When planning a trip to Japan, Shinkansen is the perfect choice for convenient travel. Understanding the various types of Shinkansen tickets and seating arrangements will help make your trip easier. This article introduces the different Shinkansen types, seating differences, and the ticketing process to help you make an informed choice when purchasing your ticket, making your trip smoother and more comfortable.
Types of Shinkansen
It is important for you to know the types of Shinkansen you can take. Shinkansen are divided into Hokkaido Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Tokaido Shinkansen, Sanyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, depending on the route they run. Each route has a different train name, offering a wide variety of travel options. These Shinkansen are fast and comfortable, enabling you to reach major cities in a short time.
Commonly Known New Routes
There are several common Shinkansen trains that you may take on your journey, such as the Hayabusa, the Nozomi, the Hikari, and the Mizuho. Each of these trains has its own characteristics, speed and level of service, so choosing the train that best suits your needs will make your trip more enjoyable.
Overview of Specialized Vehicles
Dedicated vehicles on the Shinkansen are categorized into different classes, such as Designated Seats, Free Seats, Green Carriages and Gran Class, which are differentiated mainly by the comfort of the seats and the fares. Designated Seats are reserved and guaranteed seats for those who plan their journeys, while Free Seats offer more flexible choices, although there may be no seats available during peak hours.
The categorization of dedicated vehicles allows you to choose the right type of cabin according to your needs. Designated seats guarantee you a seat without worrying about overcrowding, which is ideal for relaxing when traveling long distances. Free Seats are cheaper, but you'll need to get up early to grab a seat during rush hour! The Green Cabin and Gran Class are more luxurious options, offering more space and comfort, making your journey a feast on the move. Choosing the right dedicated vehicle will give you the best experience on your trip.New rules for Shinkansen! Reservations are required for oversized baggage.
Seat Type
When traveling on Shinkansen, you can choose from a variety of seat types to suit your needs. There are four main seat types: Assigned Seats, Free Seats, Green Cabins and Gran Class Premium Cabins, each of which has its own characteristics to suit different passenger needs and travel budgets.
assigned seat
Reserved seats need to be booked in advance, so you don't have to worry about not being able to find a seat. This is the most recommended option if you have already confirmed the date and time of your ride. It's worth noting that when you make a reservation online through KLOOK, you can choose a seat with a "view of Mt. Fuji" at no extra charge.
free seats
Shinkansen's Free Seating area is usually located in the first few cars of the train, allowing you to choose your seat as you wish. Fares are usually cheaper than reserved seats, but during busy holiday periods, you may face a shortage of seats, or even need to make a standing journey.
If you opt for Free Seating, you can save some money, but it is recommended to arrive at the station as early as possible during popular travel times to ensure you have a seat. Free Seating is not only flexible, it also allows you to travel more flexibly, but you need to assess the crowd situation carefully.
Green Cabin
The Green Cabin is a premium option with fewer and more expensive seats, offering more spaciousness and comfort than regular seats. This is ideal for those who value comfort on the road.
As only reserved seats are available in the Green Cabin, you need to make a reservation in advance. The seats are designed with passenger comfort in mind, and are suitable for long-distance travelers or those who wish to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while traveling.
Gran Class
Gran Class Premium cabins offer a luxury experience that goes beyond the Green Cabin and are only available on selected new routes. These seats are designed for the ultimate in passenger comfort and offer exclusive services.
The Gran Class has a superior interior with larger, more comfortable seats and premium services for those who want a unique experience. However, due to the limited number of seats available, it is recommended that you book early to ensure that you can enjoy this luxurious ride.
Shinkansen Ticket Types
When traveling on Shinkansen, it is important to understand the different types of tickets so that you can choose the right ticket for your needs. Shinkansen tickets are mainly divided into Ride Tickets and Limited Express Tickets, so you can decide on the type of ticket you want based on your itinerary. For more information on ticket types, please refer toThe latest baggage policy for Shinkansen in Japan! Guide to Baggage Regulations for Traveling by Train at a Glance.
Difference between a ride ticket and an express ticket
The Ride Ticket and the Limited Express Ticket are two types of tickets that are necessary for traveling on the train. The Ride Ticket is a basic ticket for one zone, while the Limited Express Ticket is an additional ticket required to travel on a limited express train. When you buy a one-way ticket, you usually get both tickets to ensure a smooth ride on your chosen train.
How to Combine Multiple Tickets
In some cases, you may need to combine a Ride Ticket with a Limited Express Coupon for more flexible travel arrangements. For example, when traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, you may need to purchase a Ride Ticket and a Limited Express Ticket separately. In some cases, these tickets are combined into a single ticket, so be sure to check your ticket and be ready to show it to the staff when you board the train.
Baggage Carrying Regulations
When traveling on the Shinkansen, you need to be aware of the rules for carrying luggage. As of May 2020, if your total baggage size is between 160cm and 250cm, you will need to make a reservation in advance for a place to leave your baggage, or pay a discretionary fee of 1,000 yen if you do not make a reservation. For more information on ticketing and baggage regulations, please refer toA complete guide to purchasing tickets for the Shinkansen in Japan! Learn how to buy tickets in one go!.
Reservation requirements for large baggage
If the combined length, width and height of your luggage is between 160cm and 250cm, you must make a reservation at the time of booking. This ensures that you have enough space for your luggage in the vehicle and makes traveling more comfortable.
Information on baggage storage areas
The baggage area on Shinkansen is located mainly at the rear of the train. If you make a reservation in advance, you can leave your large baggage in the designated area with no worries. From 2023, a lockable baggage storage area will also be installed next to the train's restrooms for added convenience.
In addition to the luggage space at the rear of the train, you will also find a lockable baggage storage area near the Shinkansen toilets, which will be installed soon. These are designed to solve the problem of insufficient luggage space and make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Be sure to make your reservation in advance to ensure you can travel on the Shinkansen without worrying about what to do with your luggage.
How to buy tickets
It is important to know how to purchase tickets before traveling on the Shinkansen. You can get your tickets either at the counter or online. Online booking is more convenient than going directly to the station to purchase tickets, especially during peak travel times. Booking in advance can avoid waiting in line and make your trip smoother and more comfortable.
Online Reservation System
Shinkansen ticket reservations can be made anytime, anywhere via the Internet. On the official JR East or JR West websites, you can easily make a reservation by selecting a route, date and time, and choose the appropriate seat options to ensure the best possible seating experience for your trip.
District-specific Ticketing Channels
For travel to different regions, you can choose the appropriate ticketing method. For Eastern Japan, we recommend using the JR EAST website to make reservations, while for Western Japan, you can make reservations through KLOOK. For national travel, you can also consider purchasing a "JAPAN RAIL PASS" for more flexible travel options.
For example, if you are traveling to Tohoku or Hokkaido, it is more convenient to use the JR East website. If you plan to visit Osaka, Kyoto or Hiroshima in Western Japan, you can use the KLOOK platform's weekly PASS, which not only reduces on-site queuing, but also allows you to take advantage of some regional discounts. In addition, if you're planning to move between Tokyo and Kagoshima, the "スマートEX" service is a great option that is convenient and allows you to take the Shinkansen with ease.
PASS Introduction
When traveling in Japan, purchasing a weekly PASS allows you to explore the area easily and stress-free. These PASSes include accessibility to a wide range of areas, and you can enjoy cost-effective fare options whether you are traveling to Eastern or Western Japan. For more information on how to purchase tickets and choose the PASS that best suits your needs, please refer to the Shinkansen 2024 Shinkansen Ticket Booking and Purchasing Tutorial! Tickets and Limited Express ....
Eastern and Western Japan Pass
If you are planning to travel in either Eastern or Western Japan, you can choose the corresponding weekly PASS. the Eastern Japan PASS includes options for visiting Kanazawa, Tohoku, and Hokkaido, while in Western Japan, there are PASSes for popular destinations such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, making your trip more convenient and economical.
Use of JAPAN RAIL PASS
With a JAPAN RAIL PASS, you can travel freely on Shinkansen and other JR trains throughout Japan, making your travel more flexible. The PASS is valid for 7 days or more and allows you to take unlimited rides throughout Japan, including rapid transit to major cities.
Purchasing a JAPAN RAIL PASS is not only convenient, but also helps you control your travel costs by offering unlimited rides on a variety of trains within 7 days. Note that some of the fastest Shinkansen trains (such as the Tokyo/Hakata Hope) are not included, but you can choose alternatives such as the Hikari or Echo and still enjoy a relatively smooth ride. So make the most of your trip to Japan by planning your itinerary in advance and choosing the right PASS for your needs!
A complete guide to purchasing tickets for the Shinkansen in Japan! Learn how to buy tickets in one go!
With this comprehensive ticketing guide, you can easily grasp the various ticket types, seat types, and ticketing methods for Shinkansen in Japan, making your journey more comfortable and worry-free, whether you choose reserved or free seats. In addition, understanding the baggage regulations and the selection of the Weekly Pass will help you to skillfully organize your trip and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Japan. We wish you a pleasant travel experience on Shinkansen!
