Shinkansen booking app

Hi All,

I was just booking some flights and noticed the following website which seems to be new that allows us to download an app and book tickets for the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen in English.

https://smart-ex.jp/en/lp/app/?utm_source=skyscanner&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sg&utm_term=031&utm_content=inline

Has anyone used this? When did it come out as I've not heard of it (yet!) but it is JR Central and JR West so it's not some dodgy website/app....

The English version launched on 30 October, 2017.

It's been running for a while, and a young Japanese relative uses it when he travels to his distant family's home. I've studied the system, but since I stay at a hotel instead of a home, I found it more reasonable and easier to book a JR Central skeleton package tour on-line. Some friends of mine did the same. I've also bought kaisuuken (multiple tickets) at the station or a kin-ken shop, depending on the style I travel.

So, I would say that if you often traveling alone without paying for accommodation, and you don't want to waste time going to a JR station near you, SmartEx can be a good option.

Been around over a year.

Just link your credit card for payment.

I use the local version for booking. It is extremely handy for business/frequent travellers who might have to book (or change booking) at the last minute. For me on the few occasions I've used it, it saved me the hassle of queuing up at the JR station ticket counter.

Guess I'm a bit behind on the ball with this one. It would have been helpful if it was available when I used to live in Japan but alas....