Can you take an earlier Shinkansen than your ticket?

Can You Board an Earlier Shinkansen Than Your Ticket Allows?

Traveling by Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed rail system, is an efficient and convenient option for getting around the country. However, if you find yourself with an earlier departure in mind than the one indicated on your ticket, you may wonder if it’s possible to make a change.

Self-Initiated Changes

Yes, you can modify your Shinkansen reservation to an earlier departure. This can be done through the following methods:

• At the ticket office: Visit a JR (Japan Railways) ticket office at a station and request a change to an earlier train.
• Online: If you purchased your ticket online, you may be able to modify your reservation through the website or mobile app of the booking platform.
• By phone: Call the JR customer service hotline at +81-50-2016-1603 (available in Japanese only) to make a change.

It’s important to note that self-initiated changes may incur a fee, depending on the fare type and the amount of time before the original departure.

Non-Reserved Seating on Boarding Day

If you hold a non-reserved seating ticket (自由席), you may be able to board an earlier train on the day of departure, provided it is a non-Hayatoku service. Hayatoku services are discount fares with specific departure times and seat reservations.

To board an earlier train with non-reserved seating, simply make sure to arrive at the station early and join the line for the unreserved section. Keep in mind that non-reserved seating is first-come, first-served, so there is no guarantee of a seat.

Additional Considerations

• When making a change to an earlier departure, ensure the train you wish to board has available seats.
• If you miss your original train departure, you will not be able to use your ticket for a later train without first making a change.
• Changes are subject to availability and may not be possible during peak travel times.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and efficient Shinkansen journey, even if you need to make a last-minute adjustment to your departure time.