How do I choose Shinkansen seats?


How do I choose Shinkansen seats? Seats can be reserved free of charge at station Midori no Mado Guchi ticket offices, recognisable by the green sign (see photo), or at Travel Service Centres and JR-associated Travel Agencies. Reservations cannot be made in English for most routes outside Japan, but you can reserve JR East trains here!


Can you drink water on Shinkansen?

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.


Does Shinkansen charge for luggage?

When boarding the Shinkansen, the following regulations apply: You may bring up to two pieces of baggage on board free of charge. For each bag the total of the length, width and height must not exceed 250 centimetres, the length must not exceed two meters and the weight must be no more than 30 kilograms.


How do you ride Shinkansen with luggage?

You are still allowed to carry on two pieces of baggage weighing 30 kg or less and with total dimensions of 250 cm or less and a maximum length of 200 cm. However, you need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area or a seat with an oversized baggage compartment if you intend to travel with oversized baggage.


What time is the Shinkansen busiest?

Time of the day Shinkansen is generally more crowded in early morning and evening when people move to other cities after work and sightseeing.


What is peak hour in Japan?

Especially when visiting large cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, you will want to avoid traveling during rush hour. Throughout Japan, rush hour typically lasts from 7 AM to 9 AM each morning, and 5 PM to 7 PM each evening.


Is first class worth it on Shinkansen?

The difference between Shinkansen First Class and Second Class is not as big as one would expect but still is rather tangible. If some people can find the elbowroom in ordinary cars a bit tight, Green Cars provide more than enough for anyone to feel comfortable. The seats arranged 2+2 and boast a bit cozier headrests.


Do I need JR Pass for Shinkansen?

All Shinkansen trains are covered by the JR Pass. The Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (Tokaido and Sanyo lines) are also included, subject to purchase of a special complementary ticket. JR Pass holders wishing to travel free on these lines can board local and semi-fast trains.


What is the difference between Shinkansen green and Gran Class?

Another step up from the Shinkansen Green Cars is that of the Gran Class Cars, the ultimate means of luxury within the train system. 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.


What happens when you miss your Shinkansen?

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.


What are normal seats on Shinkansen?

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.


Where do you put luggage in Shinkansen?

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.


Should I reserve seats on Shinkansen?

With this popularity, reserving seats on the Shinkansen ahead of time is a common practice. This is especially recommended during peak travel times, such as Spring, Fall, and New Years, and not just for bullet trains, but for some Express Trains as well.


Do Shinkansen tickets sell out?

Note that for the Shinkansen, you need a “super (limited) express” ticket in addition to the basic fare ticket for that route (we sell these as a set). Do Shinkansen tickets sell out? Yes, especially for weekend travel and during peak seasons, Shinkansen services can be fully booked.


Do Shinkansen seats turn around?

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.


Can you bring your own food on Shinkansen?

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.


Can you sit anywhere on Shinkansen?

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.