Rail Passes & Tickets
Types of Tickets
- A basic fare ticket is required for boarding any trains.
- In order to board a Limited Express, a limited express ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket.
- For reserved seats on a Limited express, a reserved seat ticket is required in addition to a basic fare ticket and limited express ticket.
Types of Tickets
| Train Type(in Hokkaido) | Local train | Rapid train | Limited Express | Shinkansen | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stops | Stops at each station. There are also trains which pass a portion of stations. |
Passes some stations. | Stops only at major stations. | Stops only at Shinkansen Stations. | |||||
| Car Type | All seats are Non-reserved |
Non-reserved seat cars | Reserved seat cars | Non-reserved Seat |
Reserved Seat |
Some trains have Green Car connected. |
Ordinary Car |
First-class car (Green Car) |
Gran Class |
| Ticket(s) Required |  |
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Car Types of Limited Express Train
There are two types ̶ Ordinary Cars and First-class cars (Green Cars).
The difference between Ordinary cars and First-class cars (Green Cars)
Compared to Ordinary Cars, First-class cars (Green Cars) offer more spacious seating, allowing you to have a more comfortable and relaxing trip.
Ordinary Car
First-Class Car (Green Car)
Spacious seating
Reserved Seat
The date, car, time of departure and arrival and seat number are arranged in advance, so you are guaranteed seating.
Non-Reserved Seat
You can ride at any time of your choosing in a Non-reserved seat car, with seating depending on availability (ticket must be used on the
same day of purchase). As there is no designated seating, seating may potentially be unavailable during crowded times.
Passenger Classification
| Adult | Age 12 and older |
|---|---|
| Child | Age 6 – 11 |
| Baby | Age 1 – 5 |
| Infant | Less than 1 year old |
Fares for Children
Childrens' Basic fare, Limited express, Express and Reserved seat tickets are 50% of the adult
price (rounded down by 10 yen or less). Childrens' First-class car (Green Car), Berth, and
numbered boarding tickets at boarding are the same price as adult tickets.
Fares for Babies and Infants
Infants and babies travel for free, except tickets in the following cases:
- When three or more infants accompany one adult or child (tickets are required for the third and any additional infants).
- When an infant or baby occupies his or her own reserved seat, Green Car seat, berth, etc.
- When an infant travels alone.
- When an infant travels in a tour group.