Shinkansen Seat Types

Shinkansen seats are available in four levels depending on the comfort and services you require. For further information, please visit the official page.

Unreserved seat / 自由席

You have the flexibility to choose any available seat in the dedicated unreserved cars, making it the ideal option for budget-conscious travelers during off-peak times.

Reserved seat / 指定席

With a reserved seat, your seating is guaranteed when you book your tickets, allowing you to travel with peace of mind knowing you have a designated spot.

Green reserved seat / グリーン席

Upgrade to Green reserved seats for enhanced comfort and complimentary blankets. Highly favored by Japanese business professionals, executives, and passengers seeking a more comfortable journey – think of it as the "business class" of Shinkansen seats.

GranClass seat / グランクラス

Referred to as the "First Class" of Shinkansen seating, GranClass seats are exclusive to the Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines. These seats offer amenities and meals akin to those found on airlines and are the most luxurious, albeit the priciest, option available. Currently it’s not available to book a GranClass seat ticket on our website.