Seat reservations with your Japan Rail Pass
With a Japan Rail Pass, seat reservations are completely free. Reserve as many seats as you like on the Shinkansen and limited express trains, and enjoy a guaranteed seat with room for your luggage on every journey.
Everything is included
Free seat reservations
Reserve seats at no extra cost, as often as you like.
Free oversized luggage area
Seats with an oversized baggage area are free with your pass.
Change plans easily
Missed a train or changed your mind? Just make a new reservation.
How to reserve a seat
At the ticket counter
Walk up to any JR ticket office, known as midori no madoguchi, show your Japan Rail Pass and tell the staff your destination, date and preferred time. They print your seat ticket in a minute, free of charge. Showing the train name and time written down or on your phone makes it even quicker.
At Shinkansen ticket machines
Reserved seat ticket machines are found at every Shinkansen station and major JR station. Choose English on the screen, insert or scan your Japan Rail Pass, pick your train and seat and collect your reservation ticket. It only takes a moment and you can even choose a window seat on the Mount Fuji side.
- 1
Choose English on the screen
- 2
Insert or scan your Japan Rail Pass
- 3
Pick your train, car and seat
- 4
Collect your free seat ticket
When do you need a reservation?
Local JR trains, city lines and commuter trains have no reserved seats at all. Just tap through the gates with your pass and hop on. On the Shinkansen and limited express trains, many trains offer both reserved and unreserved cars, and some trains are fully reserved, so a reservation is required before boarding.
No reservation needed
- JR local and rapid trains
- JR Yamanote Line and city lines in Tokyo and Osaka
- Commuter trains and JR buses
Reservation required or recommended
- Narita Express, fully reserved
- Hayabusa, Komachi and Kagayaki Shinkansen, fully reserved
- Limited express Hida, Thunderbird and Kuroshio, reservation recommended
- All trains during Golden Week, Obon and New Year, reservation recommended
Reserved and unreserved cars
Platform signs and floor markings show where each car stops. Unreserved cars are usually at the front or back of the train. Green cars are always reserved and offer extra space and comfort.
Luggage rules on the Shinkansen
Each traveler can bring two pieces of luggage on the Shinkansen. Bags where length, width and height add up to 160 cm or less can be brought freely and stored on the overhead rack or behind the last row.
Up to 160 cm total: bring it freely
Add length, width and height. If the sum is 160 cm or less, no reservation is needed for your bag.
Over 160 cm: reserve the oversized area
Bags from 161 cm up to 250 cm need a seat with an oversized baggage area on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. It is free with your Japan Rail Pass.
Two pieces per person
Each traveler can bring up to two pieces of luggage on board.
Check your luggage size before you travel
Not sure whether your suitcase is under the limit? Use this luggage checker to measure it before departure.
Good to know
- Reserve popular routes early in the day, especially Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka.
- Seats on the right side from Tokyo to Osaka give the best Mount Fuji views, seat E in Ordinary and seat D in Green.
- You can reserve your seats as soon as you have exchanged your pass.
- Keep your seat ticket together with your pass during the journey.
- A luggage delivery service can send large bags between hotels if you prefer to travel light.
Seat reservation questions
Are seat reservations free with the Japan Rail Pass?
Yes. Seat reservations and seats with an oversized baggage area are free with your Japan Rail Pass.
Where can I reserve a seat?
At any JR ticket office counter or at reserved seat ticket machines, found at every Shinkansen station.
How big can my luggage be on the Shinkansen?
Up to 160 cm in total length, width and height can be brought freely. From 161 cm to 250 cm you must reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area, which is free with your pass.
How many bags can I bring?
Each traveler can bring two pieces of luggage on board.
Do I need a reservation on local trains and subways?
No. Local JR trains and city lines have no reserved seats. Just pass the gates with your pass and board.
Reserve your seat and enjoy the ride
Unlimited JR travel with free seat reservations and free luggage space. Order your Japan Rail Pass today.