How do I choose a Shinkansen seat?

Go to a ticket machine at a train station and change to a language other than Japanese if needed. Select Reserved Seat on the screen. Select For seat reservation on Shinkansen. (There will be other options if you are riding a train other than a Shinkansen.)



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All seats on shinkansen trains can be turned by 180 degrees, allowing travelers to always face forward. The seats are turned by the staff at the terminal stations, but can also be turned by passengers, for example, to create a group of four or six seats facing each other.

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Ordinary seats usually come in 3x2 seating arrangements and have Reserved vs. non-reserved sections in separate train cars. Ordinary seats are more affordable than the gree-car seats, however, it also means that the reservations of the seats are not promised by the purchase of the tickets.

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The advantage of Green Car passes is that they allow you to ride in the Green Car on any JR train that has such cars (all shinkansen and tokkyu trains). As mentioned above, Green Car seats are more comfortable and spacious. The Green Cars tend to be quieter than ordinary cars. They also tend to be less crowded.

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They are found on shinkansen (bullet trains) and tokkyu (limited express trains). Because standards are so high on Japanese trains, even the ordinary cars are usually perfectly sufficient. But, if you want a little more space and a bit more peace and quiet, the Green Car is a good option.

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On the Gran Class Cars, there are even further amenities added to those of the Green Cars, with even further reclining and luxurious seats and even more leg space. Gran Class Cars are often formatted in a 2x1 seating arrangement so that each passenger either has easy aisle access or an individual seat.

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Eating and drinking on Japanese trains You should eat on trains only when taking a long-distance train, such as the Shinkansen. These types of trains have a tray and cup holder at every seat, and snacks are sold from a vendor trolley. When taking this type of train, it is also acceptable to bring your own food.

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Baggage with overall dimensions of less than 160 cm You can put baggage whose overall dimensions are less than 160 cm (the same size as the baggage that can be carried for free in airplane holds) * on the overhead baggage rack of the Shinkansen.

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Some trains do not have non-reserved seats (all seats are reserved). There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line (Shin-Osaka—Hakata), or on Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line.

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If you miss your stop on the Shinkansen in Japan, you have a few options: You can ask the conductor to let you off at the next station. The conductor may be able to do this if there are seats available, but they are not obligated to do so.

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Do Shinkansen tickets sell out? Yes, especially for weekend travel and during peak seasons, Shinkansen services can be fully booked. In this case, it may be possible to ride with a non-reserved seat ticket, if you are willing to stand for the entire journey!

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When you book a reserved seat, you'll get a specified train and seat. For non-reserved seats, you'll get better flexibility as you can take any train for the specified date/route. However, a seat isn't guaranteed and you might need to stand for the journey on busier trains.

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You can put baggage whose overall dimensions are less than 160 cm (the same size as the baggage that can be carried for free in airplane holds) * on the overhead baggage rack of the Shinkansen.

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How much luggage can I bring onto the shinkansen? Each passenger is allowed to bring on two pieces of oversized luggage each. Each of these pieces of luggage cannot exceed 250 cm in total dimensions as previously stated. Additionally, each piece of luggage cannot exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) in weight.

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When boarding directly from a Shinkansen station, please insert your tickets into the Shinkansen ticket gate prior to boarding. Your tickets are required for on-board ticket checks and exiting the station at your destination. Please do not lose or forget to take your tickets.

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When riding the Shinkansen or on a long train ride in a green car (reserved seating) you are allowed to eat and drink. The seats actually have tables and cup holders. There are also food, drinks, and snacks being sold in these train cars. But on commuter trains, avoid eating.

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? Shinkansen (Bullet Trains) Most window seats (A and E) will have charging outlets, as will some seats in the front and last rows of each carriage. Newer Shinkansen will have outlets available in all seats, so it just depends on the train you get!

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Use the bullet train Tokaido Shinkansen to travel to Mt. Fuji right from the heart of Tokyo. On the left side, you will see mesmerizing Sagami Bay, and on the right side the symbol of Japan, the highest summit of the country, perfectly symmetrical Mount Fuji.

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The main difference here is that the Nozomi stops at the least amount of stations, the Hikari only at the most important stops and the Kodama at each stop along the way. This way business people can travel fast from meeting to meeting, while tourists can get off at their desired stop, like Mt. Fuji!

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Japan has been a legend in commuter travel for over half a century. Early Japanese train travel featured decadent luxury, such as on Japan's famous night trains.

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