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| 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:
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.
- 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:
In this article, we will focus on the e5489 online JR Ticket Reservation platform.
What is e5489 ?
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 |
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| 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 (特典あなし)
- Gray area: Reservations not permitted
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