Does Shinkansen have non-reserved seats?

Shinkansen: Reserved and Non-Reserved Seating Options

The Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train network, provides passengers with both reserved and non-reserved seating options to cater to different travel needs and preferences.

Reserved Seating

Most Shinkansen trains offer reserved seating, where passengers book their seats in advance. This ensures a specific seat assignment and a more comfortable travel experience, especially during peak travel times.

Reserved seating can be divided into several classes, including:

• Standard Class: The most basic class, offering comfortable seats with ample legroom.
• Green Class: A premium class with wider seats, more legroom, and other amenities such as power outlets and complimentary drinks.
• Gran Class: The highest class, offering spacious seats with reclining options and exclusive lounge access.

Non-Reserved Seating

For travelers who prefer flexibility or want to save money, some Shinkansen trains also offer non-reserved seating. This seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Non-reserved seating is typically found in the end cars of the train and is often more crowded than reserved seating. However, it provides the freedom to board the train without having to reserve a specific seat in advance.

Availability

The availability of non-reserved seating varies depending on the train and route. Some trains may offer non-reserved seating on all or most departures, while others may only have it on certain trains or during off-peak hours.

It is always advisable to check with the train operator or use online booking platforms to determine the availability of non-reserved seating for the specific train and departure time.

Conclusion

Shinkansen trains offer a range of seating options to cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether travelers prefer the comfort and convenience of reserved seating or the flexibility of non-reserved seating, they can find a suitable option on the Japanese bullet train network.