Why do I have two train tickets?
A Shinkansen journey needs a base fare and a Shinkansen limited-express fare. They may be printed on two tickets or combined into one. Keep every ticket until you understand which part of the journey it covers.
Do this now
- Look for 乗車券 (base fare) and 新幹線特急券 (Shinkansen limited-express ticket). A receipt or seat-information slip is not necessarily a gate ticket.
- For two valid magnetic paper tickets for the same direct Shinkansen entry, insert both together into the correct gate. If unsure, show all slips to staff first.
- Take back the tickets returned at entry and keep them during the journey. At transfers, follow the instructions for your exact combination of paper tickets, QR ticket and IC card.
Which situation are you in?
Two magnetic paper tickets
Identify the base fare and limited-express ticket. At direct Shinkansen entry, they are normally inserted together.
One combined paper ticket
Use the combined ticket. Do not assume a second paper ticket is missing.
I arrived using Suica
A transfer can require a different sequence. Follow the booking operator’s instructions or ask at the staffed transfer gate.
この切符で新幹線に乗ります。改札にはどの切符を入れればよいですか。
I’m taking the Shinkansen with these tickets. Which tickets should I put into the gate?
You can take a screenshot to keep this message handy.
Before you continue
Do not insert a receipt or a non-magnetic slip. QR and linked-IC bookings use their own boarding process. The diagram below shows fare components, not replica tickets.
Related questions
Are both papers always tickets?
No. Check the labels; a booking can include receipts and information slips.
Can ordinary Suica balance pay the whole Shinkansen trip?
Not by itself. You need a supported booking or ticket for the Shinkansen service.
Sources & checking
Source review: 17 September 2026 · Desk research, not a field test. Service conditions can change.