Different types of Shinkansen Cars
- Published on : 09/06/2026
- by : Clément
- Youtube
Shinkansen seats
＠Marek Lumi sur Unsplash
The Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed rail network, is the preferred mode of transportation for travelers exploring the archipelago. Renowned for its punctuality, comfort, and safety, it offers one of the most convenient ways to travel across the country. However, with its various ticket types, seat options, and travel classes, navigating the system can sometimes be confusing. Here's a complete guide from Japan Experience to help you make sense of it all.
The Shinkansen is one of Japan's most iconic forms of transportation. Renowned for its comfort, efficiency, and ease of use, Japan's high-speed train network is popular with both residents and travelers alike.
To meet the diverse needs of its passengers, the Shinkansen offers several types of cars and seating classes. In order of comfort, these include Ordinary Class, Green Car, and Gran Class. Some trains also feature more specialized cars, such as those designed for remote work. Here's an overview of the different options available on board.
A Symbol of Modern Japan
The Shinkansen entered service in 1964 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympic Games. Originally connecting Tokyo and Osaka, the network gradually expanded to cover much of the Japanese archipelago. The most recent addition to the network is the Hokkaido Shinkansen, which opened in 2016.
Today, travelers can easily journey across the country from north to south at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). Renowned for its punctuality, comfort, and safety, the Shinkansen has become a tourist attraction in its own right and an essential part of the Japanese travel experience.
International visitors can also take advantage of the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which provides unlimited access to most trains operated by the JR Group, including many Shinkansen services. As a result, it remains one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to explore Japan over long distances.
Mont Fuji depuis le Shinkansen
＠Robin Inizan sur Unsplash
Enjoy unlimited travel on the Shinkansen with the JR Pass!
Looking for a fast and convenient way to travel across Japan? Get a Japan Rail Pass and enjoy unlimited travel on the JR network, including the Shinkansen!
Shinkansen at Mount Fuji
@waverider22 on Pixabay
Ordinary Class
As its name suggests, Ordinary Class is the standard seating option on the Shinkansen. It is the most affordable class and provides all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable journey, including reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets or USB ports (depending on the train model), and luggage storage areas.
Ordinary Class is available in two seating options: non-reserved seating, which allows passengers to sit in any available seat within designated cars, and reserved seating, which guarantees a specific seat for the duration of the journey.
Non-Reserved Seating Cars
Most Shinkansen services (with the exception of certain routes in Tohoku and Hokkaido) include one or more non-reserved seating cars, known in Japanese as jiyuseki (自由席).
This option offers the greatest flexibility, as passengers are free to board without reserving a specific seat in advance and may sit wherever seats are available within the designated cars.
The main drawback is that these cars can become very crowded, particularly on the busiest routes, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo with the Kansai region. During peak travel periods, some passengers may even have to stand for part—or occasionally all—of their journey.
Jiyuseki
＠tsaiid sur Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Reserved Seating Cars
The majority of cars on a Shinkansen are reserved seating cars. As the name suggests, each seat is assigned a specific number, ensuring that every passenger has a guaranteed seat for the journey. Seats can generally be selected at the time of booking. The level of comfort is the same as in non-reserved cars, with the main difference being the added convenience and peace of mind of having a designated seat. Fares are slightly higher than for non-reserved seating, typically by only a few hundred yen.
Good to know: If you miss the train for which you hold a reserved-seat ticket, you can usually board a later train and travel in a non-reserved car at no additional cost, subject to the conditions of your ticket.
Green Car
The Green Car is the equivalent of first class on Japanese trains, including both local services and the Shinkansen.
In exchange for a higher fare—typically around one-third more expensive than Ordinary Class—passengers enjoy a more comfortable travel experience, with wider reclining seats, additional legroom, footrests, and power outlets at every seat. Green Car coaches also tend to be quieter and less crowded, making them a popular choice for travelers seeking a more relaxed journey. Unlike some first-class rail services elsewhere in the world, meals and onboard hospitality services are not included.
All seats in Green Cars require advance reservation. These cars are easily identified by their distinctive four-leaf clover logo, displayed on the exterior of the coach.
For travelers looking for extra comfort without moving to the highest tier of service, the Green Car offers an excellent balance between convenience and value.
Gran Class
Gran Class is the most luxurious option available aboard the Shinkansen, designed to provide an exceptional travel experience.
Available only on the Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Joetsu Shinkansen lines, it is also the most expensive class, with fares reaching up to twice the price of an Ordinary Class seat.
Gran Class raises the standard of comfort even further, offering extra-wide leather seats equipped with electrically adjustable reclining backrests and leg rests, allowing passengers to travel in maximum comfort.
Gran Class
＠Japan Experience
A dedicated onboard attendant is available to serve passengers a bento meal accompanied by complimentary drinks, with refills available throughout the journey. The cars themselves are also smaller, creating a more intimate and exclusive atmosphere for travelers seeking the highest level of comfort.
Book your train tickets directly from Japan Experience !
Other Special Cars
In addition to the standard classes described above, some Shinkansen trains occasionally feature special-purpose cars designed to meet specific passenger needs.
"S Work" Cars
These cars are designed for passengers who wish to work during their journey. In rows of three seats, the middle seat is converted into a storage or workspace area, and the tray tables are larger to provide a more comfortable working environment. Phone calls and video conferences are permitted in these cars.
In addition, passengers benefit from faster, unlimited Wi-Fi access, making S Work cars particularly well suited to remote work and business travel.
Family Cars
These cars are specially designed for traveling with children. They feature family-friendly seating arrangements, including rows of seats facing one another, making it easier for families to travel together. They also offer larger restrooms equipped with baby-changing facilities.
Please note that these cars are not available year-round and are only operated during certain periods depending on seasonal demand.
In addition, some Shinkansen trains are equipped with dedicated areas for oversized luggage and bicycle storage. Passengers traveling with large baggage can reserve a space in the designated luggage storage areas provided onboard.
Most trains also feature accessible facilities and dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for all travelers.
Want more news on Japan and Japan travel? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram!
