Booking a JR Shinkansen train ticket in Seoul

I want to book a Kyoto-Tokyo Shinkansen ticket for a trip in 10 days, because Shinkansen will be very crowded and probably impossible to board without a reservation.

How can I book it from Seoul?
Surprisingly I cannot find JR's online booking system, is there one?

JR's website says:

Tickets can be purchased at JR Ticket Offices, JR TOKAI TOURS, and major Japanese travel agencies.

If Internet is not an option, can one of the "major Japanese travel agencies" be found in Seoul for this booking?

Getting the ticket instantly would be the best, as I will leave Seoul in 4 days.
Japanese language is not a problem.

Best Answer

10 days from now is May 7, the tail end of Golden Week. Highly unlikely you will get a reserved ticket on anything heading for any major city. Japanese people reserve their Golden Week tickets many months in advance.

You can, however, get an unreserved ticket at Kyoto station and just wait in line. You will likely end up standing the whole way as trains do not usually start their run at Kyoto. But it's only 2 hours. Get up early, the first train leaves at 6:14.

JR's online booking system is http://www.eki-net.com/ . All in Japanese, and you must register for an account before checking availability.

Pictures about "Booking a JR Shinkansen train ticket in Seoul"

Booking a JR Shinkansen train ticket in Seoul - Focused Asian couple buying ticket on station

Booking a JR Shinkansen train ticket in Seoul - Smiling female passenger wearing trendy plaid coat and white blouse checking passport and ticket standing on pavement near contemporary building of airport

Booking a JR Shinkansen train ticket in Seoul - Through glass of anonymous tourists in warm outerwear standing in waiting room of modern railway station

How do I make a reservation for Shinkansen?

Seat reservations can be made free of charge using the Japan Rail Pass. To make a reservation, go to any JR Ticket office or a \u201cMidori-no-madoguchi\u201d (ticket window) at a JR station, or to a JR sales office.

Can I buy Shinkansen tickets on the same day?

Yes, you can. However, you should try to get your ticket farther in advance if traveling at a busy time, such as certain dates around the New Year. You can make the reservation at any JR reservation office (all major stations and many smaller stations). Yes you are able to, from the machines or JR office.

Do I need to book Shinkansen in advance?

Order Shinkansen Tickets At Least 3 Days In AdvanceYou must order at least 3 days in advance before the day of travel. I would advise you to book your shinkansen tickets as far in advance as you can, during peak season like Christmas and New Year, cherry blossom season (April) and fall foliage season (November).

Do you need to reserve Shinkansen tickets?

There are three types of seats on the Shinkansen: reserved seats, non-reserved seats and green seats. If you wish to buy a reserved seat ticket, you need to purchase it in advance. The great advantage of this type of bullet train ticket is that you won't need to worry about not being able to sit during the ride.

How to buy train ticket at Seoul Station ♡

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Samson Katt, Samson Katt, Gustavo Fring, Sinitta Leunen