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.''
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
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)
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“Window seat” → “Window seat” is a standard expression on trains
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“I want to use this” → “I want to redeem” 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“I want to change the time” → “I want to change the departure time” 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“I forgot” → “I forgot something” is more polite and quick to respond.
Want to practice these phrases out loud?
ECHO app offers native audio and AI pronunciation feedback for real practice.
Practice with ECHO App →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).