A valid unused ticket can be changed only once to a different ticket of the same category without service charges, but there are some exceptions. Any difference in price will be settled when the change is made.
If a second change is necessary, a new ticket must be purchased; the previous ticket can be refunded at a station or travel agency, with deduction of a service charge.
A reserved-seat ticket can be changed only before the departure of the train on which the original seat was reserved. The ticket is not valid after departure of that train.
A change of a reserved-seat ticket can be made at any JR Ticket Counter (Midori-no-madoguchi) during its business hours.
A change of a ticket purchased by credit card from a travel agency or at the counter of a JR Hokkaido station can be made at the same travel agency or counter.
Change after start of trip
A ticket can be changed after the start of the trip; any surcharges involved must be paid, but previously paid fares or charges will not be refunded except for fare tickets with an unused segment of at least 101 km.
Refunds
Any unused, valid ticket can be refunded after deduction
of the specified cancellation charge.
Tickets purchased by credit card at a travel agency or JR Hokkaido ticket counter may be refunded or cancelled at the same travel agency or ticket counter at which the ticket was purchased.
