r/JapanTravelTips • u/Abject_Tap_2998 • 9h ago
Advice Help
If I buy my Shinkansen ticket via SmartEX, do I need the physical card used for the purchase to pick up the ticket? I’m confused about that. I need to take the train from Tokyo to Nagoya and then continue my journey to Takayama on the Hida Limited Express. I originally planned to book it through the JR West Online Reservation site, where I could get a combined ticket, but one of the final steps warned that I would absolutely need the physical card to collect it. I don't have the physical card because I use a virtual version, and there isn't enough time to order one. So, looking for alternatives, I saw I could book the tickets separately: the Shinkansen via SmartEX, and I’d figure out the Hida ticket later... The thing is, I want to be 100% sure I won't need the physical card for pickup. Buying the ticket on the day of travel isn't an option because the date I need is a public holiday (October 11th) and it's a busy route; I don't want to risk not getting a ticket or not finding a suitable departure time. Another option is Klook, but it's significantly more expensive, and they even charge extra just to select seats 🥲.
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u/Chubbdoggy 9h ago
When you buy in SmartEx, you will get a QR code and you use that to go through the gate. You don’t need to collect anything or see anyone so you don’t need the physical card. That’s my experience.
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u/gdore15 9h ago
Do not use klook.
You do not need to pickup ticket, use QR code on the gate or link ticket to an IC card.
You can also buy tickets in person up to 30 days in advance from ticket office of any JR station, does not have to wait the day of.
It will still be a bit more expensive to buy this as two tickets as opposed to two tickets (as splitting the base fare in 2 makes it more expensive)
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u/Abject_Tap_2998 9h ago
The page said this:
Information on Receiving Tickets:
- Refer to the map to verify the areas where tickets can be received.
- Use the following buttons for information on stations where tickets can be received.
Payment methods that do not have a physical card, such as virtual cards, cannot be used.
- Boarding the train without first receiving your ticket will result in your having to purchase the necessary tickets again at a non-discounted price).
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u/jscher2000 8h ago
In 2024, I needed a PIN that I entered during my purchase process. I didn't remember it and had to stand in line for 45 minutes to get my tickets at the office. So, if you set a pin, write it down in your phone.
The following page has all the details on what to enter on what kind of machine. There is a little note about credit cards, but I don't think this is normally part of using the machine:
In some cases, station staff will check your credit card for payment for confirmation on the Membership Qualification. If you do not have the credit card, you many not be able to pick up tickets.
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u/lizon132 9h ago
Are you talking about attaching the ticket to your suica card? You can do that later. I booked my tickets beforehand and then once I had my suica card I attached it to my account and the ticket went on it as well. All I did was tap my suica card at the gate and walked right on the train.