In preparation for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which returns to Japan after 20 years, West Japan Railway Company (JR West) has introduced a new service to make travel easier for international tourists.
Starting January 19, a QR Code ticketing system will be launched in major areas such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. This allows travelers to enter stations simply by scanning a QR Code on their phones.
Additionally, to accommodate the growing number of tourists in Fukuoka, JR West will introduce new QR Code ticket exchange machines at Hakata and Kokura stations for the Hakata–Kokura route. This will help reduce waiting times for travelers.
For the latest updates, visit JR West’s official website.
1. QR Code Ticketing Service Launches in January – Just Scan Your Phone to Enter
The Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 is set to officially open on April 13 at Yumeshima, Osaka.
To support this event, JR West will introduce its new QR Code ticketing service starting January 19.
Travelers can purchase special QR tickets and use their phones to display the code, which can be scanned at ticket gates for easy access.
Currently, this service covers select routes in Osaka and Kyoto, with plans to expand to Kobe, Nara, and other Kansai areas by mid-March.
Special discounted “WEST QR” tickets for international tourists will also be available starting mid-February.
The Kansai Airport Express “HARUKA” will be among the first to offer one-way QR tickets, making it easier for travelers to go from Kansai Airport to Kyoto, Osaka/Shin-Osaka, Tennoji, and JR Namba.
Tourists can even reserve seats on the “HARUKA” train directly from their phones, eliminating the need to queue for seat reservations upon arriving in Japan.
Read:
List of JR PASS Available for Foreigners in Japan – From Hokkaido to Tokyo!
2. New QR Code Ticket Exchange Machines for Hakata–Kokura Route Launching in February
Fukuoka Prefecture has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. To meet the rising demand for travel, JR West will introduce QR Code ticket exchange machines at Hakata and Kokura stations.
These white machines will allow travelers to exchange their QR codes for unreserved seat tickets on the Sanyo Shinkansen between JR Hakata and JR Kokura stations.
The ticket exchange process is similar to the one-way QR ticket method used for the “HARUKA” express—simply scan the QR code at the dedicated machine to receive a physical ticket.
This service significantly reduces waiting times compared to traditional green ticket machines or ticket counters.
The QR Code ticket exchange machines for the Hakata–Kokura route are scheduled to begin operation in February.
