Take a luxurious journey across Japan on board the Shinkansen Green Car!
Wondering what the ‘Green Car’ on Japan’s bullet trains offers? We walk you through this luxurious first-class experience with spacious seating, comfort, and services provided on board. Discover the perks of traveling Green Car on the Shinkansen, learn how it stacks up against the Ordinary Car seats, and find out how to secure your Green Car Shinkansen tickets on Japan’s famed bullet trains to travel in style!
What is the Shinkansen Green Car?
Stepping onto the Shinkansen's Green Car feels like entering an exclusive club on wheels. The spacious layout, with only four seats per row, two on each side, presents a sanctuary of comfort. As the countryside zips by, gaze out of the larger windows and soak in the serene beauty that is Japan. With a JR Green Car Pass or ticket, you can experience this luxury on your journey too.
新幹線綠色車廂
Green Car Seats
What makes the Green Car seats a cut above the rest? Imagine sinking into a seat that contours to your body with an electric recline – yes, these are the lazy boy style seats of train travel, a rare find on the rails. There’s ample leg room to stretch out, ensuring your comfort whether you’re on a short 2.5-hour hop from Tokyo to Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen line or a longer journey down via the Sanyo Shinkansen line to Hakata for the Kyushu Shinkansen line.
Green Car Amenities
There's plenty legroom in the Green Car
And when it’s time to delve into a good book or review your travel itinerary, the in-seat reading lights provide just the right ambiance for a focused yet relaxed ride. You can also catch up on your favorite shows as there's free Wifi on board and dedicated power plugs at each seat, allowing you to keep your devices charged.
If you're traveling in the colder seasons, don't worry. There's even a personal leg warmer at the footrest just at the back of the seat in front of you. The Japanese sure have thought of everything!
Green Car On-Board Services
Don't forget to grab a bento at the station to complete your journey!
The pampering on the Green Car doesn’t end with the seats. Aboard select Shinkansen lines, passengers are greeted with the refreshing tradition of oshibori – moist hand towels to freshen up as you settle in. While sipping on a complimentary beverage, flipping through a travel magazine, might seem like a distant travel memory, it’s all part of the Green Car experience, albeit the offering varies with the train line you choose.
Green Car vs Ordinary Car on Shinkansen Bullet Trains
Now, let’s compare the Green Car with the Ordinary Car, the standard seats of Shinkansen travel. While Ordinary Cars are certainly more than comfortable enough to travel across Japan, the Green Car is where we see the definition of luxury rail travel reimagined.
All of Japan's Shinkansen lines, from the iconic Nozomi and Mizuho Trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka to the newer Hokkaido Shinkansen, feature Green Cars, ensuring a consistent premium experience across the network. However, it's important to note that there are no Green Cars on most Hikari and Kodama trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, on some Sakura and Tsumabe trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen line, and on all Kamome trains on the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen line.
The 2-2 seat configuration provides more space on board the Hokuriku Shinkansen Green Car
Space and Seating
The 2-2 seating arrangement in the Green Car is the biggest contrast to the 2-3 configuration in the Ordinary Car. The seats in the Green Car are also plusher and recline further thanks to the additional leg room. While the seats in the Ordinary Car recline as well, the angle will be more limited, like on board any economy class flight.
The 3-2 configuration in the Ordinary Car
Amenities and Services
The Green Car takes onboard services up a notch. Imagine complimentary wet towels, small treats that delight your palate, and reading material that captivates your mind, all part of the first-class package. Your seat also becomes a personal haven with an electrical outlet to keep your gadgets charged, a an adjustable LED reading light, and a cup holder for your beverage.
While WiFi is standard across Shinkansen trains, the added privacy and comfort in the Green Car might just convince you to disconnect and enjoy the ride. Both Green Car and Ordinary Car seats also come with a foldable table from the back of the seat in front of you.
Luggage Space
You can store smaller luggage in overhead compartments in both Green and Ordinary Cars. With fewer people in the Green Car, more space will be available. However, if you're traveling with larger suitcases of dimensions totaling more than 160cm, you must make a seat reservation for one that comes with additional storage space.
#KlookTip: With each bullet train having fewer Green Cars than Ordinary Cars, this means that booking in advance for a Green Car seat with additional oversized luggage storage space is essential!
Seat Reservations
Every seat on the Green Car requires a reservation, so there'll be no need to rush on board to get a seat, ensuring a calm and collected start to your travels. On the Ordinary Car, however, you can book a seat in either the Reserved or Non-Reserved cars, with a reserved seat being slightly more expensive.
Green Car on Limited Express Trains
Not only does the Green Car elevate your journey on the Shinkansen, but it also extends into selected Limited Express trains on the JR network. For instance, on the Super Hakuto Limited Express that runs between Kyoto and Tottori, you can enjoy the same spacious seating, attentive service, and enhanced amenities.
JR West Hello Kitty-themed Haruka Express
Similarly, the Haruka Limited Express, which provides direct access to Kansai International Airport from Kyoto and Osaka, also offers Green Car services. These routes ensure a consistently luxurious experience across various forms of rail travel in Japan, allowing you to travel in comfort whether you're headed to a bustling city or a remote scenic destination.
Boarding the Green Car at the Station
Locating your Green Car at the JR Station and platform is easy. Keep an eye out for the distinctive green clover symbol. This symbol can be found on the side of the carriage and is also reflected in the designated waiting areas and overhead signage, guiding you directly to the doors to board the train.
Arrive earlier and join the queue to board the Shinkansen
More often than not, the Green Cars are positioned in the middle of the train, making them easily identifiable and accessible once you’re at the boarding area. You can also take note of your carriage number on your Shinkansen ticket and head towards it using the many maps and guides along the platform.
How to Buy Shinkansen Green Car Tickets
Securing your spot in the Green Car is straightforward, whether you opt for the convenience of online booking or the immediacy of a JR Station purchase. We recommend you book ahead of time through platforms like Klook, which simplifies the process and assures you have a seat, particularly during Japan's peak travel seasons of Golden Week or the New Year’s holiday rush when the allure of the Green Car is at its highest.
Your Shinkansen ticket will come in two parts: Only the basic fare and the Limited Express charge. Together, they form the full price for your fare. You can collect both tickets through the ticket machine at the JR Station with the QR code you have received after booking on Klook.
With the QR code from Klook, locate the JR ticket machine to collect your tickets in seconds
Booking Green Car Tickets using Your JR Pass
If you're armed with a JR Pass, simply present your JR Pass at any JR ticket office, and the staff will help you reserve a seat in the Green Car for your desired journey. It's advisable to make your reservations as early as possible, especially during peak travel times, to ensure you secure a spot in this exclusive cabin. Remember, the Green Pass holders can make reservations at no additional cost, while Ordinary Pass holders will need to pay an upgrade fee for the Green Car.
The Japan Rail Pass: Green Pass vs. Ordinary Pass
The Whole Japan Rail Pass is your ticket to exploring the Land of the Rising Sun, but which pass to choose? The Green Car JR Pass offers unlimited access to Green Car seats on Shinkansen and other Limited Express trains on all the JR lines. But it does come at a premium, costing about 30% more than the Ordinary Pass, and it requires seat reservations, which can sometimes limit spontaneity.
On the flip side, the Ordinary Car JR Pass is a more affordable choice that allows for more flexibility with seat reservations not being necessary, providing the freedom to board any train at will, without any additional cost.
Do note, however, both the Green Pass and Ordinary Pass exclude the Mizuho and Nozomi Shinkansen trains, and you will need to purchase an additional special ticket to board either train.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shinkansen Green Car?
The Shinkansen Green Car is the first-class cabin on Japan's high-speed bullet trains, providing a luxurious and premium travel experience.
Can I use my Japan Rail Pass for the Green Car?
Yes, if you have a Whole Japan JR Green Pass, you can use it for the Green Car on the Shinkansen and Limited Express trains. However, Ordinary JR Pass holders will need to pay an upgrade fee to access the Green Car.
How do I find the Green Car at the train station?
Look for the green clover symbol on overhead signs and next to entrance doors, or find the designated waiting areas marked on the platform floor. You can also ask station personnel for assistance if needed.
Is it necessary to reserve seats in the Green Car in advance?
Yes, it is necessary to reserve seats in the Green Car in advance to secure your spot and ensure a comfortable travel experience. It's important to book ahead, particularly during peak travel periods.
What are the benefits of choosing a Green Pass over an Ordinary Pass?
Choosing a Green Pass over an Ordinary Pass offers a quieter, more comfortable journey with additional amenities and guaranteed seating in the Green Cars.
