How to Reserve Seats With JR Pass: Online and In-Person

Exploring Japan by rail is an absolute must! There’s just so much to see and do in the country, and hopping on a train is one of the best — and most fun — ways to take it all in.

And let’s not forget how much you’ll save. Not just in money, but in time too, compared to buying individual tickets every time you travel.

Now, reserving seats with your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) might sound a little tricky at first, especially if you’re not too familiar with how it all works. All those maps and train lines can look a bit overwhelming, but trust us, it’s way easier than you might think!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reserving train seats with your JR Pass. Whether you’re booking in advance or figuring out the difference between reserved and non-reserved seats, we’ve got you covered.

What is JR Pass and How to Use It?

Think of the JR Pass as your golden ticket to train travel around Japan.

JR Pass holders get to enjoy unlimited travel on most Japan Rail transport options. This includes pretty much all trains — from local services right up to the Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express, and express trains.

One thing to keep in mind: the JR Pass doesn’t cover the fastest Shinkansen services — the Nozomi and Mizuho trains. But don’t worry, you can still hop on plenty of other Shinkansen, like the Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura.

It’s way more than just a train pass, though. You’ll also be able to ride certain JR buses and even catch the JR ferry to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima!

The pass is valid for a set period — 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days — and is available exclusively to foreign tourists visiting Japan under a temporary visitor visa.

The best part?

It can (and should!) save you a serious amount of money on transportation if you use it wisely. In fact, we’ve even put together a guide on the best way to plan a JR Pass itinerary for 7 or 14 days to help you make the most of it.

Reserved vs Non-Reserved Seats: What’s the Difference?

When using the JR Pass, you have two types of seating options: reserved seats and non-reserved seats.

Reserved Seats

With a reserved seat, you’re guaranteed a specific seat and carriage number. That gives you peace of mind and comfort. You’ll know exactly where you’ll sit, which is especially helpful during peak times. Plus, reserved sections tend to be less crowded than non-reserved areas.

For the JR Pass Green Car Reservation (premium seats), a seat reservation is required. It’s recommended to make these reservations in person at a JR ticket office or online through the official JR Pass website.

For both Ordinary and Green car reservations, Japan Rail Pass holders are advised to book up to a month in advance. The good news? All seat reservations with a JR Pass are free.

Non-Reserved Seats

You can use the JR Pass without making a reservation. Non-reserved seats let you board without booking ahead, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get a seat. During busy periods, you might have to stand or wait for the next train — not ideal if you’re on a tight schedule. Since seat reservations are free with the JR Pass, it’s worth making one whenever you can.

How Far in Advance to Make a Japan Rail Pass Reservation?

If you're wondering if you need to book Shinkansen trains in advance, the answer is: not necessarily, but it's highly recommended during busy seasons. You can reserve your seat up to a month in advance.

These reservations can be made at JR East, JR West, and other regional offices located in JR stations.

But don’t stress too much about it. Booking at least 14 days before you arrive in Japan works just fine if you want some flexibility.

It’s always a good idea to watch out for busy travel times like New Year's, national holidays like Golden Week, and the Obon festival, though.

Even if you’re traveling during off-peak seasons, reserving your seat early is a smart move, especially for popular routes like the bullet train from Tokyo to Mt Fuji or during peak seasons.

By the way, if you're hoping for a great view of Mount Fuji on the Shinkansen, here's a little tip: for the Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka route, grab a seat on the right side of the train. For routes south of Tokyo, the left side gives you the best view. Also, seats in the "E" row are often a great choice if you want a window seat in a two-seat row!

How to Reserve a Seat with the Japan Rail Pass

First things first — once you book your Japan Rail Pass, an exchange order (physical or electronic) will be delivered to you.

Please note that this isn’t the actual pass itself. If you're wondering how to redeem the JR Pass, it’s simple: just take this document to a JR exchange office, which you’ll find at airports and major train stations.

Important reminder: As of 1 October 2023, you can no longer buy the Japan Rail Pass in person at train stations or airports in Japan. You must purchase it through the official Japan Rail Pass website or authorised travel agencies like Pelago.

How to Book Your JR Pass Seat Reservation

1. Reserve Seats at JR Ticket Offices

The most common way to reserve seats is by visiting a JR ticket office (called Midori no Madoguchi). Simply show your JR Pass, tell the staff your destination, and let them know your preferred departure time. They’ll issue a reserved seat ticket for you based on the available trains. Your ticket will have details like the arrival time, train name, and seat information. For example: Kyoto to Hiroshima, Sakura 557, Car 5, Seat 12-A, 13:23 to 15:01.

2. Reserve Seats via Ticket Machines

You don't always have to reserve your JR tickets online. At many major stations, you’ll find automated ticket machines where you can make a JR Pass reservation and select your reserved seat. These machines are available in multiple languages, making the process fuss-free.

All you need to do is scan the QR code on the Reserved Seat Ticket Machine, or you can enter the reservation number written on your JR Pass. Enter your preferred departure time and destination, choose your train, then double-check everything before hitting print.

At some stations, there’ll even be staff nearby to guide you along if you need a hand.

3. Reserve Seats Online

Another convenient method is using the JR Pass online seat reservation services. In some regions, you can book seats through the JR East website or specific JR Pass partner sites. There are also apps like Ekinet that let you reserve seats on JR East trains. However, these apps have some limitations. They may not be fully compatible with the Japan Rail Pass, can run into issues with international credit cards, and aren’t the most user-friendly.

If you want to book directly from your smartphone or laptop, again, the best option is the official Japan Rail Pass Reservation website. Just keep in mind that you’ll still need to collect your physical tickets in person. So in the end, it really comes down to what works best for you.

Special Trains & Regional Passes

While the Japan Rail Pass covers most trains, there are a few exceptions to know about. Some special trains — like the Yufuin no Mori — still need a seat reservation, even if you’re using a JR Pass.

It’s a super scenic ride, though, so definitely worth it! If you’re travelling just around Kyushu, a JR Kyushu Pass might be a better pick. It often comes with free seat reservations, though a few premium trains might charge a little extra. Just make sure to double-check the details so there are no surprises along the way!

Using the JR Pass on Buses: A Handy Example

Your Japan Rail Pass isn’t just for trains — it also works on certain local JR buses, which means you’ve got even more freedom to explore!

Example:

Let’s say you're in Hokkaido. You can hop on the Sapporo City Loop Bus with your JR Pass and cruise around to major spots like the Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park, all without paying extra! Just find a JR bus stop, show your JR Pass to the driver, and you’re good to go.

A Few Quick Tips:

• Check the Routes: Not all buses are covered, and things like express or highway buses usually aren’t. It’s always best to check which routes you can use before you go.

• No Reservations Needed: For most local buses, you don’t need to worry about reserving a seat.

Common Issues & How to Solve Them

What happens if I miss my JR Pass reservation?

In the unfortunate event that you miss your reserved train, don’t panic! You can try to board the next train. But note that if it’s a reserved service, you might have to sit in non-reserved sections, which could be crowded.

How to Cancel or Change Your JR Pass Reservation

Most stations allow you to modify or cancel your reservation without much hassle, though cancellations may incur a fee. It’s always best to check the cancellation policies beforehand. If your travel plans change, you can also change your JR Pass reservation by visiting a JR ticket office. Just bring your reservation ticket and JR Pass, and the staff will assist with the changes.

Pro Tips for Seamless Seat Reservations

Here are a few quick tips to make reserving a seat with the JR Pass as easy as possible:

• Book Early: Try to reserve your seat as soon as you can, especially during busy times. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have, and it’ll save you any last-minute hassle.

• Don’t Be Shy to Ask for Help: If you’re feeling unsure, just ask the JR staff for help. They’re super used to helping tourists and will guide you through the process without any stress.

• Double-Check the Train Types: Some Shinkansen and special trains need a separate reservation, or they may not be covered by the JR Pass. It’s a good idea to double-check just to avoid any surprises.

• Travel Off-Peak: If you can, aim for quieter travel times. You’ll have a much better chance of getting a seat and won’t have to deal with the crowds.

• Plan Ahead: You can usually book up to a month in advance, so don’t leave it too late — especially for longer journeys.

By the way, if you haven’t already, make sure you check out where to buy a JR Pass before you head off on your adventure.

With these tips in your back pocket, your seat reservations should be a breeze!