Tourism/Travel

Shinkansen Booking

Master the Japanese you need for Shinkansen Booking in natural keigo. Scene-by-scene flow · NG examples · politeness levels · 9-language parallel translations

Synergia Editorial Team2026-09-14

This page helps foreign residents and long-term visitors handle "Shinkansen Booking" with daily Japanese phrases for living in Japan, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

What this page helps you say in Japan

This page focuses on Shinkansen Booking and teaches useful Japanese phrases for daily life in Japan, including natural replies, polite alternatives, and practical wording for foreigners living in Japan.

What You'll Learn on This Page

Purchase tickets at Midori no Madoguchi
How to choose reserved seats, non-reserved seats, and green cars
How to redeem your Japan Rail Pass
Request for change/refund
In-car ticket gates and lost items

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

東京から新大阪まで、大人2枚お願いします

とうきょうからしんおおさかまで、おとなにまいおねがいします

Two adult tickets from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, please.

POINTIt is more accurate to clearly indicate the number of people as ``2 tickets for adults'' than ``2 tickets to Shin-Osaka.''

指定席でお願いします。窓側を希望します

していせきでおねがいします。まどがわをきぼうします

I'd like a reserved seat, window side please.

POINT 窓側 is the usual compact term for the window side when choosing a train seat. 窓の席 can be understood, but 窓側の席 states the seat preference clearly.

のぞみとひかり、どちらが早く着きますか

のぞみとひかり、どちらがはやくつきますか

Which arrives earlier, Nozomi or Hikari?

POINTIt will be easier for station staff to answer if you explicitly ask the difference between the express delivery type and each station type.

ジャパン・レール・パスを引き換えたいです

じゃぱん・れーる・ぱすをひきかえたいです

I'd like to exchange my Japan Rail Pass.

POINT “これ使いたい” → “引き換えたい” is the official expression at the counter

大人2名、子供1名でお願いします

おとなにめい、こどもいちめいでおねがいします

Two adults and one child, please.

POINTChildren 6 to 11 years old are half price, and children under 6 ride on their laps for free. Be sure to tell us your age

この列車はキャンセルできますか

このれっしゃはきゃんせるできますか

Can I cancel this train ticket?

POINT“I want to quit” → “Can I cancel?” or “Refund” is official

出発時刻を変更したいのですが

しゅっぱつじこくをへんこうしたいのですが

I'd like to change the departure time.

POINT “時間変えたい” → “出発時刻を変更したい” is an accurate expression for station staff

グリーン車の空きはありますか

ぐりーんしゃのあきはありますか

Is there availability in Green Car?

POINTGreen car = 1st class seat. Use a “green car” rather than a “special seat”

自由席で乗っても大丈夫ですか

じゆうせきでのってもだいじょうぶですか

Is it OK to ride in the non-reserved car?

POINTJR Pass allows non-reserved seats, but some trains (such as Nozomi) may require an additional fee.

忘れ物をしてしまいました。どこに問い合わせればいいですか

わすれものをしてしまいました。どこにといあわせればいいですか

I left something on the train. Where should I contact?

POINT “忘れた” → “忘れ物をしてしまいました” is more polite and quick to respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can the Japan Rail Pass be used on all Shinkansen trains?

A. Basically, you can use non-reserved seats on JR Shinkansen trains, but you cannot use them on the Nozomi and Mizuho trains (separate fee applies). It has been changed to be available for an additional fee from October 2023.

Q. Do the automatic ticket machines support English?

A. Reserved seat ticket vending machines at major stations are available in English, Chinese, and Korean. You can change the language from the language selection button at the top right of the screen.

Q. What should I do if I lose my ticket?

A. As a general rule, they cannot be reissued and must be repurchased. However, if you consult with station staff and report the loss, you may be able to receive a refund at a later date (conditions apply).

Q. Can I buy tickets on the train?

A. You can purchase it by asking the conductor, but the difference between non-reserved seat fee + reserved seat fee + handling fee will be charged. It is definitely cheaper to purchase in advance.

Q. From what age does the child price apply?

A. Children aged 6 to under 12 are charged the child price (half price for adults), and up to two children under the age of 6 ride on the lap of one adult for free (children's price if using a seat).

Shinkansen Booking

What this page helps you say in Japan

What You'll Learn on This Page

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Pages in This Pack

Transportation/Commuting

Eating and drinking/eating out