Used Train Tickets

Yes! You can get used train tickets in Japan, to help save money

July 3, 2016, written by Michiko

Hai hai! Its Michiko!!!

You ready to learn how to save some munz, cray cray style?

Ok! Let’s do it.

A BIG secret

Many foreigners are not even aware of this huge and amazing big secret for traveling in Japan. The Japanese people are of course aware of it however! It is called Kinkenya!

Usually, next to or nearby your JR train station there will be a small, hidden, out-of-the-way Kinkenya shop (Gold Ticket Store). If you can’t find it, ask the local Japanese to point it out to you.

Legal?

It is legal! It is kind of a ‘gray area’, it is a bit looked down upon by some, but you will NOT get in to trouble if you go there. Basically the JR train companies don’t want you to do this, so they say it is not good (because they are loosing money!). Yeah! So don’t worry, be happy!

How much can I save?

YES! You can save so much, ya know? In some cases, you can save nearly 50% by getting these used tickets. Example!

Let’s say the standard fee from your city to Osaka is 1000 yen (one way). If you get the used ticket it could only be 600yen or less! Isn’t that great!?

The farther your trip is the more you save! So... the more expensive the trip is, the more you save…. If your trip is short and cheap, like only 2 stations away, then you won’t save anything!

The used ticket technique is only good if you are going for a 1hour trip or more.

How does it work?

Walk over to the train station
Look for the Kinkenya shop
Walk in
Say ‘konnichiha’ to the man
There will be a glass display showing various tickets. Like: Osaka to Nagoya, Kyoto to Osaka, Osaka to Hiroshima. Etc etc!
Choose your ticket
Pay the man
Leave the shop
Go to the JR train station
Put your ticket into the machine
Finish!
Note: Sometimes the Kinkenya is not by the station, but it is inside a mall

Conclusion

Isn’t this cool? If you like to travel on the weekends, and you would normally spend 4000 yen going between cities, you can save a lot of money by using this technique.

Have fun!

This article was written by Michiko and Translated by Cameron

Check Out Our Related Articles!

Designer Vintage Bags for $3!?

They're called 'Recycle Shops' or as Aussies would call 'Op shops', and they are a vintage and fashion lovers paradise....Read me!

Free Train Tickets!?

I bet you have NEVER heard of this, ever! That’s right! You can ride some trains for free in Japan! Is it illegal? Maybe!...Read me!