Booking online allows you to reserve seats in advance and often link tickets to a digital IC card (like Suica) for paperless travel.

If you prefer physical tickets or need staff assistance, you can buy them directly at major JR stations.

: Used for travel north and east from Tokyo, including the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines.

: Identified by a green sign/clover logo. Staff can answer specific questions, though lines can be long during peak hours. Important Tips

: A popular third-party travel agent for international tourists, useful if official sites reject your credit card. In Person (Best for Same-Day Travel)