Seat Guide Shinkansen JR East and Limited Express Train

Seating and Facilities Guide for Shinkansen East

Seat Class:

Reserved Seat

  • 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 + 3 


Seat designs vary depending on the train.


Green  Reserved

  • 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

Seat designs vary depending on the train.


GranClass 

  • Assigned seating. Travel date, departure time, car number, and seat number are confirmed

  • First Class Comfort: Most spacious and quiet car on the train, positioned above Green Reserved in comfort and privacy

  • Large reclining leather seats with leg rest and footrest, designed for long-distance relaxation

  • Complimentary amenities such as blanket, slippers, and shoehorns are provided

  • On some services, dedicated attendants offer light meals and a selection of drinks at your seat

    • Light meals and drinks are only provided with products labeled "GranClass - with Light Meals & Drinks." 

    • Light meals and drinks are not included with products labeled "GranClass - without Light Meals & Drinks."

  • Ideal for travelers seeking a premium, airplane–first-class–style experience on the Shinkansen

  • Seat layout: 2 + 1 (three seats per row, maximum 18 passengers per car)


Seat designs vary depending on the train.


Unreserved Seat

  • 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

  • Not available in: Hayabusa, Kagayaki trains

  • Seat layout: 2 + 3 (same configuration as Reserved Seat)

 

Facilities:


Wheelchair Accessible Seating

  • 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 


Overhead Rack Storage

  • Standard overhead racks are installed above all seats

  • Suitable for medium–large standard suitcases

Large Item Storage Area (Vehicle End)

  • Dedicated space at the ends of cars (Ordinary Cars only)
  • Accommodates skis, snowboards, and oversized suitcases that do not fit overhead racks
  • No reservation required – first-come, first-served access for all passengers

Seating and Facilities Guide for Limited Express Train

Seat Class:

Reserved Seat

  • 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.


Green  Reserved 

  • 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.


Unreserved Seat

  • 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.


 

Facilities:


Overhead Rack Storage

  • Standard overhead racks are installed above all seats

  • Suitable for medium–large standard suitcases