The simple reason is that Nozomi is used for business people mainly. If many tourists are able to the Nozomi with the JR pass, than space is less for the working people. And often these trains are full with business people.
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Differences in FaresFor example, a reserved seat from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka on a Nozomi train costs 14, 450 yen, while the same seat on a Hikari or Kodama costs 14,140 yen. Please keep in mind that you might not be able to sit down when you buy a non-reserved seat ticket if the train is particularly crowded.
If you wish to travel on the Nozomi or MizuhoShinkansen, you must purchase a special ticket to complement your JR Pass. The price of the supplement is the same for ordinary class, first class (Green Car) and reserved and non-reserved seats.
Getting to KyotoNozomi trains require about 140 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 160 minutes and Kodama trains about four hours. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,320 yen for a non-reserved seat or around 14,000 yen for a reserved seat.
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.
If you calculate that your travel costs will be lower if you buy individual tickets for each journey, then it's not worth buying a JR Pass. However, if you take into account journeys on Shinkansen high-speed trains or other means of transport, the savings you make become substantial.
Japan Rail Pass is not valid for “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” trains(including non-reserved seats). To travel on Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines, Japan Rail Pass holders have to take “Hikari” trains, “Kodama” trains or “Sakura” trains(see the next page).
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)
With the Japan Rail Pass, you can ride on all JR trains, including the Shinjuku Line, without paying additional fares. However, it's important to note that the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on other non-JR train lines, such as private railways or subways.
The Japan Rail Pass is valid for West JR Bus company, which operates the Takao Keihoku Line. This line runs between Kyoto station and Shuzan. You will be able to go to Ninnaji Temple and Ryoanji Temple.
Where Can I Board the Shinkansen? Platforms 14 through 23 at Tokyo Station are for all Shinkansen trains. Platforms 14-19 are for the Tokaido shinkansen and Sanyo shinkansen trains. Travelers headed to cities in western Japan like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima will board from these platforms.
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)