Smart EX: How to Book and Ride Japan’s Bullet Train

Smart EX - Tokaido Shinkansen booking system

What is Smart EX?

Smart EX is an official online ticketing system for Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train), allowing travelers to book and manage reservations online. Instead of purchasing a paper ticket at the station, passengers can use a QR code or link their reservation to an IC card for a seamless boarding experience. This only works for Tokaido / Sanyo / Kyushu Shinkansen route from Tokyo to Kagoshima. It covers the golden route such as Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima.

This system is particularly useful for American travelers because it:

Offers an English-language website and app
Provides digital tickets that eliminate the need for physical purchases
Allows advance seat reservations
Includes discounted fares for early bookings
Supports payment via credit card (though some international cards may not work)

Smart EX is available for the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen, covering routes between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka.

Why Use Smart EX? Benefits for Travelers

English Booking Platform

Smart EX is one of the few Shinkansen booking systems that provides a full English interface, making it convenient for non-Japanese speakers.

No Need for Paper Tickets

All reservations are digital. Travelers can either:

Scan a QR code at the gate, or
Use a registered IC card (Suica, PASMO) for direct entry.

Discounted Fares Available

Smart EX offers various discount options for travelers who book in advance. More details on available discounts are provided below.

Advance Seat Selection

Unlike the Japan Rail Pass, which requires visiting a ticket office for seat reservations, Smart EX allows users to reserve seats online at the time of booking.

Faster Boarding

Travelers can skip ticket lines and board the Shinkansen directly by using a QR code or an IC card.

How to Register for Smart EX

To use Smart EX, travelers must first create an account and register a credit card for payment. However, there have been frequent reports of some U.S. credit cards not being accepted.

Credit Card Registration Issues

Many international credit cards, particularly U.S.-issued Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, are sometimes declined during registration.

Workarounds If Your Card is Rejected

Try using a different credit card, especially one issued by a global bank.
Link your Suica or PASMO IC card and pay separately at the station.
Book Shinkansen tickets through third-party platforms such as Klook, Japan Bullet Train, or Rakuten Travel Experience.

How to Book a Shinkansen Ticket on Smart EX

Step 1: Log in to Smart EX

Visit the Smart EX website or open the Smart EX app.
Enter your account login details.

Step 2: Search for Your Train

Select departure and destination stations.
Choose travel date and time.
Choose seat preferences (oversized luguagge)

In case you have oversized luggage in their condition (160cm total dimention) , they ask you to book seats with oversized luggage. There is no additional cost for booking this seat. Some seat has luggage space behind the seat at the back of each car, some seats has luggage space in the isle that comes with lock system.

The other choice that shows up here is S Work Seat. Which is the car specialy made for work and you can make a phone call for work or live meeting. It’s important to keep moderate vioce tone even on this train. I’ve seen one buiness man from abroad sounds like screaming on the phone once…

Step 3: Select Your Fare Type

Smart EX offers different fare options, including:

Standard Smart EX Fare – Slightly cheaper than purchasing at the station.
EX Hayatoku Discount – Reduced fares for early reservations.
Green Car (First Class) Options – More spacious and comfortable seating.

Choose Your Seat from Seat Map

In case you book the train after a month before the travel date, you can choose your favorite seat from seat map. There is no additional cost depending on the location of the seat.

Step 4: Choose a Payment Method

Use a registered credit card (if accepted).
Link a Suica/PASMO card to enter the gate without a QR code.

Step 5: Receive Your Digital Ticket

A QR code ticket will be available in the app.
If using an IC card, no QR code is needed—just tap the card at the gate.

Step 6: Scan and Board the Train

At the ticket gate, scan the QR code or tap a registered Suica/PASMO card to enter.

Using a Transportation IC Card with Smart EX

For travelers who prefer tap-to-enter access, Smart EX allows users to register a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card instead of using a QR code.

How to Register an IC Card for Smart EX

After booking a ticket, go to your Smart EX account page.
Enter your IC card number and tag it to your reservation.
Once registered, the system saves the IC card information, allowing for faster tagging in future bookings.

When arriving at the Shinkansen station, simply tap the registered IC card at the gate to enter without needing a printed ticket.

Smart EX Discount Options

Smart EX offers various discounted fares for travelers who book in advance.

Hayatoku Discounts (Early Booking Fares)

Hayatoku-21 Wide: Reservations made at least 21 days in advance receive discounts on all-day Nozomi Shinkansen tickets.
Hayatoku-28 Wide: Requires booking at least 28 days in advance for even lower fares.
Hayatoku-Green 3 Wide: A three-day advance booking discount for Green Car (first-class) seats.
Hayatoku-Family NOZOMI 3: A discount for family travelers who book at least three days in advance.
Hayatoku-Family KODAMA 3: Discounted Kodama Shinkansen tickets for family groups.

Booking tickets earlier results in greater savings, making these discount fares highly recommended for visitors planning their trip in advance.

In case you book with Hayatoku 28 which you can purchase from 90 days prior to the travel date. However, you cannot choose seat at the time of booking and the system assign you the seat. You can change after you receive the seat number on the Smart EX site. You only can choose seat when you purchase after a month before travel date, which can be mostly sold out by that time.

Smart EX Also Offers Train and Hotel Packages

Smart EX is not just for Shinkansen tickets. Travelers can also book bundled train and hotel packages, which often include discounted train fares when combined with accommodation.

How to Book a Smart EX Train and Hotel Package

Choose your destination and travel date.
Select the train you want to take.
Browse and book a hotel from available partnered options.
Pay for the entire package online.

The date you stay at the hotel doesn’t have to match with the Shinkansen date as long as the stay is in between the round trip of the train. For example, if you travel 3 nights from Tokyo to Kyoto, you can book round trip Shinkansen and one night hotel in Osaka on Smart EX, and you can add two other nights in Kyoto from other hotel booking sites.

This is a convenient option for those looking to organize their transportation and stay in one booking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart EX

Can I Use Smart EX with a Japan Rail Pass?

No. The Japan Rail Pass and Smart EX are separate systems. Travelers using a JR Pass must book seats at a ticket office.

Do I Need to Print My Smart EX Ticket?

No. Smart EX is a fully digital system. Travelers can use either:

A QR code from the app
A registered Suica or PASMO IC card

Can I Change or Cancel a Reservation?

Yes. Changes are free before departure, but cancellations may incur a small fee.

What Should I Do If My US Credit Card Is Declined?

Try a different card, link a Suica/PASMO, or book through Klook, Japan Bullet Train, or Rakuten Travel Experience.

Should You Use Smart EX?

For those traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka, Smart EX is one of the most convenient ways to book Shinkansen tickets online.

Recommended for:

Travelers who prefer booking in English
Visitors who want digital tickets instead of paper ones
Those looking for choosing exact seat location and discounts

Not Ideal for:

Japan Rail Pass holders (must book at JR offices)
Travelers whose credit cards are not accepted by Smart EX

For most visitors, Smart EX offers a smooth, stress-free way to travel on Japan’s bullet train system.