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Traveling to Japan with the Shinkansen - Make sure to book the Green Car. The Green Car is the exclusive and luxurious carriage on the Shinkansen, guaranteeing you the most comfortable travel experience.
Curious about what makes the Green Car on Japan's high-speed trains so special? Join Mytour as we explore this lavish first-class experience, featuring spacious seating, top-notch amenities, and exceptional on-board service. Let's dive into the benefits of riding in the Green Car on the Shinkansen, compare it to the standard carriages, and learn how to secure your Green Car tickets on these famous trains to enjoy a stylish journey!
What is the Green Car?
Stepping into the Green Car of the Shinkansen feels like entering an exclusive club on wheels. With its spacious design, just four seats per row—two on each side—this carriage offers absolute comfort. As you gaze out of the large windows at the passing countryside, you’ll immerse yourself in the serene beauty that defines Japan. With a Green Car ticket or JR Green Car pass, you can enjoy this luxurious experience during your journey.
Relaxing Journey Experience with Comfortable Seats on the Green Car
What makes the Green Car seats so exceptional? Imagine sinking into a chair that envelops your body, with an electric recline feature—these are the "lazy boy" chairs on the tracks, something rarely seen on trains. The spacious footrest ensures comfort, whether you’re on a short 2.5-hour journey from Tokyo to Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen or a longer trip via the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata and the Kyushu Shinkansen.
The Outstanding Amenities of Green Car Seats
When it's time to get lost in a book or review your travel itinerary, the personal reading light provides the ideal setting for a focused yet relaxing trip. You can also enjoy your favorite shows, thanks to free Wi-Fi on the train and individual power outlets at each seat, so you can recharge your devices.
Traveling during the cold months? No need to worry. There’s even a personal foot warmer located at the footrest, just behind the seat in front of you. The Japanese really think of everything, don’t they?
Additional Attractive Services on the Green Car of the Shinkansen
In addition to the thoughtfully arranged amenities, the Green Car also offers several other appealing services. On selected Shinkansen routes, passengers are welcomed with the traditional oshibori ceremony—refreshing wet towels to freshen up as you settle in. Enjoy complimentary beverages and browse through travel magazines—while this might feel like a distant travel memory, it’s all part of the Green Car experience, though these services may vary depending on the train route you select.
How Does the Green Car (Toa Xanh) Differ from the Ordinary Car (Toa Thường)?
Now, let’s compare the Green Car with the standard cabin, the usual seating arrangement on the Shinkansen. While the ordinary cabin is perfectly comfortable for traveling across Japan, the Green Car is the epitome of luxury rail travel, offering an elevated experience.
All Shinkansen lines in Japan, from the iconic Nozomi and Mizuho on the Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka to the newer Hokkaido Shinkansen, feature the Green Car, ensuring a consistent premium experience across the entire network. However, it’s important to note that there are no Green Cars on most Hikari and Kodama trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen, on some Sakura and Tsumabe trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen, or on any Kamome trains on the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen.
1. Relaxation Space & Seating
The 2-2 seat configuration in the Green Car is the biggest difference compared to the 2-3 arrangement in the ordinary cabin. The seats in the Green Car are also more luxurious and can recline further, thanks to the spacious legroom. While seats in the ordinary cabin can recline, the angle is more restricted, similar to what you'd experience in economy class on any flight.
2. Amenities & Services
The Green Car elevates on-board service to a new level. Imagine complimentary wet towels, tasty snacks to delight your taste buds, and captivating reading materials to engage your mind, all part of the first-class service package. Your seat transforms into a personal haven with a power outlet to charge your devices, an adjustable LED reading light, and a cup holder for your drink.
While Wi-Fi is standard across all Shinkansen trains, the enhanced privacy and comfort in the Green Car might persuade you to disconnect and truly enjoy the journey. Both Green Car and ordinary cabins have foldable tables attached to the back of the seat in front of you.
3. Luggage Space
You can store smaller bags in the overhead compartment in both Green Car and ordinary cabins. With fewer passengers in the Green Car, there’s more room for your belongings. However, if you’re traveling with larger suitcases exceeding 160cm in total size, you’ll need to reserve a seat with additional luggage storage space.
Pro Tip for #teamMytour: Since each Shinkansen has fewer Green Cars than ordinary cabins, reserving a seat in the Green Car with extra luggage storage space for oversized bags is highly recommended!
4. Reserved Seat Booking Service
Every seat on the Green Car requires a reservation, so you won’t need to rush onto the train searching for a spot, ensuring a relaxing start to your journey. On the other hand, in the ordinary cabin, you can opt for either reserved or non-reserved seating, with reserved seats costing a little more.
Learn About Green Car on Limited Express Trains
The Green Car not only enhances your Shinkansen experience but is also available on selected Limited Express trains across the JR network. For example, on the Super Hakuto Limited Express running between Kyoto and Tottori, you can enjoy the same spacious seating, attentive service, and premium amenities.
Similarly, the Haruka Limited Express, offering direct access to Kansai International Airport from Kyoto and Osaka, also features Green Car service. These routes ensure a consistent luxury experience across various forms of rail travel in Japan, allowing you to travel comfortably whether you’re heading to a bustling city or a remote, scenic destination.
Boarding Guide for Green Car Seats at Train Stations
Locating your Green Car at JR stations and platforms is straightforward. Keep an eye out for the distinctive green three-leaf symbol. This symbol can be found on the side of the train car and is also reflected in designated waiting areas and overhead signs, guiding you directly to the gate for boarding.
Typically, the Green Car is located in the middle of the train, making it easy to identify and access once you reach the boarding area. You can also note the car number on your Shinkansen ticket and follow the station maps and signs along the platform to find your seat.
Guide to Purchasing Green Car Tickets on Shinkansen Trains
Reserving a seat on the Green Car is straightforward, whether you choose the convenience of online booking or purchase directly at a JR station. We recommend booking in advance through platforms like Mytour, which streamlines the process and guarantees your seat, especially during peak travel seasons in Japan such as Golden Week or the New Year holidays when Green Car seats are in high demand.
Your Shinkansen ticket consists of two parts: the base fare and the Limited Express surcharge. Together, they form the full fare for your journey. You can obtain both tickets at JR ticket machines using the QR code you receive after booking your ticket on Mytour.
How to Reserve Green Car Tickets with JR Pass
If you have a JR Pass, simply present it at any JR ticket office, and the staff will assist you in reserving a seat in the Green Car for your desired journey. It’s best to book as early as possible, especially during peak travel periods, to ensure availability in this premium cabin. Remember, Green Pass holders can reserve seats at no extra charge, while Ordinary Pass holders will need to pay an upgrade fee for Green Car seating.
Should you choose the Green Car or the Ordinary Car with the Japan Rail Pass?
The Whole Japan Rail Pass is your ticket to exploring Japan, but which type should you pick? The JR Green Pass offers unlimited access to Green Cars on Shinkansen trains and other Limited Express trains across all JR lines. However, it comes at a higher price—about 30% more than the Ordinary Pass—and requires reservations, which may limit spontaneity.
On the other hand, the Ordinary Car JR Pass is a more cost-effective choice, offering greater flexibility as it doesn’t require reservations, allowing you to hop on any train you want without additional costs.
However, note that both the Green Pass and Ordinary Pass exclude the Mizuho and Nozomi Shinkansen trains, meaning you'll need to purchase a separate ticket to board these trains.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Green Car on the Shinkansen
What is the Green Car on the Shinkansen?
The Green Car on the Shinkansen is the first-class compartment on Japan's high-speed trains, offering a luxurious and premium travel experience.
Can I use my Japan Rail Pass for the Green Car?
Yes, if you have the Whole Japan JR Green Pass, you can use it for the Green Car on Shinkansen and other Limited Express trains. However, holders of the Ordinary JR Pass will need to pay an upgrade fee to access the Green Car.
How can I locate the Green Car at the station?
Look for the green cloverleaf symbol on overhead signs and next to train doors, or check for designated waiting areas on the platform. If in doubt, station staff can assist you.
Is it necessary to make a reservation for the Green Car?
Yes, it is necessary to make a reservation for the Green Car to secure your seat and ensure a comfortable travel experience. It is especially important to book in advance during peak travel seasons.
What are the advantages of choosing the Green Pass over the Ordinary Pass?
Opting for the Green Pass instead of the Ordinary Pass offers a quieter, more comfortable journey with additional amenities and guaranteed seating in the Green Car.
Feeling lost before looking at the map of Japan's transportation system? Head over to Mytour's Blog for more interesting guides: Traveling Japan with Shinkansen Nozomi, How to Buy Japan's Bullet Train Tickets Simply, How to Rent a Car on Mytour, 5-Day 4-Night Tokyo Travel Itinerary, Famous Shopping Centers in Tokyo, How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost, Joetsu Shinkansen Travel Guide to Niigata, Go-Karting in Japan for Beginners, and more...
Ready for a first-class adventure? Book your Green Car ticket today and experience luxury on Japan's high-speed trains!
