The Shinkansen is a national network of fast "bullet trains" run by Japan Railways. The name Shinkansen (新幹線) means "new trunk line" in Japanese.
Shinkansen is the most popular transportation to travel within Japan, such as from Tokyo to Kyoto and Shin-Osaka to Tokyo.
There are several train types for each line, depending on a number of stops. The fastest train stops only at major cities while others stop most or all stations.
For the most popular line, Tokaido Shinkansen, Nozomi train is the fastest one which stops at major stations, such as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. Hikari train stops more stations and Kodama stops all stations.
Shinkansen seats are available in four levels:
Unreserved and Reserved seats are ordinary seats. Green Reserved seat is like business class seats which have more space. GranClass seat is available only for Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen. This seat is like first class seats.
More information about Shinkansen, please check here.
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