Golden Week 2025 Shinkansen Update – Trains Already Fully Booked!
This blog is brought to you by Hana, our Local Explorer — a travel-savvy voice from our team who specializes in uncovering Japan's seasonal and regional gems.
If you're traveling in Japan during Golden Week 2025, here's an important last-minute update for the Shinkansen lines connecting major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakata (Fukuoka).
🗓️ Nozomi* Shinkansen: Reserved Seats Only (April 25 – May 6)
From April 25 (Fri) to May 6 (Tue), 2025, all Nozomi Shinkansen trains between Tokyo and Hakata will require seat reservations.
🚫 There will be no unreserved seating available during this period.
*The Nozomi is the fastest type of bullet train
❗️May 3 Morning (Outbound from Tokyo): Mostly Fully Booked
As of today (April 22), most of the morning Nozomi trains on May 3, heading from Tokyo to Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, and Hiroshima, are fully booked (both Green and Regular reserved classes).
🕑 There are still seats left on trains departing in the afternoon, but they are selling out fast.
❗️May 6 Midday (Inbound to Tokyo): Seats Also Filling Up
For your return trip, note that Nozomi trains bound for Tokyo around midday on May 6 are starting to fill up, with some already fully booked as well.
✅ Book Now to Avoid Disappointment
Golden Week is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods.
If you haven’t booked your seats yet, we strongly recommend doing so right now to avoid missing out.
🎟️ You can reserve your Shinkansen tickets easily through our website.
Secure your seats today and enjoy stress-free travel during Golden Week!
What is shinkansen-ticket.com?
Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.
We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.
Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.
Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.
© 2025 Shinkansen-Ticket.com.
Seat guide
Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets, allowing you to head to the station with peace of mind.
Think of it as "economy class" seating.
Green Reserved Seat
Enjoy better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business people, executives, and those who prefer a comfortable travel experience.
Consider it "business class" seating.
GranClass
Known as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seats.
Available only on the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines, these seats offer airline-like amenities and meals (only on select trains).
They are the most expensive option.
Unreserved Seat
You can take any open seat in the unreserved cars on the departure date (no departure time will be indicated on your ticket).
This is the best option if cost is your priority and you are traveling during less crowded seasons or times.
Hana
The Local Explorer
As a licensed travel services manager with over 10 years of experience in the industry, I’ve spent my career helping international travelers discover the charm of Japan’s regions, seasons, and cultural events.
From lavender fields to autumn leaves, I love showcasing Japan’s natural beauty and local festivals—especially those hidden gems you won’t find in every guidebook. My goal is to inspire your next unforgettable journey.