Cheaper Shinkansen tickets: Smart EX and Hayatoku 21 explained

By the Japan Travel Costs team. Every figure links to its source with the date we last checked it, and figures we cannot verify are left out. About us.

A train passing below a snow-capped Mount Fuji under a clear blue sky

Last checked 2026-10-21

Booking online through JR Central and JR West's Smart EX service can cut the cost of Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen trips. The Hayatoku 21 advance fare, for Nozomi and some other trains booked well ahead, is the same price on all days.

Route (one way, adult)Regular reservedHayatoku 21
Tokyo to Nagoya¥11,300¥10,370
Tokyo to Kyoto¥14,170¥12,430
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka¥14,720¥12,980
Tokyo to Hakata¥23,810¥17,920

Regular fares: NAVITIME. Hayatoku 21: official Smart EX price list, as of 13 March 2026. Smart EX fares go down ¥200 in off-peak and up ¥200 to ¥400 in peak periods (Smart EX). Last checked 2026-10-21.

Prices change. Confirm with the operator before booking.

Related