Can I get on an earlier Shinkansen Reddit?

Can I Board an Earlier Shinkansen with a Non-Reserved Seat?

When traveling on Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen trains, passengers typically make reservations for specific seats and departure times. However, it’s possible to board an earlier Shinkansen than your reserved time on the day of travel, but only under certain conditions.

Non-Reserved Seats

Non-reserved seats, known as “jiyuseki,” are available on most Shinkansen trains and do not require a reservation. If there are empty seats in the non-reserved car, passengers can board and sit in any available seat.

Earlier Boarding Time

Boarding for non-reserved seats typically begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. However, passengers may be able to board earlier than this if the train is running ahead of schedule or if there are a significant number of empty seats.

Exclusions

It’s important to note that boarding an earlier Shinkansen with a non-reserved seat is not guaranteed. There are certain exceptions and exclusions:

• Specific Services: Some Shinkansen services, such as the Hayatoku discount fare, may not allow passengers to board earlier than their reserved time.
• Peak Hours: During peak travel times, such as morning and evening rush hour, non-reserved seats may be in high demand, making it less likely that you will find an empty seat to board on an earlier train.

Adjusting Reservations

If you wish to change your Shinkansen reservation to an earlier time, it’s not possible to do so yourself. You must contact the JR Group ticketing office or a travel agent to make any necessary adjustments.

Checking Availability

Before attempting to board an earlier Shinkansen, it’s recommended to check the train status online or at the station to determine if there are any empty seats available in the non-reserved car. This can help you assess your chances of successfully boarding earlier.

Conclusion

While it’s possible to board an earlier Shinkansen with a non-reserved seat, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and exclusions. By carefully considering your options and checking availability, you can increase your chances of securing an earlier train if necessary.