What happens if miss Shinkansen?
Missing a reserved Shinkansen? Don't panic! If you have a reserved seat ticket, you can usually board a later Shinkansen on the same day, using the non-reserved section. There's no penalty for missing a reserved seat booked with a JR Pass, but your reservation is forfeited. Simply find an available seat on a subsequent train.
Missed Shinkansen Train: What Happens Next?
Okay, so I totally flubbed a Shinkansen once. Let me tell you, panic almost set in.
If you miss your reserved seat Shinkansen, breathe. You can hop on another train.
You can use the unreserved seats on a later Shinkansen that day. Same route, of course!
Missing the Hayabusa was not great, let me tell you. Cost about 5000 JPY for the original ticket (I think, honestly memory fuzzy).
JR Pass? No penalty if you mess up a reserved seat. Whew! Just get on another one, unreserved section.
The tricky bit? Some Shinkansen only have reserved seating.
Then… I got confused. What then?! Had this exact thought on 15 August last year in Tokyo Station.
You still likely get to travel… Just ask staff, they were SO helpful when I messed up.
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