What is Smart EX? What’s new with LINE integration?

Smart EX is an online reservation service jointly provided by JR Central, JR West, and JR Kyushu. It supports multiple languages, allowing travelers to reserve Shinkansen seats and ticket plans online in advance, then enter gates with a QR code or other designated methods, skipping the ticket counter. The newly added Smart EX LINE integration works like a “mini app” inside LINE, consolidating what used to require switching between apps or websites into a single chat interface, complete with integrated payment options like PayPay.

For travelers already using LINE to arrange itineraries, share links, or receive QR codes for tickets, this integration feels natural. The key point isn’t “just another entrance,” but rather concentrating the entire flow—find schedule → choose seat → pay → receive ticket info—on one platform, reducing friction from app-switching.

Recommended reading: How to Reserve Shinkansen Tickets in Japan: A Step-by-Step Smart EX Guide

Supported Routes & Who Should Use “LINEからEX”

Available routes: Primarily the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Shin-Osaka). If your trip is just between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka, this integration is especially convenient. For other Shinkansen lines (like Tohoku, Joetsu, Kyushu, etc.), you’ll still need to use other systems or station counters.

Best suited for: Travelers who use LINE frequently, prefer mobile payments, or already rely on PayPay; those who want to avoid queues or language barriers; and passengers who may need to change bookings on the go.

Not ideal for: Non-PayPay users, those preferring credit card payments, or anyone unwilling to open a mobile payment account. Also note: without completing PayPay identity verification, the spending cap is just 5,000 JPY—likely insufficient for Shinkansen tickets. Travelers with multi-company Shinkansen itineraries may still find traditional counters more practical.

Key Advantages Compared to Before

So what makes LINE × Smart EX genuinely useful?

First, it eliminates the long-standing requirement of needing a credit card to book Shinkansen. As long as you have PayPay, you can book tickets without a credit card—very friendly for those unable to obtain one.

Second, this service allows you to pay with PayPay points. For heavy PayPay users who accumulate large amounts of points, this is a smart way to use them directly on Shinkansen tickets, saving cash.

Finally, for those who don’t ride Shinkansen often, the feature is highly practical. Previously, you had to register for Smart EX and link a credit card before booking. Now, you can instantly book via LINE, skipping registration. It’s especially handy for last-minute plan changes.

Limitations & Risks (Must Read Before Use)

While media and official sources highlight advantages, these limitations and risks matter most for travelers:

1. Limited coverage: Works best between Tokyo–Shin-Osaka–Fukuoka–Kagoshima. For lines like Tohoku or Joetsu, you’ll still need other systems. For multi-line journeys, LINE only covers part of it.
2. Payment barriers: While convenient, PayPay setup, verification, top-up methods, and limits often cause issues for overseas travelers. If PayPay doesn’t work, you’ll fall back to credit cards via Smart EX.
3. Account & device risks: Since booking, payment, and tickets are tied to LINE, device loss or account issues can disrupt access. Always back up reservation numbers, QR codes, and carry ID.
4. Higher prices: LINE bookings cost 100 JPY more than Smart EX. Example: Tokyo–Shin-Osaka is 14,720 JPY normally, 14,620 JPY via LINE (100 JPY cheaper than paper tickets), but just 14,520 JPY with Smart EX. Early-bird discounts (e.g., EX Hayatoku 21) are unavailable in LINE. If price is key, Smart EX is better.
5. Seat selection & hours limited: LINE only lets you pick “window” or “aisle,” not specific seats or cars. Booking hours are 5:30–23:30, unlike Smart EX which is nearly 24/7. Less flexible for late-night planners.
6. Privacy concerns: Integration means data sharing between Smart EX, LINE, and payment services. Privacy-sensitive users should weigh pros and cons of consolidating personal data.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking Shinkansen via “LINEからEX”

Image source: JR Central/West/Kyushu: This Fall, You Can Book Shinkansen from LINE!

1. Search LINE and add the official “Tokaido・Sanyo・Kyushu Shinkansen Reservations” account: Open LINE, search Smart EX (or scan the official link) and add the official account. The booking entrance will appear.
2. Link LINE account info: First-time users must link their LINE account info and agree to terms (only once).
3. Enter trip details: Departure/arrival stations (e.g., Tokyo → Kyoto), date, time, train type (Nozomi/Hikari/Kodama), and seat preference (window/aisle).
4. Choose train & fare: System lists options.
5. Pay: Follow prompts to pay via PayPay in LINE. Reservation info and QR code are returned.
6. Boarding: Usually enter via QR code at gates, or link ticket to an IC card (like Suica) for access.

Ticket Types, Seats & Change/Refund Rules

Seat types: Non-reserved, reserved, and Green Car (first class). Most travelers should choose reserved seats, especially in busy seasons. But you cannot pick specific cars or seats—only window or aisle.

Fare plans: Vary by date, train, and campaigns. Early-bird or special fares are not offered via LINE.

Changes: Normally Smart EX allows free online changes. With LINE, you must cancel (320 JPY fee, partly refunded as 160 JPY PayPay coupon) and rebook. Cross-system changes or close-to-departure cases may require station help.

Tickets: Usually QR codes suffice for entry; no paper tickets are issued. IC cards (like Suica) can also be linked.

Payment Methods & Barriers for Overseas Travelers

A highlight is PayPay support within LINE. However, foreign travelers face hurdles: registration, Japanese phone numbers, identity verification, and top-up options affect usability. Even if topped up at 7-Eleven ATMs, unverified accounts face limits (transaction caps, device risk controls, etc.).

Smart EX supports international credit cards, which are often more reliable. If you can already use a card smoothly on Smart EX, the main value of LINE integration is convenience, not payment flexibility. Our advice: use cards if you can, PayPay if it suits you. The priority is minimizing errors and hassle.

PayPay: Enjoy Cashless Shopping in Japan!

Who Should Switch to Smart EX LINE Now?

Best suited for: Frequent Tokyo–Kansai travelers, existing Smart EX users, daily LINE users, and those comfortable with PayPay or cards. This group benefits most.

Better stick to old methods if: Multi-line long trips, very tight schedules, or unfamiliar with LINE payments. Safer to book core routes via Smart EX/counters and test LINE on secondary legs.

Tips for Smooth Use of “LINEからEX”

• Link accounts first: Set up Smart EX membership, LINE, and PayPay in advance.
• Keep offline backups: Save reservation numbers and QR codes offline in case of network or LINE issues.
• Book early for peak seasons: Cherry blossom, Golden Week, summer, New Year—plan early. If trains are full, check nearby times or different train types (Hikari/Kodama).
• Hybrid strategy works best: Use Smart EX LINE for main Shinkansen, and Suica/ICOCA for local travel.

Comparisons: Station Counter vs Smart EX App

In Japan, travelers usually had two options: buy at station counters or use the Smart EX app. Now “LINE booking” is a third option. Here’s how they stack up:

Station counter: Still intuitive for first-time travelers. You can speak English (sometimes Chinese) with staff and get paper tickets for peace of mind—ideal for complex itineraries, multiple passengers, or special needs (e.g., wheelchairs, children). Downsides: queues and repeat visits for changes.

Smart EX app: The most stable official booking option. Supports international cards, nearly 24/7, and cheaper than paper tickets. Free unlimited changes. Downsides: account registration needed, higher barrier for newcomers.

LINE booking: No membership or credit card required—PayPay only. Convenient for spontaneous trips and LINE users. Downsides: fares slightly higher, hours limited (5:30–23:30), and no precise seat selection.

FAQ

Summary & Recommendations

If your trip is mainly between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima, Smart EX LINE is worth trying. It consolidates “Japan Shinkansen booking” into LINE and supports PayPay or credit card payments, making the process smoother. Key takeaways:

• Main value: Integrated access, mobile booking, no credit card needed, PayPay point usage.
• Main limits: Focused on Tokaido Shinkansen, PayPay/verification/payment caps, limited booking hours, no exact seat selection.
• Strategy: Use credit cards in Smart EX when possible; use LINE + PayPay if it fits you. Secure Shinkansen seats first, then use Suica/ICOCA for local connections.

In short: A convenient new option, but best used flexibly alongside existing methods.