01
東京までのチケットをください。
Tōkyō made no chiketto o kudasai.
"I'd like a ticket to Tokyo, please."
Grammar: Destination specification using 'made no' (until/to) + polite request
Travel & Transportation
Buy Train Tickets in Japan: Essential Phrases & Vocabulary
Buying train tickets in Japan is easy when you know the right phrases. This guide covers essential Japanese expressions, ticket types, seat reservations, platform information, payment methods, and etiquette for JR stations, private railways, and shinkansen bullet trains.
Understanding Japanese Railway System and Ticket Purchasing
You're at a Japanese train station ticket counter or machine and need to purchase tickets for local trains, express services, or shinkansen bullet trains
Essential Japanese Phrases for Buying Train Tickets and Station Navigation
02
片道ですか、それとも往復ですか？
Katamichi desu ka, sore tomo ōfuku desu ka?
"Is it one-way or round-trip?"
Grammar: Choice question using 'sore tomo' (or) to present alternatives
03
片道でお願いします。
Katamichi de onegaishimasu.
"One-way, please."
Grammar: Option selection using 'de' (with/by) + polite request pattern
04
指定席ですか、自由席ですか？
Shiteiseki desu ka, jiyūseki desu ka?
"Would you like a reserved seat or non-reserved?"
Grammar: Binary choice question about seating preferences in Japanese trains
05
自由席で大丈夫です。
Jiyūseki de daijōbu desu.
"Non-reserved is fine."
Grammar: Acceptance expression using 'de daijōbu desu' (is fine with)
06
次の電車は何時に出ますか？
Tsugi no densha wa nanji ni demasu ka?
"What time does the next train leave?"
Grammar: Time inquiry using question word 'nanji' (what time) + departure verb
07
午後3時15分に2番ホームから出発します。
Gogo sanji jūgofun ni ni-ban hōmu kara shuppatsu shimasu.
"It leaves at 3:15 PM from Platform 2."
Grammar: Time specification + platform information using 'kara' (from) + formal departure verb
08
クレジットカードで支払えますか？
Kurejitto kādo de shiharaemasu ka?
"Can I pay with a credit card?"
Grammar: Payment method inquiry using potential form 'shiharaemasu' (can pay)
09
はい、クレジットカードが使えます。
Hai, kurejitto kādo ga tsukaemasu.
"Yes, we accept credit cards."
Grammar: Ability expression using potential form 'tsukaemasu' (can be used)
10
ありがとうございます！チケットをお願いします。
Arigatō gozaimasu! Chiketto o onegaishimasu.
"Thank you! I'll take the ticket."
Grammar: Gratitude + final purchase confirmation using standard polite request
Japanese Railway Culture and Train Station Etiquette Guide
Japanese railway staff are extremely helpful and professional, using formal keigo language. They take pride in punctuality and accuracy, so don't hesitate to ask for clarification about departure times, platforms, or connections.
The concept of 'reserved seats' (shiteiseki) versus 'non-reserved seats' (jiyūseki) is fundamental in Japanese rail travel. Reserved seats guarantee your spot but cost more, while non-reserved cars operate on first-come, first-served basis.
JR Pass holders have specific procedures and restrictions. Always mention your JR Pass status when purchasing additional tickets or making reservations, as it affects pricing and available options.
Platform numbers and departure times are announced clearly in Japanese and often English. Trains are incredibly punctual - arriving at the exact scheduled minute is standard, not exceptional.
IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are widely used for local travel but may not work for all express or long-distance services. Understanding when you need paper tickets versus IC card usage is crucial for smooth travel.
Key Japanese Grammar Patterns for Railway and Transportation Communication
[destination]までの[ticket type]をお願いしますpolite
Standard ticket purchasing pattern: '[destination] made no [ticket type] o onegaishimasu'
Essential phrase for requesting tickets to any destination with specific ticket type
[time]発の[train type]casual
Departure time specification using '-hatsu no [train type]' pattern
When specifying which departure time you want for your journey
[number]番ホームから出発しますpolite
Platform information pattern: '[number]-ban hōmu kara shuppatsu shimasu'
What staff tell you about which platform your train departs from
[payment method]で支払えますか？polite
Payment method inquiry using 'de shiharaemasu ka' (can I pay with...?)
Asking about acceptable payment methods for tickets
どちらがよろしいですか？polite
Polite choice question meaning 'Which would be better/preferred?'
What staff ask when presenting you with ticket options
Complete Japanese Railway and Train Station Vocabulary
| Japanese | Romaji | English | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 切符 | kippu | ticket | Tickets |
| チケット | chiketto | ticket (modern usage) | Tickets |
| 片道 | katamichi | one-way | Tickets |
| 往復 | ōfuku | round-trip | Tickets |
| 指定席 | shiteiseki | reserved seat | Tickets |
| 自由席 | jiyūseki | non-reserved seat | Tickets |
| 特急券 | tokkyūken | express ticket surcharge | Tickets |
| 回数券 | kaisūken | multiple-ride ticket | Tickets |
| 電車 | densha | electric train | Trains |
| 新幹線 | shinkansen | bullet train | Trains |
| 特急 | tokkyū | express train | Trains |
| 急行 | kyūkō | rapid train | Trains |
| 普通 | futsū | local train | Trains |
| 各駅停車 | kakueki-teisha | local (stops at every station) | Trains |
| 駅 | eki | station | Station |
| ホーム | hōmu | platform | Station |
| 番線 | bansen | track number | Station |
| 改札 | kaisatsu | ticket gate | Station |
| 改札口 | kaisatsuguchi | ticket gate entrance | Station |
| 出口 | deguchi | exit | Station |
| 入口 | iriguchi | entrance | Station |
| 出発 | shuppatsu | departure | Schedule |
| 到着 | tōchaku | arrival | Schedule |
| 発 | hatsu | departing (time suffix) | Schedule |
| 着 | chaku | arriving (time suffix) | Schedule |
| 時刻表 | jikokuhyō | timetable | Schedule |
| 次の | tsugi no | next | Schedule |
| 最終 | saishū | last/final | Schedule |
| 方面 | hōmen | direction (toward) | Directions |
| 行き | iki | bound for | Directions |
| 経由 | keiyu | via (route) | Directions |
| 直通 | chokutsu | direct (no transfer) | Directions |
| 乗り換え | norikae | transfer | Directions |
| 現金 | genkin | cash | Payment |
| クレジットカード | kurejitto kādo | credit card | Payment |
| ICカード | ai-shī kādo | IC card | Payment |
| Suica | suika | Suica (JR East IC card) | Payment |
| Pasmo | pasumo | Pasmo (Tokyo Metro IC card) | Payment |
| 支払い | shiharai | payment | Payment |
| JRパス | jē-āru pasu | JR Pass | Passes |
| 学生割引 | gakusei waribiki | student discount | Passes |
| 外国人旅行者 | gaikokujin ryokōsha | foreign tourist | Passes |
| 青春18きっぷ | seishun jūhachi kippu | Seishun 18 ticket (budget pass) | Passes |
| 号車 | gōsha | car number | Seating |
| 座席 | zaseki | seat | Seating |
| 窓側 | madogawa | window seat | Seating |
| 通路側 | tsūrogawa | aisle seat | Seating |
| グリーン車 | gurīn-sha | green car (first class) | Seating |
| 普通車 | futsū-sha | regular car | Seating |
| 大丈夫 | daijōbu | okay/fine | Expressions |
| 問題ありません | mondai arimasen | no problem | Expressions |
| 少々お待ちください | shōshō omachi kudasai | please wait a moment | Expressions |
| かしこまりました | kashikomarimashita | certainly/understood | Expressions |
| 何時 | nanji | what time | Time |
| 何分 | nanpun | how many minutes | Time |
| 午前 | gozen | AM | Time |
| 午後 | gogo | PM | Time |
| 時 | ji | o'clock | Time |
| 分 | fun/pun | minute(s) | Time |
Practical Tips for Navigating Japanese Train Stations and Ticket Systems
Cultural
JR Pass Strategy for Foreign Tourists
JR Pass holders can make seat reservations at no extra charge at Midori no Madoguchi (green ticket counters). Always show your pass and passport when making reservations, and remember that some premium services like Nozomi shinkansen are not covered.
Tip
Understanding Reserved vs Non-Reserved Cars
Shinkansen and limited express trains typically have both reserved and non-reserved cars. Non-reserved is cheaper but risky during peak times. Reserved seats guarantee your spot and show car and seat numbers on the ticket.
Watch Out
Don't Forget Express Surcharges
Fast trains like tokkyū (express) require both a basic fare and a surcharge ticket. The ticket machine or staff will calculate both, but budget accordingly - express surcharges can double your ticket cost.
Example:Tokyo to Hakone: Basic fare ¥1,490 + Romance Car surcharge ¥320 = ¥1,810 total
Tip
Platform Numbers Are Critical
Japanese stations can be massive with 20+ platforms. Always confirm your platform number (○番ホーム) and departure time. Platform announcements are clear, and electronic boards show real-time information.
Cultural
IC Cards vs Paper Tickets
IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work for most local and regional trains but not for reserved seats or some express services. Long-distance travel often requires traditional paper tickets with seat assignments.
Watch Out
Check Last Train Times
Don't assume trains run all night. The last train (最終電車) varies by line but typically runs between 11:30 PM - 12:30 AM. Missing it means expensive taxi rides or waiting until 5 AM for first trains.
Example:Last Yamanote Line: around 12:30 AM, First train: around 4:30 AM
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