Secure Your Shinkansen Tickets for the 2025–2026 New Year Holidays
This article is written by Tetsu, our Shinkansen Expert — the go-to expert for train routes, seating tips, and travel hacks.
Planning to travel in Japan during the New Year holidays? The year-end season is one of the busiest times of the year for the Shinkansen (bullet train). For the upcoming holiday period, special rules apply that every traveler should know before booking.
Nozomi Trains: All-Reserved Seats from December 26, 2025 to January 4, 2026
JR Central (JR Tokai) and JR West have confirmed that during the 2025–2026 New Year holiday period, all seats on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi services will be fully reserved.
This means there will be no unreserved seating available on Nozomi trains between December 26, 2025 and January 4, 2026.
What About Other Shinkansen Services?
For trains such as Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura, unreserved seating will still be available. However, seats are expected to fill up quickly, and travelers without reservations may face long lines or the risk of not finding a seat.
Why You Should Book Early
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The New Year holiday is one of Japan’s peak travel seasons, with millions of travelers moving across the country.
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Reserved seats on Shinkansen trains can sell out weeks in advance.
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Without a seat reservation on Nozomi, you cannot board the train.
Book Your Shinkansen Tickets Now
If you’re planning to travel in Japan between December 26, 2025, and January 4, 2026, we highly recommend booking your Shinkansen tickets as early as possible.
Booking in advance ensures you can travel comfortably and avoid the stress of last-minute ticket shortages.
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.
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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.
Tetsu
The Shinkansen Expert
With a passion for all things rail, I specialize in helping travelers navigate Japan’s extensive train network—especially the Shinkansen. From how to book reserved seats to choosing the right side for Mt. Fuji views, I provide expert guidance on riding Japan’s iconic bullet trains with ease.
Having supported countless international travelers, I understand the unique questions and challenges that come with using Japan’s rail system for the first time. My goal is to make your journey faster, smarter, and stress-free—no matter where you're from or where you're headed.