Digital Train Tickets in Japan: Online Platforms and Pickup

Japan Rail: How to Collect Pre-Purchased Tickets at Stations (Green Machines)

Online Reservation Platforms

The diagram above notes 

“予約したきっぷのお受取り / Yoyaku shita kippu no o uketori”

Pick up  your reserved tickets

emphasizing that users can retrieve their digitally booked tickets at this machine.  The diagram also prominently features three online reservation platforms:

• SmartEX:
• A digital reservation platform primarily for JR Central’s Tokaido, Sanyo, and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen lines, allowing users to book Shinkansen tickets online via smartphone or PC and pick them (i.e., paper tickets) up at ticket machines or use them directly with a QR code (i.e., electronic tickets). 
• e5489:
• An online reservation service by JR West, JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu, and parts of JR East, covering Shinkansen (e.g., Sanyo, Kyushu, Hokuriku) and limited express trains. This platform is convenient for western Japan travelers.
• JR九州 (JR Kyushu): 
• Refers to JR Kyushu’s online reservation system for trains in Kyushu (e.g., Kyushu Shinkansen, limited express trains like Kamome or Tsubame).

For more details on purchasing tickets online and picking them up at Western Japan Stations, read the article below:

• How to Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online

In this article, we will focus on the e5489 online JR Ticket Reservation platform.

What is e5489 ?

The West Japan Railway Company provides e5489, a service allowing online ticket reservations and purchases for JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR East (some) limited express trains, and the Sanyo, Kyushu, Nishi Kyushu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen. Additionally, J-WEST card members can utilize exclusive member-only tickets.

Regular Tickets vs Electronic Tickets

For Japanese railway systems, particularly JR (Japan Railways) and platforms such as e5489, a comparison can be made between 通常のきっぷ (futsū no kippu, "regular tickets") and eきっぷ (e-kippu, "electronic tickets"). These terms distinguish traditional paper tickets from digital tickets offered through online platforms like e5489 or other JR e-ticket services.

A detailed comparison follows.

Aspect	通常のきっぷ (Regular Tickets)	eきっぷ (Electronic Tickets)
Definition	Physical paper tickets	Digital tickets via online platforms
Purchase Method	In-person at stations or agencies	Online via apps/websites (e.g., e5489, SmartEX)
Convenience	Less convenient, requires physical visits	Highly convenient, bookable from anywhere
Cost/Discounts	No extra fees, limited discounts	Potential savings, membership benefits
Availability	All JR trains, but subject to in-person limits	Specific routes (e.g., Shinkansen), online only
Usage	Present physical ticket at gates	Use QR code, IC card, or pick up at machines
Security	Risk of loss/damage, no digital risks	Risk of digital errors, but less physical loss
Target Audience	Traditional, non-tech users	Tech-savvy, frequent travelers

e5489 Usage Rules by Region

e5489 Usage Rules by Region

The diagram above illustrates the various regions to which the e5489 usage rules apply:

• Light blue area: Electronic tickets available online; regular ticket reservations available online with benefits (特典あり)
• Light green area: Regular ticket reservations available online with benefits (特典あり)
• Light yellow area: Regular ticket reservations available online without benefits (特典なし)
• Gray Lines: Reservations not permitted

Experiencing Itsukushima: More Than Just the Floating Torii

Japan’s Island of the Gods: 48 Hours in Miyajima (YouTube link)

Itsukushima is a small island in Hiroshima Bay, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Itsukushima Shrine 嚴島神社, with its iconic "floating" torii gate that appears to hover over the water at high tide. 

Itsukushima is a must-see for any visitor to Japan. Its unique beauty and cultural significance make it an unforgettable experience.

Here's why:

Travelers often praise:

• The serene atmosphere
• The opportunity to experience something truly unique

Itsukushima Shrine:

• Origins trace back to the 6th century
• Current structure from the 12th century
• A masterpiece of Heian-period architecture

Additional attractions:

• Mount Misen for hiking with panoramic views
• A laid-back vibe, contrasting with busy cities like Hiroshima (a short ferry ride away)

Considerations:

• Crowds can swell during peak seasons:
• Cherry blossom time (late March to early April)
• Autumn foliage (November)
• Tide impacts the torii gate’s “floating” effect:
• Low tide leaves it grounded in mud
• Timing is key for the full experience

Ideal for photography or history buffs:

• Plan visits around high tide schedules

Compact destination:

• Most highlights doable in a day
• Overnight stays offer a quieter, after-hours charm

The World-Famous Floating Torii Gate

One-Day Miyajima Trip via the JR West Miyajima Ferry

Here is a one-day itinerary, created with the help of Grok 3, starting from the JR West Miyajima Ferry at Miyajimaguchi.

This Sunday, March 23, 2025, plan starts and ends with the JR West Miyajima Ferry, delivering a full day with that nighttime torii highlight. The early spring setting adds a subtle blossom bonus.

Morning: Ferry to Miyajima and Shrine

9:00 AM - Board JR West Miyajima Ferry at Miyajimaguchi

• Start at the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal. The JR West Miyajima Ferry runs frequently (every 15-30 minutes during peak hours), with service from 6:25 AM. Take the 9:00 AM or 9:15 AM ferry—10 minutes across Hiroshima Bay. If you’ve got a JR Pass, it’s free; otherwise, ¥200 one way. Sit on the right side facing forward for a prime torii gate preview.

9:15 AM - Arrive at Miyajima Pier

• You’re on the island! Deer will eye your bags—keep food tucked away. It’s a 10-minute walk to Itsukushima Shrine, so head straight there.

9:30 AM - Itsukushima Shrine at Low Tide

• Morning often aligns with low tide (check tide tables). On March 23, 2024, low tide likely hit around 8-10 AM (based on Hiroshima Bay cycles). 
• Entry: ¥300. Walk the seabed to the “floating” torii gate—barnacles and mud make it raw and real (no coin-tossing; it’s discouraged). The shrine’s 12th-century planks and halls feel timeless—UNESCO earned.

10:45 AM - Omotesando Shopping Street

• Hit this lively street near the pier. Grab a grilled oyster (¥300-500) or momiji manju (¥100-150)—the maple pastries might have a spring twist. Shops buzz more on a Sunday; snag a wooden rice scoop as a keepsake.

Midday: Mount Misen Adventure

11:15 AM - Miyajima Ropeway to Mount Misen

• Walk 15 minutes to Momijidani Station (signs guide you past the shrine). Ride the ropeway (¥1,100 one-way, ¥2,000 round-trip). The 20-minute ascent ends at Shishi-iwa Observatory—great views already. Hike 30 minutes to the 535-meter summit—steep but rewarding, with early cherry blossoms possibly dotting the lower trails. Wear decent shoes.

1:00 PM - Lunch with a View

• Pack a bento from Miyajimaguchi (or buy one on Omotesando) and eat at the summit—Seto Inland Sea panoramas pair perfectly with spring air. If you’d rather dine below, descend by 12:45 PM and visit Fujitaya for anago-meshi (eel rice, ¥2,000-3,000)—Sunday might need a reservation.

Afternoon: Temples and Tide Shift

2:15 PM - Daisho-in Temple

• Back on ground level, walk 10 minutes to this peaceful Buddhist temple at Misen’s base. Founded in 806, it’s less crowded—spin the prayer wheels and admire the 500 unique Buddha statues, some with knitted hats. Early spring greenery adds a fresh touch.

3:15 PM - Senjokaku Pavilion and Pagoda

• Five minutes from the shrine, explore this open hall (free) and the 1407 Five-Story Pagoda—its red contrasts nicely with budding trees. A quick, scenic stop.

3:45 PM - High Tide Torii Check

• By late afternoon, the tide’s rising (high tide likely ~3-5 PM—verify for March 23, 2025). Revisit the torii from the shore—it’s starting to “float.” The water’s creep transforms the morning’s mudflat into a reflective scene.

Evening: Nighttime Viewing

5:00 PM - Sunset and Dinner

• Sunset’s around 6:20 PM on March 23, 2025—watch it near the shrine, framing the torii. Then, dine at Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto (3-minute walk) for a kaiseki meal with local seafood (¥5,000-10,000, book ahead for Sunday).

6:30 PM - Illuminated Torii Viewing

• After sunset, the torii and shrine glow until ~11:00 PM. With high tide (hopefully) peaking, it “floats” under the lights—stunning and serene, especially as Sunday crowds thin out. Shoreline or pier gives the best angles; bring a camera with low-light prowess.

8:00 PM - Final Stroll and Ferry Back

• Wander Omotesando one last time—Sunday evening keeps some shops open, and the island quiets down. Head to the pier for your return. The JR West Miyajima Ferry runs until 10:00 PM from Miyajima—catch the 8:15 PM or 8:45 PM (frequency drops after 7:00 PM).

8:15 PM - Ferry to Miyajimaguchi

• Ten minutes back, with the illuminated coast as your farewell.

8:30 PM - Arrive at Miyajimaguchi

• Back at the terminal—ready for your next step.

Logistics and Tips

• Ferry Time: ~20 minutes round-trip. ¥400 total without JR Pass.
• Cost: Ferry (¥400), shrine (¥300), ropeway (¥2,000), food/souvenirs (~¥3,000-7,000)—¥5,700-10,000 total.
• Tide Timing: Low AM, high PM (estimated; check 2025 Hiroshima tide charts). Night viewing’s best at high tide.
• Ferry Schedule: 6:25 AM first from Miyajimaguchi, 10:00 PM last from Miyajima. Confirm at jr-miyajimaferry.co.jp closer to 2025.
• Sunday Spring Vibe: Early cherry blossoms (pre-peak), mild weather, moderate crowds (less intense than Saturday).
• Gear: Light jacket, comfy shoes, camera, cash (cards not always accepted)

This plan starts and ends with the JR West Miyajima Ferry, giving you a full day capped by that stunning nighttime torii. 

References

1. Itsukushima Shrine
2. Tide and Current Predictor

Saikokuji Temple's Unique Charm: Giant Sandals and Serene Views

A Sight to Behold: Giant Sandals Greet Visitors at Saikokuji Temple 摩尼山 西國寺

If you are in Onomichi, Saikokuji Temple 摩尼山 西國寺 is worth a visit for its Japanese culture, history, architecture, or simply to enjoy serene landscapes with cultural depth.

• Cultural and Historical Significance: Saikokuji Temple is one of the major temples on Onomichi's mountain walk, known for its rich history originating in the 8th century and traditionally attributed to Gyoki.
• Unique Feature: The temple's Niomon gate is adorned with giant straw sandals, symbolizing prayers for good health and strong legs.
• Views: Its hilltop location offers stunning views of Onomichi.
• Experience: Saikokuji is part of the Onomichi Temple Walk, a scenic route encompassing around 25 temples.

Saikokuji campground Map (Japanese)

Connecting Onomichi: Bus Stop Information at the Onomichi Station

My Temple Tour, Courtesy of a Cat  (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

Although Saikokuji is somewhat removed from the central station, it is accessible by bus and then on foot, offering a quieter, less crowded experience compared to more central attractions. The photos below are a testament to that visit on December 3, 2024.

Praying for Strong Legs: Giant Sandals Adorn Niomon 仁王門

Saigokuji Temple's Three-Story Pagoda

Onomichi: A Cat Lover's Paradise, Even Beyond Cat Alley

A Blaze of Color: Koko-en in Autumn

A Mother's Fear: Girl Crosses Pond on Stepping Stones as Mother Watches Anxiously

If you're in the Hyogo area, particularly if you're visiting Himeji Castle 姫路城, Koko-en is definitely worth a visit for its unique design, historical context, and the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, traditional Japanese garden experience.

• Garden Design: Koko-en consists of nine separate gardens, each with its own theme and reflecting Edo period (1603-1868) gardening principles. These include gardens for different seasons, tea ceremonies, and even a "lord's residence garden," providing a diverse and beautiful experience.
• Historical Significance: Built in 1992 on the site of former samurai residences, Koko-en was constructed to commemorate Himeji City's 100th anniversary. It's not just a garden but a piece of history, offering insights into the lifestyle and culture of the Edo period.
• Cultural Experience: The garden includes a tea house where visitors can participate in or observe a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, enhancing your cultural experience.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The garden is praised for its meticulous maintenance, with various water features, koi ponds, and beautifully landscaped areas. It's particularly noted for its tranquility and the variety of photo opportunities it presents.

A Blaze of Color: Koko-en in Autumn (1/2; YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

Koko-en 好古園 was one of my favorite locations for autumn color viewing during my latest autumn trip to Japan. It was also a surprise to me, as I didn't expect it to be so beautiful, with beautifully landscaped areas and various water features, including koi ponds.

Vibrant Maples Greet Visitors at Koko-en Entrance

Natural Bamboo Fence Creates Beautiful Garden Divisions

A Picture of Autumn: Koi Swimming in Leaf-Strewn Pond

Himeji Castle's Majesty Amidst Autumn's Glow

A Feast of Autumn Colors in the Garden

Ninomaru Garden of Light: Illuminating Autumn at Matsuyama Castle

The "Ninomaru Garden of Light" transforms the garden into a magical space at night

Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden, especially beautiful in autumn, offers stunning views of fall foliage.

• Castle & Foliage: The magnificent view of Matsuyama Castle and the autumn leaves in the garden harmonize to create a breathtaking landscape.
• Distant View: Spectacular panoramic view of the illuminated gardens.
• Teahouse View: Serene enjoyment of autumn leaves from the garden's teahouse, evoking a sense of Japanese history and beauty.
• Pond Reflections: Fantastic beauty of autumn leaves mirrored in the garden pond.
• Illumination イルミネーション: "Ninomaru Garden of Light" (scheduled for November 18th to 26th in 2023) transforms the garden into a magical space at night.
• Lover's Sanctuary: Romantic atmosphere created by illuminated leaves and the Lover's Sanctuary monument, popular for photoshoots.
• Seasonal Contrast: Beautiful contrast between new green shoots and vibrant autumn colors.

Evening Glow: Ninomaru Garden of Light (YouTube link)

Photo Gallery

On the evening of November 24, 2024, I set off straight to the "Ninomaru Garden of Light" event after discovering that the illumination was taking place that very night. As I entered the Ninomaru Historical Garden, I was transported to an enchanting realm, transformed into a magical wonderland by the mesmerizing lights.

Illuminated Umbrella at Ninomaru Garden Entrance

Illuminated Tea House in Ninomaru Garden Entrance

Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden: The Lover's Sanctuary (松山城二の丸史跡庭園: 恋人の聖地)

Matsuyama Castle at the Top: A View from Ninomaru Garden

View of Ferris Wheel Kururin (大観覧車くるりん) from Ninomaru Historical Garden

Couple Leaving Ninomaru Garden

Autumn foliage illumination at Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historical Garden (YouTube link)