Seat Guide Shinkansen and Limited Express Train

Seating and Facilities Guide for Shinkansen Central

Seat Class:

Reserved Seat

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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)

Facilities:

Mt. Fuji-side 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)

Oversized Luggage Seat

• 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)

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

• Not suitable for oversized luggage. Items over 160cm total dimension must use the Oversized Luggage Seat storage

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 legrest and footrest, designed for long-distance relaxation

• Complimentary amenities such as blanket, slippers, and other small comforts 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