What is GranClass?

How is it different?

GranClass offers a level of comfort and service that goes far beyond standard Shinkansen seating.
While Ordinary and Green cars focus mainly on transportation, GranClass is designed as a complete premium travel experience.

The difference can be felt in three key areas: seating comfort, cabin space, and premium service.
Compared to Ordinary and Green Cars:

• Fewer seats per car for a quieter, more private environment
• Leather seats with advanced ergonomic design
• High-end interior materials and refined lighting
• Dedicated attendants providing attentive, premium service*
• Complimentary light meals, drinks, and amenities on selected services*

In GranClass, every detail is carefully considered — from the moment you enter the cabin to the moment you arrive.
It is not simply a better seat, but a different way to experience the Shinkansen itself.

Seating - Exceptional Comfort Designed for Long Journeys

GranClass seats are crafted to offer a level of comfort you won’t find in Ordinary or Green cars.
Each seat is a spacious, private leather seat made with attention to detail and ergonomics.

• Ergonomic design: Seats are shaped to support your body comfortably, no matter your posture, helping reduce fatigue even on long trips
• Adjustable reclining: With the touch of a button, you can adjust the backrest, seat cushion, leg rest, and footrest together to find your ideal position. GranClass can recline up to 45 degrees.
• Personal comfort controls: A built-in control panel lets you adjust your seat easily. A headrest pillow can be moved up or down to match your preferred support.
• Convenient features: Each seat includes a large table that adjusts to suit dining or work, a cocktail tray for drinks, an adjustable desk light, and power outlets for devices.

Space - A Refined and Serene Interior

GranClass offers more than just a comfortable seat — it surrounds you with a spacious and refined environment that enhances your travel experience.

• Exclusive interior design: The cabin combines rich wood tones with high-quality materials like genuine leather and wool, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere.
• Spacious layout: GranClass cars have only 18 seats arranged in a 1-2 layout, which means more room and privacy compared to standard seating.
• Quiet and peaceful cabin: The design prioritizes a calm environment so your journey feels restful and pleasant.
• Attention to detail: Thoughtful touches throughout — from the rich materials to the lighting and finishes — elevate the interior beyond what you’d expect from regular train travel.

Premium Service Experience

Experience a level of service that makes your journey on Japan’s Shinkansen truly exceptional.
From exclusive lounges to attentive onboard service and thoughtful amenities, GranClass is designed to make every moment of your trip comfortable and memorable.

View Gold Lounge at Tokyo Station - Start Your Journey in Comfort

Before you even board the train, your GranClass experience begins at Tokyo Station’s View Gold Lounge.
Show your GranClass ticket on the day of your departure to enjoy:

• A quiet and comfortable lounge space
• Free Wi-Fi
• Soft drinks and snacks
• A relaxing place to wait before boarding

This special lounge is available to GranClass passengers on the day of departure, helping you start your premium journey with ease and comfort.

Welcome Set* - A Warm Greeting on Board

As you settle into your seat, a GranClass attendant greets you with a welcome set.
The set includes:

• A refreshing bottle of water
• A light snack
• A soft refreshing towel

These touches are designed to help you relax and feel at home from the very beginning of your journey.

Dedicated Attendants* - Hospitality Supporting Your Journey

GranClass attendants are there to make your trip effortless and enjoyable:

• Friendly greetings as you board
• Attentive service throughout your journey
• Provision of food, drinks, and assistance

Whether you’re interested in extra beverages or simply want help with something onboard, the attendants are always ready to assist you.

Light Meals and Drinks* - Relaxing Moments on Board

GranClass with light meals and drinks offers a selection of refreshments and beverages to complement your journey:

• Light meals (refreshments), carefully selected and served onboard
• Light meals available in two varieties: Western-style and Japanese-style
• A variety of drinks, including coffee, soft drinks, wine, sake, and more

After boarding, a GranClass attendant will inquire about your light meal preference at your seat.

Amenities - Comfort Every Step of the Way

To make your trip even more comfortable, GranClass provides a selection of onboard amenities:

• Slippers at every seat
• Blankets for warmth and comfort
• Shoehorns

These amenities are meant for your comfort throughout the journey — slippers and shoehorns can even be taken home as keepsakes.

*These services are not provided on GranClass (No Beverage or Light Meal Service) Trains

Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen (Series E5 and H5)

• All Nasuno, Hayate, and Yamabiko trains
• All Hayabusa trains departing from Tokyo and bound for Sendai or departing from Sendai and bound for Tokyo
• All Hayabusa trains departing from Sendai, Morioka, or Shin-Aomori and bound for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and all Hayabusa trains departing from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and bound for Sendai, Morioka or Shin-Aomori
• Some special trains

Hokuriku Shinkansen (Series E7 and W7) and Joetsu Shinkansen (Series E7)

• All Hakutaka and Asama trains
• All Series E7 Toki and Tanigawa trains

Who is GranClass For?

GranClass is designed for travelers who want their time in Japan to be as comfortable and memorable as possible — even while moving between destinations.
It is ideal for those who see travel not just as getting from place to place, but as part of the experience itself.

Day 1｜Tokyo → Aomori

A Graceful Beginning in the North

Your journey begins at Tokyo Station, where you spend a peaceful morning in the View Gold Lounge, enjoying a quiet moment before departure.

Board the Hayabusa GranClass and travel north in complete comfort.

Spacious seating, attentive onboard service, and a tranquil cabin transform the long-distance ride into a restorative experience.

Arriving in Aomori, enjoy lunch at the Aomori Gyosai Center, where you create your own Nokke-don seafood bowl using the freshest local ingredients.

In the afternoon, explore the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site, one of Japan’s most important prehistoric settlements, offering insight into life thousands of years ago.

Continue to the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, where the vibrant spirit of Aomori’s famous festival comes alive through illuminated floats and immersive displays.

Before dinner, stop by A-Factory to try freshly baked apple pie—a sweet reflection of Aomori’s local flavors.

As evening approaches, check in to ReLabo Medical Spa & Stay, a hotel dedicated to rest and wellness.

Enjoy a carefully prepared dinner and unwind in a calming environment designed to restore both body and mind.

>Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori

Day 2｜Aomori → Morioka → Tokyo

Local Flavors and Living Traditions

Begin the morning with a guided yoga session at the hotel, followed by a relaxed start to the day.

Travel from Shin-Aomori to Morioka aboard the Hayabusa, arriving refreshed thanks to the comfort of Shinkansen travel.

Lunch is a lively cultural experience at Azumaya Honten, where you take on the challenge of Wanko Soba—a fun and memorable way to experience regional cuisine.

Spend the afternoon exploring Morioka’s historic streets and local craftsmanship:

• Konyamachi Banya, a traditional merchant district
• Shirasawa Senbei Shop, a long-established local favorite
• Goza-Kyu / Morikyu Shoten and Kamasada, showcasing Morioka’s artisanal heritage
• Iwate Bank Red Brick Building, a beautifully preserved Western-style landmark
• A leisurely stroll through Sakanacho Shopping Street

Conclude your visit with a quiet moment at Nanshoso Garden, enjoying matcha tea and traditional sweets in a serene Japanese garden.

In the evening, board the Hayabusa GranClass once again and return to Tokyo—ending your journey as comfortably as it began.

>Shinkansen from Morioka to Tokyo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about GranClass

Q. Which Shinkansen lines offer GranClass?
A. GranClass is available on selected JR East Shinkansen lines, including routes serving Tohoku and Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Joetsu.

Q. Can I use GranClass with a Japan Rail Pass?
A. Yes, but additional charges apply. When using GranClass, only the ticket portion is valid regardless of whether you use the Green Car or Ordinary Car type, so you will need to pay the limited express surcharge and GranClass fee separately.

Q. Is GranClass suitable for children?
A. Yes. Children can travel in GranClass. However, GranClass is designed as a calm and quiet environment, so it may be best suited for travelers who can enjoy a peaceful cabin.

Q. Are meals and drinks included on all GranClass trains?
A. Light meals and drinks are provided on selected GranClass services. These are not available on GranClass (No beverages or light meals service) trains*.