Choosing the Perfect Seat: Exploring Shinkansen Ticket Options on your japan Tour
Credit: Japan Wonder Travel Blog (inside the bullet train “shinkansen”)
When planning a Japan tour, one aspect that shouldn't be overlooked is your journey itself. Japan's famous Shinkansen, or bullet train, is a remarkable way to explore the country efficiently. To make the most of your Japan tour, it's essential to understand the different seats and ticket types available on the Shinkansen. Choosing the right Shinkansen seat can significantly enhance your experience.
1. Ordinary Class: Reserved Seats | Unreserved Seats (non-reserved)
2. Green Car (First Class): Reserved Seats | Unreserved Seats (non-reserved)
3. GranClass (Luxury Class)
4. Special Seats
5. Child and Youth Discounts
6. Japan Rail Pass
ORDINARY CLASS
RESERVED SEATS: These are regular seats that you can reserve in advance. They offer comfortable seating and are the most common choice for travelers. You can select window or aisle seats based on availability.
UNRESERVED SEATS (Non-reserved): For those who value flexibility or might decide to take an impromptu tour of Tokyo, unreserved seats are a great option. While these seats may be more budget-friendly, they can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Courtesy: Japan Travel (Ordinary Seat)
2. GREEN CAR (FIRST CLASS)
RESERVED SEATS: Upgrade your Tokyo tour experience by choosing Green Car seats. These first-class seats provide extra space, plush seating, and a peaceful environment. Perfect for those looking to relax and rejuvenate between tours.
UNRESERVED SEATS (Non-reserved): If you prefer the luxury of the Green Car but also want the flexibility of unreserved seating, consider an unreserved Green Car ticket. You'll have access to any available unreserved Green Car seat during your journey.
Courtesy: Pinterest (Green Car / First Class seat)
3. GRANCLASS (LUXURY CLASS)
RESERVED SEATS ONLY: For an extraordinary Tokyo tour experience, GranClass offers the utmost in luxury. With spacious and ultra-comfortable seats, gourmet dining, and exclusive lounges at the stations, it's the epitome of Shinkansen travel. Please note that this premium class is available on select Shinkansen lines.
Courtesy: ITSUKA JAPAN (GranClass / Luxury Class seat)
4. SPECIAL SEATS
Some Shinkansen lines offer special seat options, such as "Window Seats" for the best views or "Solo Seats" for privacy. These unique seats can be found in both Ordinary and Green Car classes, enhancing the experience of your Tokyo tour.
Courtesy: Yahoo News UK (Window seat on a Green Class)
5. CHILD AND YOUTH DISCOUNT
If you're touring Japan with family, check for child and youth discounts. These discounts are typically available for young travelers aged 6 to 11 and sometimes extend to young adults aged 12 to 25. It's a great way to save while touring Japan's attractions.
Courtesy: The Tokyo Chapter (Children in the window seat of Ordinary Class)
6. JAPAN RAIL PASS
Foreign tourists embarking on a Japan tour can consider the Japan Rail Pass. It provides unlimited travel on JR trains, including Shinkansen, in the Ordinary Class. Keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass doesn't cover GranClass or certain premium services.
Courtesy: The Navigatio (The JR Pass)