Shinkansen smartEX App

Shinkansen smartEX App

Tokaido/Sanyo/KyushuShinkansen

570 ratings
351 reviews
#163 in free Travel
✈️ Travel
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • October 30, 2017
  • September 14, 2026

Features

Shinkansen smartEX App screenshot #1 for iPhone
Shinkansen smartEX App screenshot #2 for iPhone
Shinkansen smartEX App screenshot #3 for iPhone
Shinkansen smartEX App screenshot #4 for iPhone
Shinkansen smartEX App screenshot #5 for iPhone
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About

Easily reserve Shinkansen seats, hotels, and activities. Enjoy discounts for early bookings and flexible changes. Access station and train service information, and use QR tickets or designated IC cards for seamless travel.

Reserve Shinkansen seats
Book hotels and activities
Early booking discounts
Free reservation changes
Select seats from map
QR-Ticket and IC card boarding
Fingerprint authentication login
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+1

What's New in Shinkansen smartEX App

10.1.2

September 14, 2026

▼Ver. 10.1.2 - Added Seat Information, enabling users to check same-day reservation details without logging in

Charts

Top Free

📉 163-7

Travel

This app dropped -7 positions in Travel chart.

Last updated on September 17, 2026.

User reviews

App Works

I was sceptical using this app after reading all other reviews. Seems like developers fixed the past issues.
I was able to book shinkansen easily and this App doesn't try to scam us out of extra money like some other apps (JapanTravel by Navittime)

This app lets you see the Discounted train seats as well unlike other apps.

I would recommend doing registration online before hoping on to this app.
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You don’t earn points!

Be aware that if you happen to reside in Japan, and use this app to purchase Shinkansen tickets you will not accumulate points through their EX point system. This was not mentioned anywhere and I have been missing out on probably thousands of points because I was purchasing it through the English app. If I had known, I would’ve downloaded the Japanese version of the app and set up a proper Japanese account. Waste.
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Amazing app

I dont know why this app only has 2 stars. It is amazing. I have never had a problem with it. I have never bought a physical ticket in Japan. I always just use the the app and link it to my Suica. It makes it so much more easy and convenient

Great

Bought tickets on two separate occasions using the app, account creation and linking my existing suica card in my Apple wallet was quick and easy, the tickets linked instantly to my suica, and I was able to just tap my phone on the IC lane and pick up my receipt. Overall it was a super smooth and easy experience.

Are bad reviews trying to keep this app a secret? Or maybe it’s hard to follow simple instructions lol
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Terrible app

This is the worst transportation app I have ever downloaded. Multiple one time passwords, frequent re log ins and basically unable to validate domestic AND international credit cards. Just awful. I want to give you my money, just take my money! Whoever is responsible for this app should be fired.

Developer apps

FAQ

What can I do with the Shinkansen smartEX App?

The app allows you to easily reserve Shinkansen seats, book hotels and activities, and access information about services in stations and on trains. You can also take advantage of early booking discounts and make free changes to your reservations before boarding.

How do I pay for tickets and reservations?

Ticket purchases and reservations are charged to the credit card registered to your account. Membership registration, which requires personal information and a valid credit card, is necessary to use the app for booking.

Can I use this app with a Japan Rail Pass?

No, this app is not intended for making seat reservations with a Japan Rail Pass. It is designed for direct ticket purchases and reservations for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.

How do I board the train with the app?

You can board the train using a QR-Ticket displayed within the app, or by designating and registering an IC card for public transportation. This allows for ticketless travel with compatible IC cards.

Is the app available in languages other than English?

Currently, this service is only available in English. For more detailed information about the service, please refer to the official website.