From Spring of this year, passengers using JR West lines have been able to make online reservations for their tickets. Online reservations are now possible for basic fare tickets, Limited Express tickets, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, many sightseeing trains, and several JR West Rail Passes. Bookings for reserved seat tickets can also be made up to one month before your trip.
JR West are now taking advanced reservations online
Once booked, your tickets can be received at certain designated stations from ticket machines that have the “5489” label. The name “5489” can be read “goyoyaku” in Japanese, which is a pun meaning “your reservation”. Getting your ticket from a machine means you don’t have to wait in a long line for counter service.
Reserved tickets can be received from machines labeled “5489” throughout west Japan
The following credit cards can all be used to make your ticket reservation: JCB, VISA, Mastercard, DC, Diners Club International, MUFG, and UC. If you do not wish to pay by credit card, it is also possible to pay at the station when you receive your ticket.
Areas that allow advanced ticket reservations
Should your plans change, reservations can be changed online any time before you have received your ticket. For more details and to make your own advanced bookings, check the official JR West website.
Article by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
