Beginning March 14, 2026, all limited express trains operating within Hokkaido will move to an all-reserved seating system. In short, you will need to secure a reserved seat ticket before boarding. There will no longer be unreserved cars on these services.

You can still purchase tickets at station vending machines, but booking online is the smoother option, especially during busy seasons. The JR-EAST Train Reservation website, operated by JR Hokkaido and its partner companies, supports English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. Registration is free, and the interface is designed with international travelers in mind.

One important step to remember: even if you book online, you must collect a physical ticket in Japan. Tickets can be picked up at a reserved seat ticket machine or at a staffed ticket office at JR Hokkaido stations.

The only exception is the Rapid Airport (Kaisoku Airport). This train offers a ticketless reserved seat option, so you do not need to print a physical ticket if you choose that method.

JR Hokkaido trains are a lifeline for the community, used by students and commuters every day. Unfortunately, friction between travelers and locals can sometimes occur. To ensure everyone has a smooth journey, please keep these key etiquette points in mind.

In most cases, sitting in a reserved car requires a Reserved Seat Ticket. However, JR Hokkaido also offers something called an “Unassigned Seat Ticket” (Zaseki Mishitei-ken).

This ticket allows you to board without booking a specific train or seat in advance. You may sit in any open seat within a reserved car. That said, priority always goes to the passenger who has reserved that exact seat.

If the person assigned to your seat boards, you are expected to move immediately. And if the train is fully booked, you may need to stand in the deck area between cars. No refund is provided in this situation.

Since the cost is the same as a standard reserved ticket, reserving your exact seat ahead of time is strongly recommended, especially during busy travel periods.

Backpacks can easily bump into other passengers, especially in crowded cars or near doors. To avoid inconveniencing those around you, carry your backpack in front of you or place it on the overhead rack.

Even if the train looks quiet, seats should always remain available for other passengers. Placing bags on seats is discouraged, and putting your feet up is considered both disrespectful and unhygienic in Japan.

Aisles are shared spaces and must remain clear at all times. Store large suitcases in designated luggage areas or on overhead racks. Leaving bags near doors is strictly prohibited, as it can block emergency evacuation routes and slow boarding and disembarking.

In Japan, trains are generally quiet spaces. While travel is exciting, conversations should be kept low. Playing music or videos through smartphone speakers is considered impolite. Always use headphones, and make sure the sound does not leak out.

Please take all trash with you when you leave the train, or dispose of it in bins located in the deck area between cars. If no bin is available, carry it back to your accommodation.

There is a well-known Japanese saying: “Tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu,” which means a bird leaving the water does not muddy it. The idea is simple. Leave a place as clean as you found it. Following this spirit is a small but meaningful way to show respect during your journey in Japan.

We truly appreciate the many travelers who make an effort to follow railway etiquette in Japan. At the same time, it is completely understandable that some visitors may feel unsure about local customs simply because they have not encountered them before.

Trains operated by JR Hokkaido are more than a sightseeing tool. They are an essential part of daily life in Hokkaido, used by students heading to school and commuters traveling to work.

With just a bit of awareness and consideration, everyone can share the space comfortably. We hope this guide helps you enjoy a smooth, respectful journey while taking in the unforgettable landscapes of Japan’s northern island.

(Presented in partnership with JR Hokkaido.)