1st Class – More than just a better seat It's not just your seat that's better but also the amenities and extras that come with it. Depending on the train, what you can expect is an oshibori hand towel, sweets, electric sockets, newspapers and complimentary drinks.

In Japan, "First Class" is known as the Green Car, and there is even a higher tier on some lines called Gran Class. Whether it is "worth it" depends on your tolerance for crowds and your desire for quiet. The standard "Ordinary Car" on the Shinkansen (bullet train) is already excellent—clean, punctual, and offering more legroom than an economy airplane seat. However, the Green Car offers a 2-2 seating configuration (instead of the 3-2 in Ordinary), meaning wider seats, deeper recline, integrated footrests, and a generally much quieter, business-like atmosphere. It is rarely crowded, making it ideal if you are traveling during peak holiday seasons like Golden Week or Obon. For a short 30-minute hop, it is likely not worth the 30-50% surcharge. But for a 2.5-hour journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, the added tranquility and guaranteed space can be a worthy investment, especially if you have large luggage or want to work. The Gran Class (available on the Tohoku and Hokuriku lines) is a true luxury experience with leather "pod" seats and complimentary food and drinks, comparable to international First Class flying, but it comes with a significantly higher price tag that only makes sense for special occasions.