‘EX Hayatoku Limited-Time Sale’ Launches on the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen
JR Central and JR West are launching the ‘EX Hayatoku Limited-Time Sale!’ on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen starting today, June 26, 2026. Timed for the Obon holiday travel season, this limited-time discount lets travelers ride the Nozomi reserved ordinary car at lower fares.
Condition: Book Two or More People Together
The sale requires a simultaneous reservation for two or more passengers via the online booking services ‘Express Reservation’ (Express Yoyaku) or ‘Smart EX’. Solo bookings are not eligible, so it is aimed at families and groups traveling or returning home together.
Eligible Trains and Seats
The discount applies to Nozomi reserved ordinary car seats. Green Car and non-reserved seats are not included.
Eligible Sections and Fares
The eligible sections run between Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama and Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Okayama, and Hiroshima. Adult fares from Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Shin-Yokohama are as follows:
- Nagoya: 10,000 yen
- Kyoto / Shin-Osaka: 12,000 yen
- Okayama: 14,000 yen
- Hiroshima: 15,000 yen
At 12,000 yen one way, Tokyo to Kyoto/Shin-Osaka is cheaper than a regular Nozomi reserved seat.
Travel Periods (Different for Inbound and Outbound)
The valid travel dates differ by direction of travel:
- Up trains (toward Tokyo): August 7 to August 10
- Down trains (toward Hiroshima): August 13 to August 16
These align with the Obon return-home rush (down) and the return-trip peak (up).
Sales Period and Booking Notes
Tickets are sold up to 40 days before each travel date. They may sell out early, so booking as soon as your plans are set is recommended.
All Seats Reserved During Obon — No Non-Reserved Seats
From August 7 to 16, 2026, all Nozomi trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen will run with fully reserved seating, with no non-reserved seats available. As heavy crowds are expected, reserving a seat in advance is essential.
No Seat Selection at the Time of Booking
With this sale, you cannot choose a specific seat at the time of booking. Seat changes become possible after 10:00 a.m. one month before the travel date. If you prefer a window or aisle seat, make the change once it becomes available.
Summary
The ‘EX Hayatoku Limited-Time Sale’ is a great chance for groups of two or more traveling by Shinkansen during Obon, with Tokyo–Kyoto/Shin-Osaka at just 12,000 yen and more. Sales close 40 days before each travel date, with bookings through ‘Express Reservation’ or ‘Smart EX.’ Check the conditions and travel periods, and book early. Please refer to the official information for details.