From August 25, the original report said SmartEX users needed to accept revised terms and update the EX app before leaving for the station. The previous app version would no longer work, with revised-terms confirmation at first login. This records that dated change, not a check of today’s required version.
JAPAN NOW · SHINKANSEN UPDATE
Before the Shinkansen,check SmartEX
For EX travel linking Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakata, the original recommended checking at accommodation rather than at the gate on departure day.
At the first SmartEX login after August 25, users were shown revised terms, needed to review/agree before using the service, and had to update the EX app to version 10.0.0 under that notice.
Two changes from the announced date
Review revised terms
SmartEX membership rules and personal-information consent provisions were revised.
Update to 10.0.0
Earlier versions became unusable August 25, showing an update prompt when launched.
Use the website
If store rollout was delayed, the notice allowed using the SmartEX website or trying again later.
The updated app’s announced requirements were iOS 18.0+ or Android 11.0+. If unsupported or not yet showing the update, prepare browser access as an alternative. These are the original version-specific requirements, not today’s verified requirements.
Affected users
First login after August 25 required reviewing and accepting the changed terms.
The prior version no longer worked from that date, requiring the stated 10.0.0 update.
JR Central Tours said without agreement users could not log in, make/cancel reservations, show e-tickets, or change trains.
The original five-minute pre-departure check
- Check the app store for the announced EX version 10.0.0.
- Log into SmartEX and complete revised-terms review/consent.
- Check the reservation’s travel date, train, and seat display.
- Reopen the QR ticket or reservation before reaching the station.
- If unable to update, prepare the SmartEX website route.
Paper seat-information slips were not ending that day
The terms notice also planned to end printed EX seat-information slips around February 2027. The immediate August 25 issues were first-login consent and the app update.
EDITOR'S NOTE · EVERYDAY TRIP
EVERYDAY TRIP Editorial Team’s advice
Updates and terms review can take longer than expected just before travel. The original advised affected travelers to check login and ticket display on stable accommodation Wi-Fi rather than wait until 30 minutes before departure.
If one account manages family/friends’ tickets, its phone and login affect everyone. Share gate methods and seats, and separately retain reservation emails or train numbers.
If the phone does not meet the announced OS requirement, check website login before undertaking a major OS change during travel. Check account access rather than relying solely on saved autofill.
For a flexible train itinerary, account for platform-error recovery time. With costly missed airport/show connections, the original suggested an earlier train and reservation information available beyond the live screen.