Tokaido Shinkansen: Smoke-Free from March 16th
Starting March 16th, 2024, smoking will be completely banned on the Tokaido Shinkansen trains.
This decision follows the announcement made in the fall of 2023 regarding the elimination of smoking areas on board Tokaido Shinkansen trains.
Background on Smoking Environment on the Tokaido Shinkansen:
In 2007, smoking was restricted to designated smoking rooms on Tokaido Shinkansen trains, with all seats becoming non-smoking.
However, with the retirement of older train models like the "700 series" in 2020, all seats on Tokaido Shinkansen trains became smoke-free, while smoking rooms remained available in newer train models to accommodate certain passengers, such as business travelers.
In response to the increasing health-consciousness and declining smoking rates, JR Tokai decided to eliminate all remaining smoking rooms, including the four originally designated areas and the conversion of one of them to a "business booth" in 2022. The decision was made to abolish the remaining three smoking rooms in March 2024.
Future Use of Smoking Room Spaces:
The spaces previously occupied by smoking rooms will be repurposed to enhance disaster response capabilities by providing emergency drinking water.
Additionally, changes are underway to transform the onboard environment, with the cessation of onboard wagon sales by the end of October 2023 and the introduction of coffee and ice cream vending machines on station platforms along the Tokaido Shinkansen route.
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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/Hokkaido 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.