balance alone does not guarantee boarding. Confirm the reservation link before traveling.

3Board with a QR ticketScan it at a QR-compatible gate

Some services, including Smart EX, support Shinkansen boarding with QR tickets.

Display the QR ticket on your phone and scan it at a QR-compatible Shinkansen gate.
The gate may issue seat information. Check the train name, car number, and seat number.
Some stations or gates may not support QR tickets. Follow signs or ask station staff.

Some online reservations still require paper ticket pickup. Check the reservation confirmation.

4Board with a JAPAN RAIL PASSUse the pass at the gate and check reserved-seat tickets when needed

The JAPAN RAIL PASS can be used through automatic ticket gates.

Insert the pass into the automatic gate and take it back after passing through.
If you reserved a seat, also check the train name, car, and seat number on the reserved-seat ticket.
NOZOMI and MIZUHO are not covered by the regular pass alone. Check special additional-ticket conditions if you plan to use them.

If the gate stops you, use the staffed gate and show your pass and reservation details.

5What to check on the platform and onboardConfirm train name, car, seat, and stop

Different Shinkansen trains can depart from the same platform within minutes.

Check the platform departure board for the train name, destination, and departure time.
Use car-number signs on the floor or pillars and line up at your car.
Onboard, check your seat number, luggage space, and stop. Prepare shortly before your station.

Use non-reserved cars for non-reserved tickets and the assigned car and seat for reserved tickets.

Tips

Some stations separate Shinkansen gates from regular JR gates. Follow the blue Shinkansen signs and watch for transfer gates versus exit gates.
A regular Suica or PASMO tap alone may not be enough. Before boarding by IC card, confirm the correct service for your route, such as Shinkansen e-ticket, Touch de Go! Shinkansen, or Smart EX.
If you have two paper tickets, you may need to insert the base fare ticket and limited express ticket together. Keep any returned ticket until you leave the destination station.
Use QR tickets at QR-compatible gates. Keep your phone charged and have your reservation number or payment card ready in case staff need to check it.
On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen, very large luggage may require a seat with oversized baggage space. Check this when reserving.