Seat Guide Shinkansen Central and Limited Express Train

Seating and Facilities Guide for Shinkansen Central

Assigned seating. Travel date, departure time, car number, and seat number are confirmed
When passing near Mt. Fuji, seats on the Mt. Fuji side offer the clearest view in good weather (see section below)
The last row in each car is designated as Oversized Luggage Seats (see section below)
Ideal for all travelers who require a guaranteed seat and a confirmed itinerary for their trip
Seat layout: 2 + 3

Seat designs vary depending on the train.

Assigned seating. Travel date, departure time, car number, and seat number are confirmed
Business Class Comfort: Wider seats and more legroom compared to Ordinary Reserved Seats
Trolley service available (food and drink sales)
When passing near Mt. Fuji, seats on the Mt. Fuji side offer the clearest view in good weather (see section below)
The last row in each car is designated as Oversized Luggage Seats (see section below)
Ideal for travelers seeking maximum comfort with wider space and a quieter environment
Seat layout: 2 + 2

Seat designs vary depending on the train.

No seat assignment. You may sit in any open seat in the Unreserved Cars on the day of travel
First-come, first-served. During busy travel periods, standing may be required
During major Japanese holiday periods (New Year, late April–early May, mid-August), all seats on the Nozomi become reserved only, and unreserved seating is not available
Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize flexibility and don't require a guaranteed seat
Seat layout: 2 + 3 (same configuration as Reserved Seat)

Seats can be selected specifically for the Mt. Fuji viewing side (Mount Fuji is only visible from specific routes that pass near the mountain)
Ordinary Reserved & Unreserved Cars: seats D and E (2-seat side)
Green Car: seats C and D
Very popular among travelers—early booking recommended
Requests for these seats can be made on our product page (not guaranteed)

Located in the last row of each car and can be reserved
Required when bringing luggage with a total dimension over 160cm and up to 250cm (e.g., large suitcases)
Space behind the seats is available exclusively for storing oversized luggage
Limited availability. Often sold out during peak seasons (e.g., New Year holidays)
Requests for these seats can be made on our product page (not guaranteed)

Available only in Reserved Ordinary Cars, located near wheelchair-accessible restrooms
Dedicated space next to the seat to accommodate a wheelchair
Requires advance reservation (limited quantity)
Nearby seating for attendants is usually provided
Requests for these seats can be made on our product page

Standard overhead racks are installed above all seats
Suitable for medium–large standard suitcases
Not suitable for oversized luggage. Items over 160cm total dimension must use the Oversized Luggage Seat storage

Assigned seating. Travel date, departure time, car number, and seat number are confirmed
Ideal for all travelers who require a guaranteed seat and a confirmed itinerary for their trip
Seat layout: 2 + 2

Seat designs vary depending on the train.

Assigned seating. Travel date, departure time, car number, and seat number are confirmed
Business Class Comfort: Wider seats and more legroom compared to Ordinary Reserved Seats
Ideal for travelers seeking maximum comfort with wider space and a quieter environment
Seat layout: 2 + 2 (or 2+1 in some Limited Express trains)

Note: Green reserved seating is not available on some limited express trains.

Seat designs vary depending on the train.

No seat assignment. You may sit in any open seat in the Unreserved Cars on the day of travel
First-come, first-served. During busy travel periods, standing may be required
Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize flexibility and don't require a guaranteed seat
Seat layout: 2 + 2 (same configuration as Reserved Seat)

Note: Unreserved seating is not available on some limited express trains.