Is standing allowed on Shinkansen?

Passengers need to reserve a seat before boarding the Hayabusa trains as there is no non-reserved seating. Standing tickets are available if all the seats have been reserved. A few of the trains on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line are Hayate.



Standing is allowed on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) in Japan, but strictly within the Non-Reserved (Jiyuseki) cars or the vestibule areas between carriages. In 2026, if you have a non-reserved ticket and the train is completely full, you may have to stand in the aisle of the designated non-reserved cars (usually cars 1–3 on most Tokaido Shinkansen trains). On certain high-demand routes, such as the Hayabusa or Kagayaki, which are all-reserved, you cannot board without a specific seat assignment unless you have a "Standing Room Only" ticket, which is only sold when all seats are full. It is considered poor etiquette to stand in the aisles of Reserved (Shiteiseki) or Green Cars (Business Class). If you are a Japan Rail Pass holder, it is always recommended to make a free seat reservation at a "Midori-no-madoguchi" ticket office or a kiosk before you board to ensure a comfortable seat for your journey, especially during peak travel seasons like Golden Week or New Year.

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There are no crowds on the intercity Shinkansen trains so free seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during the following peak seasons: April 27 to May 6. August 11-20.

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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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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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In Japan, the high-speed Shinkansen trains spray water onto snowy tracks to prevent the snow from blowing up into the undercarriage and re-freezing. In all areas with extreme winter conditions, de-icing, like in the airline industry, is essential.

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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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Even when the unreserved seats on the Shinkansen are full, you are allowed to stand in the aisles and on the decks in front and behind them. Some types of Shinkansen trains are all reserved seats, but you are still allowed to stand on the deck.

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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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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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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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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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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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Reservation is required for large luggage on the Shinkansen If yes, then this guide is for you so you can determine if you'll need a special seat reservation for oversized luggage. Be warned, failure to do so will result in a penalty fee of ¥1,000 (~USD7).

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Passengers need to reserve a seat before boarding the Hayabusa trains as there is no non-reserved seating. Standing tickets are available if all the seats have been reserved. A few of the trains on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line are Hayate.

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Shinkansen Travel Tips: Choosing the Right Seats
  • For Productive Work: Front Row or Window Seat. ...
  • For Sleeping: Window Seat or Last Row. ...
  • For Charging Devices: Window Seat. ...
  • For a Quiet and Relaxing Journey: Seats Closer to the Center. ...
  • To Avoid Oversleeping: Seats Near the Deck Entrance.


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The official rule is that you can still travel but have to use a non-reserved seat. Though JR Staff generally will issue new reservations for you if a train is not crowded. There is no penalty for missed trains or for re-booking a ticket.

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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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