
New Tips for Tourist that will use Shinkansen
Planning to Travel in Japan? Here’s How the Shinkansen Updates May Impact You
Japan’s famous Shinkansen (bullet train) system is undergoing significant changes that will shape how you experience train travel across the country. From seating arrangements to themed trains and service adjustments, here’s what you need to know:
Changes to Non-Reserved Seats on Nozomi Trains
- Current Setup: Cars 1-3 offer about 250 non-reserved seats, with reserved and first-class (“Green Cars”) in other cars.
- Starting March 2025: Non-reserved seating will be reduced to Cars 1 and 2, leaving just 165 seats. Car 3 transitions to reserved-only seating.
- Impacts:
- Fewer non-reserved seats may mean more competition during busy times.
- Reserved seating provides guaranteed spots and smoother travel.
- Cost difference: Non-reserved seats save about 850 yen (Tokyo–Shin-Osaka route).
Pro Tip: Book reserved seats early, especially for peak travel seasons.
Reserved Seating During Peak Periods
- Peak Travel Times: New Year, Golden Week, and Obon Festival.
- Policy: All seats on Nozomi trains will be reserved during these periods to improve station and train management.
- Benefits: Guaranteed seats, no rush, and more comfortable travel.
Oversized Luggage Rules
- Definition: Bags 161–250 cm (length + width + height) are considered oversized.
- New Policy:
- Reserve a special storage seat (same price as a regular reserved seat).
- Without a reservation, you’ll pay a 1,000 yen fee, and staff will assist with storage.
- Onboard Storage: Dedicated oversized baggage areas near certain seats.
Reminder: Reserve storage spots in advance, as availability is limited.
New Private Rooms on the Tokaido Shinkansen
- Starting 2026: Exclusive private rooms on select N700S trains between Tokyo and Osaka.
- Features: Reclining seats, footrests, personal controls for lighting and temperature, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking privacy, comfort, or a quiet space for work.
Discontinuation of Onboard Food Cart Service
- Reasons: Declining sales, staff shortages, and a shift to station-based purchases.
- Alternatives: Buy food and drinks before boarding. Green Car passengers can order through QR codes.
One Piece-Themed Shinkansen
- Launch: Spring 2025, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sanyo Shinkansen.
- Route: Shin-Osaka to Hakata, stopping at cities like Kobe, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka.
- Experience: Themed interiors and exclusive One Piece merchandise.
Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension
- New Section (March 2024): Kanazawa to Tsuruga, adding six new stations.
- Highlights: Faster travel times from Tokyo to Fukui (2 hours 51 minutes) and access to hot springs and coastal attractions.
Retirement of Doctor Yellow Trains
- What It Was: Iconic yellow inspection trains ensuring track safety.
- Retirement Timeline: JR Central’s Doctor Yellow retires in January 2025; JR West’s by 2027.
- Replacement: Regular N700S trains equipped with inspection technology.
No More Smoking Rooms
- Starting March 2024: All Shinkansen smoking rooms will be removed, making every journey smoke-free.
- Impact: Smokers will need to plan station stops for breaks.
Japan Rail (JR) Pass Price Increase
- New Prices (as of October 2023):
- 7-day pass: 50,000 yen (up from 29,650 yen).
- 14-day pass: 80,000 yen.
- 21-day pass: 100,000 yen.
- When to Buy:
- If traveling to multiple cities or taking many JR line rides.
- When to Skip:
- For short trips between a few cities or slow-paced travel.
Tip: Compare individual ticket costs with pass prices to ensure value.
These updates aim to improve the overall Shinkansen experience, offering more comfort, efficiency, and tailored options for travelers. Plan ahead to make the most of your Japanese rail adventures!

