As explained in the article below, Shinkansen is very crowded during year-end and new year peak period.
Book NOW!! 2017 Year-end and 2108 New year PEAK is approaching!
https://shinkansen-ticket.com/blogs/news/year-end-and-new-year-peak-is-approaching-book-now-and-securely-reserve-your-seats
Some Shinkansen tickets are already SOLD OUT.
Here are the tickets already SOLD OUT as of December 13th, 2017.
JR (the train company) website has been intermittently very slow due to heavy traffic. The other tickets can be sold out very soon.
Please order as soon as you decide your schedule. We will do our best to reserve the left tickets though we can not guarantee your ticket reservation. We will refund 100% in case we can not reserve your tickets.
You can book Shinkansen/Bullet train tickets online here. We purchase tickets for you and deliver to your hotel. Reserve your tickets/seats without the hassle.
Regular seats used on Reserved cars and Unreserved cars of Shinkansen. Consider it as "economy class" seat.
Better seats with more space than ordinary seats. All Green Seats are reserved only. Consider it as "business class" seats.
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets. Head to the station with a peace of mind.
Seats are the same as Ordinary Seat.
Better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business persons, executives and people who
Know as "First Class" of Shinkansen seats. Only available on Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines.
You can take any open seats in unreserved cars of any train on the departure date. (No departure time will be indicated on your tickets.)
The best seat type if your priority is the cost and are traveling during less-crowded season/time.
For further information and photos, please visit official page at http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/types.html