Has anyone used the Smart Ex mobile app to purchase Shinkansen tickets? Smart Ex is often suggested as a good way to buy tickets before travelling to Japan, but the app has terrible reviews on the app store with complaints that they cannot link to a credit card. Just wondering if this has been fixed.
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142 helpful votes The issue with credit cards hasn’t been resolved. Unless you’re going to be here during a peak travel period such as Golden Week, take care of your Shinkansen ticket matters at any JR station after your arrival in Japan.
American Express works absolutely fine with them. And I think so does Mastercard.
Keep in mind that smart ex does not allow you to purchase tickets from Kyushu Shinkansen or jr west and east. Only central. Like someone else mentioned just buy it when you are in Japan.
I know the feeling all too well of not being in control of my organizing a trip smoothly but Japan is so absolutely accommodating that it’s easy once you submit and surrender to the difference. Go with the flow and enjoy
Actually you can buy tickets for the Kyushu Shinkansen (JR Kyushu), Sanyo Shinkansen (JR West) and Tokaido Shinkansen (JR Central) on the smart-ex service.
I recommend using regular tickets unless you're getting a significant discount through the smart-ex service, as the ticket rules are somewhat disadvantageous compared to regular tickets. You can buy regular tickets at the station, etc. or on JR West https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/overview/
Okay, great; Thanks for the advice!
I have used the online interface. Booked in advance. Booking only 30 days in advance. I had no issue on using the website even on the phone. Visa card is not accepted on the website. QR code will be needed to get your actual paper ticket at a vending machine. We booked for sectors Tokyo to Kyoto and Kyoto to Osaka.
While you I guess , can buy those tickets on the smart ex website , the routes available take hours instead of the fastest routes. That I why I bought my tickets on the other websites ( jr west , east , etc ) found the better routes. And actually when I was trying to purchase Kanazawa to Sendai it wouldn’t let me. I had to go to jr west instead
Unfortunately, I think only Amex works on this app. Other than this, it's really a great and convenient app. We were able to book all the tickets for our itinerary at the days and times we wanted and get discounts for my family by booking within 30 days in advance of our trip. One thing I would advise is not to use the app between 11:30 to 5:30 am Japan time because the app sometimes go into maintenance mode and would not complete the transaction.
SmartEx only provides access to a portion of the shinkansen network. When it was introduced, it was innovative and a good option. However, official JR booking sites like Ekinet for JREast or the JRWest site provide booking options as well, and for non shinkansen trains too.
Thank you so much. That was my experience. Or if there was an option for destination it took 4-6 hours bs 1.5 hr.
