Using limited express JR

Hi,
Without a JR pass, how do you ride a JR limited express? Can you buy the ticket in any ticket machine or is that only for the base fare? Do I have to buy the ticket in the JR travel desk instead?

Or can I board the train with just the base fare ticket and pay the ltd express fee onboard?

Is there any "list" of trains that only carry reserved seats? I know the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakodate do so but that's the Shinkansen, not sure about limited express trains...

Ticket machines usually only sell tickets for trains departing from that station, though it can vary widely. If unsure, the ticket counter is really your best bet. This applies to both base fare and supplement tickets.

Hyperdia is one easy way to see what seating options are available on a particular train.

The railway companies websites will have the details of what trains are reserve only trains.

The railway companies websites will have the details of what trains are reserve only trains.

Oh yes? Can you find a complete list of, say, JR West's all-reserved trains on their website?

Guess I will go with the ticket counter then. Thank you for your patroange.

If using a ticket machine, you can buy the express fee/ticket as well - there is an option.

Unfortunately for lots of people using express trains they only buy the basic fare, and are then confused when they cannot get through the ticket gate - I see this a lot at Narita (at least half-a-dozen people yesterday in front of me being very confused).

@ Mossly

Basically see the timetable on each JR(6 companies) web.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/index.html
But for most cases searching at "HyperDia" instead enough.
http://i.imgur.com/49u7aXS.png
(Also "bullet train" check box off)
No all such trains list in English
but such trains result is no showing "Unreserved" fee menu like this.
http://i.imgur.com/NPwD4v1.png
http://i.imgur.com/9gcKtKV.png
(Real trains using "Non-Reserved" as EN direction/sign)
http://file.hokomaku.blog.shinobi.jp/oita-883-s-kn-yanagigaura-n-ns-nr...

Purchasing ticket(s) at vending machine or ticket office usual.
(At JR travel desk possible mostly)
But some exceptions(like N'EX or thru service train JR fr/to other Railway company section without transfering)
and if in rural no ticket vending machine/ticket office station case,
you can purchase from conductor after getting in.
Also often if really busy no time for purchasing cases,too.(especially for Last train)
After getting in case if conductor doesn't coming
by busy,crawded,shorter section or some other reasons
you will pay at get off station ticket gate as "fare adjustment".
(no penalty/fine, no worry)

JR-East's guide(in EN) may understand easier than other companies.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/index.html
(Not mentioned all case like above, but)
Only JR-East and JR Hokkaido's major LtdExp
you can purchase at their web even fr out of Japan
but some requirement with. (above link included as menu button)
----------------------------------------------------
Differences :

- JR ticket office/JR travel desk :
Covered all JRs most trains reservation.
Reserved seat ticket sales starts one month before.

- Train conductor :
Managed on the train and connecting trains only.
(except emergency cases by serious delay and accident)

- Travel agencies (Not belonging JR groups/one of JR ticket saler placed out of rail stn)
Covered all JRs most trains reservation and
reserved seat ticket sales starts one month before rule is same,
but some companies need "service charges" around 500Y plus.
(JR ticket office/JR travel desk is no such charge)

-Ticket vending machine :
Touch "English" button first like this.
https://youtu.be/qLJx619t4HI
But urban city stations separated with
"Regular(for short ride by commuter trains)" type and
"Reserved(for LtdExp and Shinkansen trains)" type usual like this.
(sample)
Akihabara stn in Tokyo(JR-East) : http://i.imgur.com/JYl2Vkf.jpg
Niigata stn in Niigata(JR-East) : http://i.imgur.com/5eAh0sh.jpg
Reserved type also sales Non-Reserved seat car tickets.

Some stns platform of LtdExp trains vending machine standing with case also exist. (not so many)
http://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/46/2e/9d947be6895cbf7019de47d5d6bb...
http://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/1e/72/a0791aa8c40f8ce615c708e2db7c...
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(note)
Shinkansen is also one of LtdExp as ticket rules,
but in fact announcements using "Super Express" instead for passengers.
https://youtu.be/q0qTOy057Es

Oh yes? Can you find a complete list of, say, JR West's all-reserved trains on their website?

Not such lists. JR for example has only a few seasonal ltd exp trains like the SL Yamaguchi and SL Biwako, so I'm doubtful they need to give said info out. As most of JR West's ltd exp trains have some cars with non reserved seating.

JR Kyushu has a train section on their website that clearly state which are reserve only trains. JR East has similar info in their Joyful trains section. Odakyu Railway also has similar on their website.

I requires someone to do a little homework for themselves. Clearly if people don't wanna do homework. They can just use hyperdia like you suggested earlier, and have a look at what seating options are available for each train.