Hi, most ‘tutorials’ concerning the Japanes train ticketing system emphasise I have to get 2 tickets, the basic charge and the extra charge for faster categories. This I understand completely.
I’m researching transportation schedules and use a mix of Navitime Japan and Google maps. Certain routes, Navitime offers the option to buy tickets for (Limited) Express / Shinkansen through their website. E.g.: the Hida express train from Nagoya to Takayama.
My question is, what exactly do I buy online? Only the surcharge, and I have to get the basic charge in the station? Do I pay for both? Do I get physical tickets or some kind of QR code I have to scan and get physical tickets? I’m trying to figure out what it is I pay for, and how smart it is to buy these tickets in advance.
Thanks in advance.
by kenneth_gerruckt