When traveling to Japan, Shinkansen is undoubtedly the best way to explore the major cities. In this article, we'll help you understand how to purchase Shinkansen tickets and the various types of seats available to make your trip easier and more comfortable. From how to purchase tickets online to choosing the right seating arrangement, we'll provide you with all the information you need to ensure a smooth and speedy journey.
Overview of the New Route
Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed rail system, has been a major means of transportation between major cities since it opened for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. With the advancement of technology, there are now 10 major routes running at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour or more, ensuring that your journey through Japan is fast and convenient.
History of the Shinkansen
Shinkansen first opened in 1964, when the Tokaido Shinkansen was the world's first commercial high-speed railroad. Since then, the Shinkansen has played a key role in Japan's transportation system with the development and operation of several routes, and continues to evolve to meet modern travel needs.
Advantages and Features
The advantages of traveling on Shinkansen lie in its efficient transportation speed, punctual schedule and comfortable ride. Not only does Shinkansen offer a wide range of seating options, such as Gran Class and Green Cabin, but it also has ample space and flexible ride options to make your journey more enjoyable and convenient.
Shinkansen's unique service and design enhance the traveling experience. Whether for work or leisure, you can enjoy the comfort of spacious seating and a variety of beverages and meals. Shinkansen's excellent punctuality allows you to plan your trip without disruption, and the convenient ticket vending machines and online ticketing system make the ticketing process incredibly easy. Shinkansen's best feature is that it makes your trip to Japan both efficient and enjoyable.
Route Analysis of New Routes
Japan Shinkansen has a number of routes connecting major cities to make your travels more convenient. From Tokyo, you can easily reach not only Osaka and Nagoya, but also Kyushu and Hokkaido. With Shinkansen, you can enjoy fast, comfortable long-distance travel without being stuck in heavy traffic.
Main Routes
Major Shinkansen routes such as the Tokaido Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen and Kyushu Shinkansen offer a wide selection of car models. Taking the Tokaido Shinkansen as an example, the "NOZOMI" from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka can be completed in 2 hours and 30 minutes, saving you travel time and helping you to travel with ease.
Models
The models of Shinkansen are mainly categorized into Gran Class, Green Car, Ordinary Car Designated Seats and Ordinary Car Free Seats, allowing you to choose the most suitable seat according to your needs and enjoy different levels of service.
The Gran Class is the most high-end option on the New Main Line, offering double the space and service, while the Green Cabin is similar to a business class, and is not to be missed by those who want to travel in comfort. You can choose between assigned seats or free seats in the ordinary compartments. Assigned seats allow you to be sure of your seat, while free seats offer you the flexibility to make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable.
Shinkansen Seat Types
When traveling on Shinkansen, you can choose from a variety of seat types according to your needs. There are four main types of seats: Gran Class, Green (First Class), Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Ordinary Car Free Seats. Each type of seat offers a different level of comfort and service to ensure that your travel needs are met.
Gran Class
Gran Class cabins are the top-of-the-line option on the New Route and are only available on selected routes. With spacious seating configurations of only three seats per row, seasonal snacks and unlimited beverage service, these cabins offer the ultimate ride experience.
Green (First Class)
The Green Cabin is more spacious than the regular cabins and offers a "2+2" seating configuration for passengers who need a quiet environment or a good night's rest. The seats are equipped with sockets, small tables and reading lamps, making them ideal for business travelers.
Green cabins also offer a quieter environment, ideal for customization, and if you want to sit face-to-face with your companion, the seats can swivel 360 degrees to make your journey more convenient and comfortable. This type of car is also usually equipped with a higher quality of service, making it an ideal choice for those who seek comfort.
Ordinary Car Details
Ordinary carriages are divided into reserved seats and free seats to give you more flexibility in choosing your seat. Designated seats require an additional seat reservation fee, while Free Seats are cheaper and do not require additional seat reservation, just find an empty seat and take it.
These two types of seats have their own advantages and disadvantages. Free seats on ordinary trains are suitable for travelers who are not sure of their itinerary or who want to save money, but it is important to note that free seats are not available on all routes, so it is recommended that you make inquiries before departure and choose the type of ticket that best suits your needs, so as to make your trip smoother.
How to choose your seat
Before boarding Shinkansen, you will need to choose the type of seat that suits your needs. On Shinkansen, there is a choice of Gran Class, Green (First Class), Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Free Seats, etc. Gran Class offers the most premium riding experience, but is not available on all trains.The latest baggage policy for Shinkansen in Japan! Guide to Baggage Regulations for Traveling by Train at a GlanceLearn more.
Designated and Free Seats
Seats in ordinary compartments of the Shinkansen are categorized into reserved seats and free seats. Designated seats require advance purchase of tickets and payment of a flat fare, whereas free seats are available for free choice of seats with the use of a ticket, and are relatively inexpensive, but free seats may not be available on every route.
Oversized baggage seating requirements
If you are carrying relatively large luggage, such as 161 to 250 centimeters on all three sides, you will need to reserve a "Large Baggage Carrier Seat" in advance. These seats are located in the last row of the Ordinary Car or the Green Car to facilitate the arrangement of large luggage. If you do not make a reservation, a baggage storage fee of 1,000 yen will be charged on the day of travel.
How to Buy Tickets
It is important to know how to purchase tickets for Shinkansen when traveling freely in Japan. You can choose to purchase tickets online or at the door, offering a variety of convenient options. Detailed InformationA complete guide to purchasing tickets for the Shinkansen in Japan! Learn how to buy tickets in one go!The program allows you to choose the frequency and the seat of your choice easily.
Online Ticketing Process
Purchasing tickets online is easy, and you can make reservations through JR East, JR West, and JR Kyushu. Select the origin and destination, date and time, and the system will automatically display the available trips, then select the type of car you want to purchase.
On-site Ticketing Options
If you prefer to buy tickets on the spot, you can go to the "Green Window" at JR's main stations or to one of the automated ticket vending machines. These ticket vending machines are multilingual and easy to operate, and you can easily select tickets for reserved or free seats and pay by credit card.
When purchasing tickets on-site, you will find that the ticket machines have a very user-friendly interface that allows you to purchase tickets in a few simple steps. In addition, you can also ask the staff for various route information or seek help to ensure that you can board the new route smoothly and have a pleasant journey.
Frequently Asked Questions for Travelers
When traveling on Shinkansen, you may encounter some common problems, such as those related to seating, baggage arrangement or ticketing. For more in-depth information on purchasing tickets and traveling on Shinkansen, we recommend you to refer to this article.New rules for Shinkansen! Reservations are required for oversized baggage.We can help you answer your questions and make your trip smoother.
Ticket Changes and Refunds
If there are changes in your itinerary, you can change or refund your ticket at the ticket machines or service counters of Shinkansen. Generally speaking, a full refund can be made for tickets with reserved seats before traveling. However, you should pay attention to the refund policy of different tickets and are advised to check the relevant terms and conditions when purchasing a ticket.
Shinkansen Connection Information
After taking Shinkansen, you can use other means of transportation for convenient connections. For example, subways, buses and shuttle buses in major cities are connected to Shinkansen stations, allowing you to reach your destination quickly. In addition, most major Shinkansen stations offer convenient services to help you easily transfer to other modes of transportation, and provide multilingual directions to make it easier for international travelers to find their way around.
Shinkansen Ticket Purchase Tutorials and Seat Types! Must-see Tips for JR Train Rides in Japan
By understanding the Shinkansen ticketing process and seat types, you can plan your trip in Japan more easily. Whether you choose the upscale Gran Class or the affordable Regular Car, choosing the right seat will enhance your experience. With the convenience of purchasing tickets online or at the door, you can enjoy high-speed and comfortable transportation on Shinkansen anytime, anywhere. We hope this guide will help you seamlessly connect with major cities and enjoy Japan!
