Did you know that the Shinkansen offers numerous barrier-free accommodations, such as wheelchair seats and multipurpose rooms for wheelchair users?
In this article, we will cover everything from how to reserve a seat for wheelchair users to the various barrier-free measures by JR companies, along with the personal experiences of the author, who is a wheelchair user, when using the Shinkansen.
This content is intended for those planning to travel, so please read until the end.
1. How to Reserve and Board the Shinkansen with a Wheelchair
1-1. Reservation Methods: Phone, Website, and In-Person Procedures and Tips
Shinkansen seats are available as both non-reserved and reserved seats. However, wheelchair seats are generally only available as reserved seats, so we will explain how to reserve a reserved seat here.
Reservations can be made at station counters, by phone, or on the website starting one month before your travel date. If you require assistance from station staff, it is recommended to mention this when making your reservation.
If you are making a reservation at the station, please do so directly at a station with a Midori no Madoguchi (ticket office).
If you prefer to make a reservation by phone, you can do so through the support dial of each JR company. The phone numbers are as follows:
・JR East Japan: 050-2016-1600
・JR West Japan: 0570-00-8989
・JR Kyushu: 0570-07-8787
For JR Central, you need to apply directly at the Shinkansen boarding station, so please refer to the site below.
Reference: Application phone number for customers using wheelchairs in our area
Additionally, Shinkansen tickets can also be reserved on the website.
After filling in the necessary details, you will receive a call regarding the result of your application. You can then purchase your ticket at the station you specified during the application. Please note that you may need to present a disability certificate when purchasing.
As for the multipurpose room, only the Sanyo Shinkansen of JR West Japan allows web applications, so if you wish to reserve a multipurpose room other than on the Sanyo Shinkansen, please make your reservation at the station counter or by phone.
We would appreciate your feedback, so please participate in our survey.
The application sites for each company are as follows.
Reference: For customers with disabilities｜East Japan Railway Company
Reference: For customers with disabilities｜West Japan Railway Company
Reference: How to use the wheelchair seat application form｜Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central)
Reference: Guide to using the wheelchair seat web application｜Kyushu Railway Company
If you have any questions about usage, please consult each company's call center.
1-2. Preparations Before Boarding: Confirming Car Numbers and Seats and Requesting Assistance from Station Staff
When applying via the website, you will need to fill in the departure time and car number.
In such cases, please use "Ekinet." By entering the boarding and alighting stations and the date, you can quickly find your desired car.
Reference: Ekinet
Each car has two wheelchair-accessible seats, one multipurpose room, and some cars on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Hokuriku Shinkansen have 4-6 wheelchair spaces.
Please inquire about seats when purchasing your ticket.
Additionally, there is a slight gap and step between the platform and the Shinkansen. If you need to use a wheelchair ramp or require guidance within the station, please inform them when making your reservation.
1-3. Points to Note for Wheelchair Users: Restrictions by Train or Car
All Shinkansen cars have wheelchair seats, so there are no restrictions by train.
Wheelchair seats are often located in car 7 or car 11, and the car doors are designed to be wide, allowing even large electric wheelchairs (approximately 70 cm wide) to board without issues. Additionally, multipurpose rooms and barrier-free toilets are located in the same car.
However, there are very few trains with wheelchair seats in non-reserved seating. If you purchase a non-reserved seat, you will have to wait in the deck, so for long-distance travel, reserved seats are recommended.
1-4. Voices of Wheelchair Users and People with Disabilities Using the Shinkansen
This time, Ayumi asked wheelchair users about their experiences using the Shinkansen.
Many preferred using the multipurpose room, where they could relax without worrying about other passengers.
However, as mentioned above, the multipurpose room often cannot be reserved online, which seems to cause inconvenience.
Wheelchair influencer Ryoko Nakajima has shared the following post:
When I tried to buy the round-trip tickets I had reserved by phone at the Shinkansen ticket counter at Tokyo Station, they had no idea what I was talking about, and I ended up having to take a Shinkansen two trains later. Even though I made a reservation, the private room wasn't available, and it took over 30 minutes to buy the tickets, so I probably won't make it to the next one either.
— Ryoko Nakajima®︎Ryoko Nakajima (@NakashimaMinion) June 10, 2023
What was the point of the phone reservation? 😡#WheelchairOnShinkansen
You can read Ryoko Nakajima's interview article below.
Reference:
Upon investigation, it seems there are still many challenges with Shinkansen reservations. When reserving a wheelchair seat on the Shinkansen, it seems necessary to act with plenty of time.
2. Features of Barrier-Free Facilities on the Shinkansen
2-1. Features of Multipurpose Rooms and Dedicated Seats for Wheelchair Users
Shinkansen wheelchair seats come in three types: "wheelchair-accessible seats," "wheelchair spaces," and "multipurpose rooms."
Reference: For customers using wheelchairs｜West Japan Railway Company
Wheelchair-accessible seats have one regular seat space open, with seat belts to secure the wheelchair and are designed to facilitate easy transfer to the adjacent seat. Of course, it is also possible to use them while seated in the wheelchair. These seats are installed in all cars.
Wheelchair spaces are installed on the Tokaido and Hokuriku Shinkansen, providing ample space for use while seated in a wheelchair. These seats were added to the Tokaido Shinkansen in 2021 and are characterized by being easy to use even for stretcher-type wheelchair users.
Finally, the multipurpose room has space for entering while seated in a wheelchair, and the seat can be extended to use as a bed for lying down.
Additionally, if you experience sudden illness or need to nurse, you can use the multipurpose room only when it is not reserved, so please inform the staff.
2-2. Access to Ticket Gates and Platforms: Guidance Services and Routes
When visiting a place for the first time, it can be challenging to navigate the station.
If you requested assistance from station staff when reserving your Shinkansen ticket, they can guide you to your destination within the station.
Additionally, information on barrier-free facilities such as toilets within the station can be found on each company's website.
2-3. Introducing Other Barrier-Free Measures on the Shinkansen!
Next to the multipurpose room, there is a barrier-free toilet equipped with a backrest, handrails, and a baby bed. The space is just enough for one wheelchair to fit.
Handrails are also installed on the deck, ensuring safe use even during travel.
Furthermore, staff provide guidance to your seat and assist with preparations for disembarking as the arrival approaches, ensuring a complete barrier-free experience in terms of service.
3. Tips for Enjoying Travel with a Wheelchair on the Shinkansen
3-1. Purchase Tickets at Discounted Rates Using a Disability Certificate
With a disability certificate, you can purchase tickets at half price.
If you have a physical disability certificate or a rehabilitation certificate with a notation of Type 1 or Type 2 in the passenger fare reduction section, both the certificate holder and the caregiver are eligible for discounts.
To apply the discount, you need to present your disability certificate or the Mirairo ID disability certificate app when purchasing tickets.
The Mirairo ID is introduced in detail in the article below, so please take a look.
Reference:
Previously, discounted tickets for people with disabilities had to be purchased at the Midori no Madoguchi, but JR East Japan began selling them on Ekinet from February 26, 2024.
JR West Japan also started a similar initiative on e5489 from February 27, increasing convenience.
With Ekinet and e5489, you can now reserve JR Group tickets with disability discounts.
Additionally, on Ekinet, you can reserve Shinkansen e-tickets with disability discounts and set reservations for tickets with disability discounts and ticketless limited express tickets for conventional lines.
For Ekinet, you need to link your "User ID" with Mynaportal, and for e5489, you need to link your "WESTER ID," and you must collect your tickets at the designated ticket machine or Midori no Kenbaiki before boarding.
Even so, the need to go to the station to purchase tickets has been eliminated, allowing people with disabilities to use the Shinkansen more comfortably and at discounted rates, potentially increasing opportunities for outings.
Note that the disability discount is not limited to wheelchair users. The following individuals are also eligible. Please make use of it.
- Visually impaired individuals (those who are blind or have low vision)
- Hearing impaired individuals (those who are deaf or hard of hearing)
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Individuals with mental disabilities (full application starting April 2025)
For more details, please refer to the table below.
| Eligible | Types of Discounted Tickets | Discount Rate | Remarks |
| Type 1 Disabled Person and Caregiver | Regular tickets, multiple-ride tickets, commuter passes, regular express tickets | 50% | Caregiver is also eligible for discount |
| Type 2 Disabled Person (solo use) | Regular tickets for trips over 100 km one way | 50% | For solo travel |
| Mental Disability Certificate (2025 version) | Same as above | 50% | Full application for mental disabilities starting April 2025 |
3-2. Check Access to Tourist Spots After Getting Off the Shinkansen
Once you arrive at your destination by Shinkansen, head to the tourist spots.
Checking access information on the tourist spot's website or Google Maps in advance may help you travel smoothly.
If you plan to use conventional lines, inform them when reserving your Shinkansen ticket, and they can guide you for transfers to conventional lines.
Ayumi introduces nationwide barrier-free information sites in the article below. Please use it as a reference.
Reference:
3-3. Confirm Shinkansen Operation Information and Reservation Change Methods by the Day Before
You can check Shinkansen operation information on each company's website below.
・JR East Japan: https://traininfo.jreast.co.jp/train_info/shinkansen.aspx
・JR West Japan: https://trafficinfo.westjr.co.jp/sanyo.html
・JR Central: https://traininfo.jr-central.co.jp/shinkansen/pc/ja/index.html
・JR Kyushu: https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/trains/info/shin.html
For reservation changes, please inform the station where you made your reservation. Changes are generally allowed only once, and from the second time onward, a fee will be charged as with cancellations, so please be careful.
4. The Author's Experience Using the Shinkansen
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