JR Central and JR West Launch a Limited-Time Shinkansen Sale
JR Central (JR Tokai) and JR West will hold the “EX Hayatoku Limited-Time Sale” (EX早特☆期間限定セール！) on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen starting June 26, 2026. Timed for the busy Obon travel season, this online-booking-only campaign offers steep discounts on reserved ordinary-class seats on the “Nozomi” trains.
Conditions for Using the Sale
To take advantage of this sale, you must meet the following conditions:
- Book via “Express Yoyaku” (Express Reservation) or “Smart EX”
- Make a simultaneous reservation for 2 or more people
- The eligible trains are reserved ordinary-class seats on the “Nozomi”
Solo bookings are not eligible, making this sale ideal for family or group travel.
Eligible Sections and Fares
The eligible sections run between Tokyo / Shinagawa / Shin-Yokohama and Nagoya / Kyoto / Shin-Osaka / Okayama / Hiroshima. Adult fares departing from Tokyo, Shinagawa, or Shin-Yokohama are as follows:
- To Nagoya: 10,000 yen
- To Kyoto / Shin-Osaka: 12,000 yen
- To Okayama: 14,000 yen
- To Hiroshima: 15,000 yen
At 15,000 yen, the Tokyo–Hiroshima fare is significantly cheaper than the standard reserved-seat fare during peak periods.
Travel Periods
The travel periods differ for outbound and inbound directions:
- Toward Tokyo (inbound): August 7–10
- Toward Hiroshima (outbound): August 13–16
Both fall around the Obon holiday, a peak period when heavy crowds are expected.
Sales Period and Important Notes
Tickets are on sale until 40 days before each travel date. If you are considering a booking, you must complete the process by 40 days before your desired date.
Note that from August 7 to 16, 2026, all “Nozomi” trains will operate with fully reserved seating, with no non-reserved seats available. Since seats may be scarce during many time slots in this period, booking early is recommended.
Also, you cannot choose a specific seat at the time of booking. Seat changes become available from 10:00 a.m. one month before the travel date. If you want a particular seat, keep that timing in mind.
Summary
The “EX Hayatoku Limited-Time Sale” is a great chance for groups of two or more planning to travel or return home during Obon to save significantly on Shinkansen fares. Check the eligible sections, travel periods, and sales deadlines, then book early via Express Reservation or Smart EX. For details, see the official website and the travel news article (https://www.traicy.com/posts/20260605372542/).