Before boarding a Shinkansen, limited express or reserved-seat service, check whether you need a separate ticket or reservation. The exact rule belongs to the train operator.
Show my ticket questionBasic fare
The journey from A to B
Service / seat ticket
The train or reserved seat
Some tickets combine both. A successful gate tap does not confirm that every required ticket is covered.
What your IC card does — and what to check
JR East distinguishes a basic fare ticket from a limited-express ticket. A reservation or special seating can add another requirement. Some products combine these in one ticket, while others require more than one item.
For example, JR East’s Suica guide says that using Suica with a limited-express service requires the appropriate additional ticket. Check the exact train and product: do not assume that every “express” service across Japan follows one rule.
| Label on the route | Your next check |
|---|---|
| Local / Rapid | Does it stop at your destination, and is your ticket or IC card accepted on this route? |
| Express | Which operator runs it? Does this service require a surcharge? |
| Limited Express | Which service ticket or seat reservation do you need? |
| Shinkansen | Does your booking cover both the fare and the Shinkansen service? How do you use that booking at the gate? |
| Reserved seat / Green Car | Does your ticket cover this seat or class on this specific train? |
If you are not sure, ask before boarding
Show the service name, date, departure time and destination alongside the ticket or booking you already have. Ask whether anything else is needed. A gate opening is not proof that your selected seat or service is covered.
Ask whether this train needs another ticketOpen a Japanese phrase cardAlready on the train?
Ask the conductor or other available train staff about your ticket. Keep your existing ticket and itinerary ready. Follow their instructions about payment or moving seats; do not assume that an empty reserved seat is yours to use.
Does non-reserved mean free?
No. It describes seating. The fare and any required service ticket still need to be covered.
Can I pay an extra fare with my IC-card balance?
Do not assume so. Check the operator’s purchase and boarding instructions for the service you plan to use.
Sources & checks
Sources checked 15 Sept 2026. For changing details, confirm with the responsible organization.
- JR East · Ticket guideBasic fare and limited-express ticket layers; seat categories
- JR East · SuicaSuica is a transport and shopping IC card; operator-specific usage information
- JR East · Using SuicaTop-up, insufficient balance, additional tickets and separate IC service areas