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Shinkansen smartEX App

Conquer Japanese rail with a tap. The app delivers absolute control over your Shinkansen journey, from booking to boarding.

Travel Booking ›

Key Figures

Downloads

750k+

User Rating

1.7/5

Total Ratings

796

Publisher

Central Japan Railway Company

An evaluation of functionalities enhancing travel for international visitors on Japan's high-speed rail network.

Shinkansen smartEX App: Key Features Analysis

Flexible Reservation Changes

The app provides unparalleled flexibility for travel plans, allowing users to modify Shinkansen reservations an unlimited number of times, free of charge, before boarding, which is crucial for international tourists whose itineraries might change unexpectedly.

Comprehensive Travel Packages

This tool offers a comprehensive, one-stop solution for trip planning by enabling users to book Shinkansen seats alongside hotels, activities, and car rentals, significantly enhancing convenience for international visitors.

Seamless Ticketless Boarding

It allows users to streamline the boarding process by displaying QR-Tickets or designating IC cards for direct gate access, eliminating the need for physical tickets and saving time and hassle for travelers.

Effortless Shinkansen Booking

The app simplifies the core process of booking Shinkansen tickets with intuitive options for time and train designation, making high-speed rail travel easily accessible and manageable for all users.

Long-Term Advanced Reservations

It enables meticulous long-term travel planning by allowing users to reserve Shinkansen seats up to one year in advance, which is ideal for international visitors planning their trips well ahead.

Early Bird Fare Savings

The app provides cost savings for users through special discounts for early bookings, appealing to budget-conscious travelers who plan and secure their travel arrangements in advance.

Live Service Updates

This tool keeps travelers informed with real-time updates on service status, allowing them to proactively adjust their plans in case of delays or changes and reducing travel-related stress.

Interactive Seat Map Selection

It offers users control over their seating experience by allowing them to select their preferred seat directly from an interactive seat map for reserved seats, enhancing comfort and personalization.

Secure Biometric Login

The app enhances security and speeds up access through fingerprint authentication (on compatible models), providing a convenient and efficient login experience for frequent users.

Onboard & Station Information

It provides valuable information on services available within Shinkansen stations and onboard trains, helping travelers navigate and utilize amenities to improve their overall journey.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Shinkansen smartEX App

How can I reserve Shinkansen tickets with the smartEX app?

Yes, the EX app allows users to easily reserve Shinkansen seats through the app. It supports features for selecting seats, making changes, and combining with hotel or activity bookings.

Can I book Shinkansen seats far in advance using the EX app?

Yes, the smartEX app allows you to reserve Shinkansen seats up to one year in advance. This provides users with ample time to plan their travel.

Does the smartEX app allow changes to Shinkansen reservations?

Yes, the EX app permits unlimited changes to Shinkansen seat reservations free of charge. These changes can be made up until immediately before departure time.

Can I book hotels and Shinkansen tickets together with the smartEX app?

Yes, the smartEX app offers the option to reserve Shinkansen seats along with hotel rooms as part of a travel package. Users can also book activities and car rentals.

Can I choose my seat in the Shinkansen smartEX app?

Yes, the EX app allows users to select any specific seat from a seat map for reserved seats only. This feature provides control over seating preferences.

Is membership required to use the smartEX app?

Yes, membership registration is required to use the EX app. This process involves providing personal information and a valid credit card.

How do I pay for Shinkansen tickets in the EX app?

Ticket purchase payments in the smartEX app are processed via the credit card registered on the user's account. A valid credit card is necessary for membership.

Can I use the smartEX app with a Japan Rail Pass?

No, users must not use the EX app to make seat reservations for the Japan Rail Pass. The app is for purchasing Shinkansen tickets directly.

Can I travel ticketless using the smartEX app?

Yes, ticketless travel is possible with the EX app. Users must register or designate a compatible IC card for public transportation to enable this feature.

Is the smartEX app available in multiple languages?

No, the EX app service is available only in English. All functionality and information within the application are presented in English.

The following screenshots and description are sourced directly from the app's official store listing and are the property of the app developer.

App Store

Screenshots

Description

▼With the EX app, you can: - Reserve Shinkansen seats through the app easily - Discount for early booking - Reserve Shinkansen seats up to 1 year in advance - You can make as many changes as you need, free of charge, before getting on the train - Reserve a set of Shinkansen seats and hotel rooms! - Reserve activities, hotels and car rentals! - Select any seat from the seat map (*reserved seats only) - Information on services available in stations and trains - You can log in quickly by using fingerprint authentication. (only for compatible models) ▼ Main features - Membership registration - Purchase ticket/Reserve seats (time designation, train name designation, easy free seat reservation)） - Confirm reservation - Change and refund reservation (reducing the number of persons) - Display purchase history and receipt - Check, change member information - Display QR-Ticket for boarding - Designate or register IC card for boarding - Service status information (Link) ▼ Notes - Membership registration is required to use this app. For registration, personal information is required, such as member name, date of birth, and a valid credit card, etc. - Ticket purchase (reservation) payment will be taken from the credit card registered on the account. -- You need to register or designate IC card for public transportation (*) to travel ticketless with IC card. (*) Kitaca, PASMO, Suica, manaca, TOICA, PiTaPa, ICOCA, Hayakaken, nimoca, SUGOCA - You need the pickup code to pick up tickets from ticket vending machines, etc., at main stations of Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kumamoto etc. - Please do not use this app to make a seat reservation for Japan Rail Pass. - This service is available only in English. - For more details on this service, please see the website. *The email address below is for inquiries about application specifications. Please note that we cannnot answer inquiries about the service.